Frenchboro Preserve Expanded
One of Maine Coast Heritage Trust's signature preserves has recently been expanded, thanks to a generous gift of land from long-time MCHT friend and supporter, David Rockefeller. The most remote corner of Frenchboro Long Island, the panoramic headland known as Rich's Head, is now part of MCHT's spectacular Frenchboro Island Preserve.
For years, hikers have ventured along Rich's Head's remote miles of trails which were connected to MCHT's existing trail network on the Frenchboro Island Preserve via a narrow isthmus of cobble beaches. Thanks to the generosity of the previous owners, the trails and shoreline of the peninsula have been left open to the public for quiet recreational enjoyment. Preserve visitors will not notice a difference as these paths have been seamlessly added to the expanded Preserve. With the additional 192 acres and three miles of shoreline, MCHT's Frenchboro Preserve now includes 1,150 total acres and more than 8 miles of coastal hiking trails.
Acquired years ago by Mr. Rockefeller and his late wife (and MCHT co-founder) Peggy, Rich's Head has long been enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The Rockefellers realized many years ago the conservation importance of this exceptional property. In 1986 they donated a conservation easement on the property to Acadia National Park. This initial generosity has helped preserve the ongoing beauty of Rich's Head, a land of wide-open meadows, exceptional views of Mount Desert Island, and quiet ocean-side venues.
There are many opportunities to enjoy Rich's Head and the Frenchboro Preserve this summer, including three upcoming MCHT field trips on July 15, August 12, and September 16. If you want to visit the preserve on your own, there are now two days a week with State Ferry Service to the island. Every Friday, a passenger-only ferry leaves Bass Harbor at 8:00 am and returns at 6:00 p.m. This year for the first time, a shorter day trip is now possible on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, by taking a 9:00 am ferry from Bass Harbor and returning at 3:00 pm.
