Saturday, May 23rd

Location: Sparhawk Mill, 81 Bridge Street, Yarmouth

Park at Patriots Insurance, 701 US-Route 1, Yarmouth

Join us on Saturday, May 23rd, from 12–3 PM at Yarmouth’s historic Sparhawk Mill for a community celebration of World Fish Migration Day. This biennial event brings together conservation groups, artists, and speakers for an afternoon of hands‑on learning and exploration focused on the Royal River.

This year’s celebration highlights the historic effort to remove the Elm and Bridge Street dams—an important step toward restoring a free‑flowing Royal River to Casco Bay for the first time in more than 300 years.

What to Expect

• Interactive activities for all ages led by local conservation organizations
• Guest Speakers from Yarmouth Town officials, Gulf of Maine Research Institure, American Rivers, and Yarmouth Community Alliance for Racial Equity (YCARE)
• Fly‑casting fishing demonstrations from Maine Fly Company
• The debut of Brickyard Hollow’s “Upstream” tribute beer, brewed to commemorate the dam removals
• Sparhawk Tavern Take-Out Lunch
• Opportunities to meet regional partners working to protect and restore the Royal River

Whether you’re passionate about river restoration, curious about local ecology, or simply looking for a fun community event, we’d love to have you join us!

For the full program, click here.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Broad Cove Reserve, Cumberland Foreside

Curriculum: Join us at Broad Cove Reserve to learn about spring ephemerals, captivating and delicate wildflowers like Pink Lady’s Slipper, Trillium, and Trout Lily, that we only have a fleeting moment to enjoy in bloom each spring.

Naturalists: Sukie Curtis, Margaret Reimann, and Karen Massey

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.

Join us for Royal River Conservation Trust's Fourth Annual Wescustogo Paddle on Saturday, June 6th!

Dust off your canoe or kayak and join us for scenic and leisurely canoe/kayak trip down the Royal River! This group paddle is perfect for both novice and experienced paddlers. The route winds through stretches of conserved riverbank, offering beautiful views and a peaceful paddle.

Paddle Options:

    Wescustogo Park to Baston Park (3 miles) – Launch at 9:00 AM

     Baston Park to Royal River Park, Yarmouth Historical Society (5 miles) - Re-launch at 11:15 AM

     Full Route: Wescustogo Park to Royal River Park, Yarmouth Historical Society (8 miles) - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Return shuttle coordination will be available.

From 10:15 am to 11:15 am, we will gather at Batson Park (across from the Route 9 boat launch) for a "midway" stop with refreshments, camaraderie, and brief remarks. Boaters can choose to part ways here or re-launch and continue to Royal River Park!

Registration is required, and more details will be emailed to participants closer to the event.

As an added benefit to this year's paddle, Brickyard Hollow is planning a Royal River Celebration event the same afternoon/evening featuring live music and will be pouring their "Upstream" beer created to support Royal River Restoration initiatives.

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FAQs

What if I don’t own a boat?

RRCT will have access to a limited number of additional canoes/paddles/life jackets and will be happy to coordinate with you ahead of time.

How do I get back to my car?

The best way would be to leave a ‘shuttle’ vehicle where you will be coming off the river.  RRCT will also provide a shuttle service if you need help getting back to your car. Please indicate on the registration form if you need a ride back to Wescustogo Park.

What should I expect?

The company of other boaters enjoying a day on the river! The river is slow-flowing and while previous canoe/kayak experience is helpful this is a great way to test out your boating skills.

What does this cost?

Nothing! This event is free, but registration is required so we can plan accordingly.

Can I just watch?

Yes, there will be a gathering from 10:15 am to 11:15 am at Baston Park where you can meet up with the boaters during their ‘mid-way’ stopping point and enjoy complementary snacks and drinks.

Can I just bring an inner tube?

We’re not going to stop you but a self-propelled craft will get you downstream much quicker (and drier…and warmer). Paddleboards welcome for experienced users.

What should I bring?

At the very least you will want to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, water, life jackets, layers for changeable weather, and a dry bag for your personal items is always recommended.  You might also want to bring cameras and/or binoculars as there will be some fantastic birding along the way.

Do you need Volunteers?

Always.  If you are interested in lending a boat (paddles, life jackets etc.) we would love to talk with you.  We will also need help shuttling people back to their cars from Baston Park and from Yarmouth