.webp)
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.
Learn more.jpg)
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.
.webp)
Upcoming Events
'Round the Marsh at Thayer Brook Preserve
Join us for our fourth annual 'Round the Marsh hike at Thayer Brook Preserve in Gray on Tuesday, October 20th at 1:30 pm.
The 3.5-mile guided trek will be led by Trail Steward and long-serving volunteer Steve McPike, whose thorough knowledge of the preserve and the entire Libby Hill Forest trail network will add significant depth and texture to the hike. Plan for a three-hour visit to one of Cumberland County's most remote and intriguing places.
Get Out! Nature Walk: Mushrooms
Learn about the magical world of fungi at Elmwood Trails in Pownal!
Naturalists: Karen Massey and Mary Brandes
Get Out! Nature Walk: Geology
Learn about the unique geology at Pisgah Hill Preserve, which features numerous rock outcrops with exposed bedrock and ledge outcrops. Various small quarries on the property helped build farm foundations and other structures in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Naturalists: Beth Sturtevant and Mary Brandes