Cousins River Accessible Trail
Yarmouth, ME
PRESERVING AN IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEM
Cousins River Fields & Marsh
MCHT acquired the preserve in 2023, following a years-long conservation effort that brought together local land trusts, donors, and supporters. Now, its 82 acres of fields, forest, and marsh are open for public enjoyment.
Protection of this land secured a healthier future for the Cousins River Marsh system, which provides habitat for wildlife, sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, cleans air and water, and absorbs storm surges.
A beautiful, varied landscape with fertile soils and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, the preserve holds great potential to benefit Yarmouth and surrounding communities in powerful, tangible ways.
A More Accessible Preserve
MCHT has identified rivers with the best potential for protection and restoration, where we see opportunities to make a significant impact on the local and regional ecological health.
Connecting People to Nature
MCHT is committed to expanding access to land and water, helping people better understand and enjoy Maine’s natural environment, and meeting community needs. Since Greater Portland is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse parts of the state, people here are actively seeking places like Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve where they can get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature.
More Access for Everyone
We’re enhancing the preserve to make this special place truly welcoming to everyone, including those with mobility challenges or those who prefer a less rugged path. This includes installing over a mile of hardened, universally-accessible trail and adding amenities like benches and picnic tables. These improvements will make the preserve a better destination for classes, large groups, visitors using wheelchairs or strollers, and anyone looking for a safer, more sociable experience.
Investing in the Future
This new trail network is vital infrastructure that will expand opportunities for events and programming designed to connect people with the land, supported by MCHT’s increased investment in outreach staff. Visitors will also have more chances to engage with interpretive signage that explains the preserve’s wildlife, the ecological value of marshes, and how land conservation builds resilience against climate change.
MCHT is committed to connecting more people to conserved lands and increasing understanding of and interest in Maine’s environment. This project, on a highly visible preserve thousands drive by every day, represents an extraordinary opportunity to advance these goals.”
—Andrew Deci, MCHT’s Southern Maine Regional Steward
Be Part of the Movement
Make a difference for this important community space and ecosystem.
These funds are vital for trail construction, benches, tables, and pooled stewardship funds, ensuring the land is cared for and can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.*
For More Information:
Hannah Whalen
Director of Development
(207) 244-2110
Email Hannah
Project Details
Location: Yarmouth, Maine
Fundraising total: $500,000 for trail construction costs, benches, tables, and pooled stewardship funds.
MCHT reserves the right to allocate additional funds raised towards this project where most needed in accordance with our mission.
Fundraising deadline: December 31, 2026