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Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations
Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations
who we are
Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) is a Southern Maine land trust focused on conserving land across the communities of the watershed.
Founded in 1988, the Trust protects and stewards land through acquisition, conservation easements and other legal agreements, and collaboration with a wide range of conservation partners. RRCT's work is made possible almost exclusively by charitable gifts.
Learn moreMAKE A GIFTMake a gift
Make a gift to protect our watershed
Your gift to Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards fields, forests, farmland, wetlands, and trails throughout the Royal River watershed.
Learn moreEXPLORE
Explore our watershed
All Royal River Conservation Trust preserves possess their own unique characteristics and are open to the public free of charge year-round.
Learn moreVOLUNTEER
Volunteer to protect our watershed
Volunteers established Royal River Conservation Trust in 1988 and continue to be vital to our operations. We are always looking for talented people to help advance our mission.
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Photo Credit Kristel Hayes
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers established RRCT in 1988 and continue to be vital to its operations. From trail stewards and committee members, to special event supporters and Board Directors, the Trust welcomes community involvement and wants to hear from you.
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Upcoming Events
Knight's Pond Preserve 400-Footer Hike
This approximately 2.5-mile guided hike to the summits of Blueberry Hill (451 ft ) and Bruce Hill (447 ft ) at Knight's Pond Preserve will be led by volunteers Lora Philp and long-time Trail Stewards Margaret and Bob Abbott.
The hike will lead you on the White and Blue trails with views of Knight's Pond, then up over Bruce and Blueberry Hills, looping back to the parking lot. Come enjoy a beautiful fall hike, learn more about this special preserve, and check the second and third destination off your 400-Footer Club list!
Nature Journaling Workshop with Rebekah Lowell
Join Maine Master Naturalist, author/illustrator, and educator Rebekah Lowell at Littlejohn Island Preserve for an afternoon of slowing down, observing, and connecting with the natural world. Through drawing exercises, texture studies, and creative prompts, you'll begin your own nature journaling practice. No art experience necessary! Anyone with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn how to nature journal can join!
This workshop is free but limited to 12 participants. Register to reserve your spot!
Get Out! Nature Walk: Geology
Curriculum: We’ll hike one mile round trip hike to visit the old quarries at Tyron Mountain, Pownal. After reviewing some rock basics, we’ll discuss the tumultuous geological forces that produced this now peaceful setting. We’ll look for graphic granite (beloved by geologists) and come away knowing enough about pegmatite, feldspar, and biotite to wow the Thanksgiving guests.
Naturalists: Karen Herold and Mary Brandes