.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
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 | 9:00 - 11:00 am
Location: Talking Brook Public Land
Naturalists: Marie Camillo Reimensnyder and Elizabeth Walker
Come on a guided winter walk at Talking Brook Public Land! We will ID some winter trees, do a nest search, and look for whatever else is reveled in the forest before the leaves unfold. Dress for the weather-be prepared for snow, ice, or mud!
This nature walk is free and all are welcome.
Wednesday, March 25, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Location: Watson Woods, Cumberland
Curriculum: We will learn about the fascinating and mysterious world of moss and lichen. The area along Mill Brook will provide an ideal habitat for our explorations.
Naturalist: Karen Massey & Margaret Reimann
Rain or Shine | No Cost Event
Get Out! Nature Walks are volunteer-led regular trips with trained master naturalists. Join us for a well-planned, no cost, guided adventure. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday; always free; rain, snow, or shine. Jointly offered by both Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust and Royal River Conservation Trust, the walks take place at preserves in the towns of Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, New Gloucester, and Durham. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Because the purpose is nature observation, we ask that dogs do not join us. Email CCLT with any questions.
*Photography and Filming Note: Your attendance at RRCT events may be photographed or filmed and your attendance indicates consent to have any images or footage featuring you at the event to be used for RRCT-related materials and outreach. Should images or footage appear in marketing materials that you don’t wish to be featured in, you must notify RRCT at info@RRCT.org and RRCT will cease to further use your image or footage for any new materials going forward.
.webp)
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
USM Hannaford Hall, Portland
RRCT is partnering with nine other Portland-area land trusts and trail organizations to host a screening of the World Trails Film Festival. This family-friendly film festival features 90 minutes of films that transport you around the world to meet trail builders, explore new trails, and see why trails matter.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children under 12. We don't want cost to be a barrier to attendance, so there are also free community tickets available if you need them. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Doors will open at 6:30 pm, and the film will begin at 7:00 pm. Come early to talk to your local land trusts about their plans for enhancing local trail systems!
Our cohosts are: Portland Trails, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Falmouth Land Trust, Freeport Conservation Trust, Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, Scarborough Land Trust, Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust, South Portland Land Trust, and the Maine Land Trust Network.