Bamford, Saint George
Located on the Saint George peninsula, this 37-acre preserve features vernal pools, extensive wetlands, a perennial stream, and beautiful views of Long Cove.
The Bamford Preserve is good for:
- Hiking – Explore the preserve’s 0.3-mile trail as it winds gently through forested wetlands to the shores of Long Cove.
- Birdwatching – Bring your binoculars and be alert for songbirds on land, waterfowl offshore, and raptors soaring above.
- Picnicking – Pack some treats and enjoy a snack with a view at the preserve’s shoreside picnic table.
How to get there
From the junction of Route 131 and Route 1 in Thomaston, follow Route 131 south. In 7.5 miles, turn left onto Long Cove Road. Follow Long Cove Road 0.5 mile to the parking lot on the right. The preserve also features a mid to mid tide water access point. Preserve visitors can carry kayaks down the 0.3-mile trail to launch (though we recommend a kayak cart). Paddlers accessing the water from other facilities such as the Tenants Harbor town landing can use this same spot to visit the preserve.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The Bamford Preserve is divided into two sections: 19 acres lie on the west side of Long Cove Road, and 18 acres lie on the east side. The property is primarily forested with slopes running from the relatively steep uplands in the west to the tidal waters of Long Cove to the east. The western section is trail-less and intended primarily for water quality and wildlife habitat protection.
Noteworthy natural resources include extensive wetlands on both the eastern and western sections. Both sections also support vernal pools used by wood frogs and spotted salamanders. A perennial stream bisects the eastern section, draining into Long Cove, and is fed by several smaller channels west of Long Cove Road. The eastern section also features approximately 10 acres of early successional shrubby habitat, including a shorefront clearing with several mature and productive old apple trees.
The Bamford Preserve is in an area that was a focal point for the granite industry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Nearby properties include significant quarries, and there are several small cobble stone cutting excavations (known as motions) on the preserve.
How this place became open to the public
Maine Coast Heritage Trust acquired the Bamford Preserve in 2014 with support from the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program and through a generous bargain sale from the Bamford Family, who wished to see the property conserved in perpetuity.
Preserve information & guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- No Fires Permitted
- Stay on Established Trails
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Control and Out of Vernal Pools
- Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors
