Dédəbonsagk Preserve
Description
This 20-acre preserve on Milliken Rd in North Yarmouth was graciously donated to RRCT by Rob Wood and Gay Peterson in December 2024. The name Dédəbonsagk, pronounced deda-boon-sock, derives from the Penobscot word tétəponsak, which translates in English to “they walk side by side” – which Rob and Gay have done on the property for decades.
Dédəbonsagk Preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic rail corridor known as the Berlin Subdivision, a CMP powerline corridor, and a 46-acre conservation easement held by RRCT. Once farmed for blueberries, much of the preserve has reverted to forest. A 3.5-acre meadow home to wildflowers and native grasses supports birds and other wildlife. An existing network of mowed trails weaves through the meadow and woods, connecting with the nearby CMP powerline corridor. Trails extend beyond the preserve into Rob and Gay’s adjacent private land. Please stay on designated trails and respect posted signs on trails leading to their residence.
Milliken Road (between the Cluff Road intersection and railroad tracks), North Yarmouth
1.5-mile trail network
More information
Dédəbonsagk Preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic rail corridor known as the Berlin Subdivision (potential future 26.5 miles rail trail from Portland to Auburn/New Gloucester line), the CMP transmission corridor, and a 46-acre Fieldstone Drive conservation easement held by RRCT.
Just a quarter mile away at the end of Cluff Road, visitors can explore RRCT’s 34-acre Fern Hollow Preserve!
The trailhead on Milliken Road, North Yarmouth is located between the intersection with Cluff Road and the railroad tracks. Parking is available on the road shoulder of Milliken Rd. Click here for the Google Maps location.
The existing 1.5-mile network of mowed trails is relatively flat, weaving through the meadow and woods, connecting with the nearby CMP powerline corridor. Trails extend beyond the preserve into Rob Wood and Gay Peterson’s adjacent private land. Visitors are welcome to explore the trails beyond the preserve, while respecting posted signs and staying off trails leading to their residence. Trails leading to private residence will be marked as such.
North Yarmouth residents Gay Peterson and Rob Wood donated 20-acres of their 63-acre property off Milliken Road in December 2024. Having purchased the property in 1985, they have spent the past forty years caring for these former agricultural fields and woods. A portion of the property was selectively harvested 12 years ago, and the small meadow portion (~3.5 acres) is bush hogged annually.
The well-worn paths are a testament to their regular walks here, and indeed the genesis for the name chosen for the preserve. The name Dédəbonsagk, pronounced deda-boon-sock, derives from the Penobscot word tétəponsak for “they walk side by side.” Rob and Gay were enamored with this name (and imagery) and we felt it was an appropriate choice to acknowledge that their history with this land is integrally linked to the many others who have -- and will -- walk side by side here for countless generations.
Royal River Conservation Trust conserves and stewards land, including Dédəbonsagk Preserve, within the traditional and present-day homelands of the Wabanaki. We strive to ensure that our properties are inclusive and accessible and provide opportunities for healing, education, and respite.
- Dogs are welcome on leash or under voice control.
- Please adhere to ‘leave no trace’ and ‘carry-in/carry-out’ practices. This includes dog waste!
- Stay on designated trails.
- Hunting: Safe and responsible hunting and trapping are permitted with notice. Please review RRCT's Hunting & Trapping Rules and annually register to hunt or trap on RRCT property here. All trail users should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
- No bikes or motorized veichles.
- No camping, overnight parking, fires, or smoking.
Dédəbonsagk Preserve
This 20-acre preserve on Milliken Rd in North Yarmouth was graciously donated to RRCT by Rob Wood and Gay Peterson in December 2024. The name Dédəbonsagk, pronounced deda-boon-sock, derives from the Penobscot word tétəponsak, which translates in English to “they walk side by side” – which Rob and Gay have done on the property for decades.
Dédəbonsagk Preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic rail corridor known as the Berlin Subdivision, a CMP powerline corridor, and a 46-acre conservation easement held by RRCT. Once farmed for blueberries, much of the preserve has reverted to forest. A 3.5-acre meadow home to wildflowers and native grasses supports birds and other wildlife. An existing network of mowed trails weaves through the meadow and woods, connecting with the nearby CMP powerline corridor. Trails extend beyond the preserve into Rob and Gay’s adjacent private land. Please stay on designated trails and respect posted signs on trails leading to their residence.
