Long Reach Preserve is 93 acres in size and includes upland forest, freshwater and coastal wetlands, and 2400 feet of frontage on the tidal waters of Long Reach. Long Reach is considered high value estuarine habitat. Located immediately south of 213 acres of private land that the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) protects through a permanent conservation easement and another 220 acres owned and managed as the Austin Carey Lot by the Baxter State Park Authority, the Long Reach Preserve is part of Harpswell's largest area of protected land. The Long Reach Preserve was purchased in 2000 with a major private donation and a grant from the Land for Maine's Future Program.
The Preserve is a classic example of Harpswell's folded bedrock geology. Two steep bedrock ridges separated by peat-filled wetlands run north-south along the property. Long Reach itself is another submerged valley that is now tidal mudflats. The Town of Harpswell's Cliff Trail runs along the high cliffs on the west side of the Reach and can be seen from the shore of the Preserve.
During the 1800's, most of the Preserve was open pasture and woodlot that was used to supply lumber and firewood. Stumps on the property indicate that harvesting occurred as recently as 1960. Even so, the forest is maturing and includes stands of large hemlock, white pine, and red spruce, especially on the shallow ridge soils. Red pine grows in patches near the shoreline and on some of the high ridges. Red maple, red oak, beech, yellow birch and white birch are more common where the soil is deeper. A variety of forest and wetland flora and fauna are found on the Preserve and osprey, waterfowl, wading birds, shore birds and eagles may be seen on or over the Reach.
Public Access: Yes. There is a marked, maintained loop trail. Parking is available at the trail head.
Rules of Use
1. Open dawn to dusk only.
2. Pedestrian use only. Stay on the trail.
3. No motor vehicles or bicycles.
4. Carry in, carry out. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints.
5. No open fires or camping.
6. Dogs must be on a leash.
7. Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze orange and take appropriate precautions during hunting season
Directions
Long Reach Preserve is located on the Harpswell Islands Road (Route 24) about 3 miles south of the Brunswick-Harpswell town line and adjacent to the Trufant-Summerton Ball Field on Sebascodegan (Great) Island. The trail head is to the right as you drive into the ball field.
Acquired: 2000
Property Owner: HHLT
Easement Holder: Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Easement Purpose
To protect the scenic quality of the Preserve, to preserve opportunities for low impact outdoor recreation, and to protect the ecological integrity and diversity of flora and fauna in the Preserve.