The Goslings
Harpswell
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsites (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (guidelines below)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Do not remove archaeological artifacts
Why we Care
A Coastal Retreat
From enjoying an evening under the stars as waves lap the shoreline to watching for the pair of ospreys who call the islands home—The Goslings are an idyllic escape in the heart of Casco Bay. Protecting them means moments like these will be there to experience for generations to come.
Features
How to Get There
The Goslings are easily accessible at all tides. The best places to land are the northwestern shores of either of the larger islands; landing on Irony is not advised. The closest boat ramp is the Mere Point Public Launch in Brunswick, just over three miles to the north-northeast. The best place to anchor is on the north side of the sandbar. All moorings are private.
Overnight parking is not allowed without permission of the Brunswick Marine Resource Officer.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what The Goslings have to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
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Field Notes
Getting to Know the Goslings
The Path to Conservation
Beloved by boaters in Casco Bay, for years the islands’ previous owners generously allowed public use. In 2014, they offered to sell the islands to MCHT at a reduced rate, hoping to see them permanently conserved. “The outpouring of support from the public was amazing,” says MCHT President Tim Glidden about the fundraising effort to conserve the Goslings. “At Paul’s Marina in Brunswick, the owner came to us with a shoe box full of checks, bills, quarters, pennies that totaled $20,000.” Thanks to gifts from hundreds, including several generous large donations and a grant from the Land for Maine’s Future program, MCHT purchased the Goslings and turned them into a public preserve.
On the Island
These beautiful islands lie just to the southeast of Lower Goose Island in Harpswell and include West Gosling (4.1 acres), East Gosling (8.6 acres), and Irony Island (1 acre). The two larger islands support a mix of conifers and hardwoods and are linked by a sandbar at low tide. Irony is little more than a narrow strip of ledge crowned with wind-beaten spruce and fir.
For much of the summer, a resident osprey pair nests on the southern half of West Gosling. Please do not enter this area between April 1st and July 31st.
Stories from Southern Maine
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
Be part of the movement
Contribute to a future with
healthy, open lands & waters
Donate Now
Give your time to help
care for the coast
Volunteer Now
Be a champion
for conservation
Spread the Word
More Information on The Goslings
Camping on the Island
Camping is only permitted at the three established sites on the island and stays are limited to two nights.
The Sites:
North end of West Gosling: first come, first served camping is open to the public at the north end of West Gosling, where there is room for several tents.
South end of East Gosling: at the small campsite at the southern tip of East Gosling there is room for one or two small tents. Please avoid camping here during osprey nesting season, April 1 through July 1.
North end of East Gosling: at the north end of East Gosling, there is a campsite for large groups of up to 15 people available by reservation with MCHT. If you camp on this site without reserving, you may find yourself evicted by a group who did.
All beaches and trails remain open to the public regardless of camping activity and reservations.
Commercial users by permission only, please call 207-729-7366.
Campfires on the Island
Fires are allowed by permit only—Maine State Law. For a permit, visit wardensreport.com.
Fire Guidelines:
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Fire rings not permitted
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)