Bamford
St. George
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- No fires permitted
- Stay on established trails
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
- Keep pets under control (and out of vernal pools)
Why we Care
Explore, Observe, Unwind
The Bamford Preserve is divided into two sections: 19 acres lie west of Long Cove Road, and 18 acres to the east. Forested slopes stretch from steep uplands in the west down to the tidal waters of Long Cove. While the western section remains trail-less to protect sensitive habitat and water quality, the eastern side invites exploration and offers visitors a chance to explore the preserve’s scenic terrain and diverse wildlife activity.
Features
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.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Bamford has to offer.
Preserve Details
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Field Notes
Getting to Know Bamford Preserve
The Path to Conservation
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.
On the Land
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 pointing to its layered history.
Stories from the Midcoast
Landmark Legislation Provides Ongoing Conservation Funding
A broad partnership of land trusts, sportsmen and conservation supporters celebrates that the Maine Legislature has passed a law establishing dedicated, ongoing Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) funding for the first time in the program’s 39‑year history. As the State of Maine’s primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural, economic, and recreational value, LMF helps keep Maine’s special places special – from mountain summits and shorelines of rivers, lakes, and ponds, to coastal islands, beaches, working forests, farmlands and wetlands.
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healthy, open lands & waters
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care for the coast
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for conservation
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More Information on Bamford
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)