Pinkham Island
Milbridge
Jump to
Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- Fires permitted (with restrictions)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
Why we Care
A Vital Habitat
Two hours on either side of the high tide, you can enjoy a well-protected paddle to reach the island’s inviting shoreline for a secluded picnic or a bit of exploration. Once on the island, marvel from a distance at the bald eagles that call Pinkham Island home, and the flocks of shorebirds feeding in the adjacent mudflats of this 80-acre island.
Features
How to Get There
The nearest mainland boat launch areas are a hand-carry site off Rays Point Road and Harrington Town landing on Ripley Neck. The island’s shore is mostly rocky with one protected beach facing east. This is a good location for landing small boats around high tide.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Pinkham Island Preserve has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Pinkham Island
The Path to Conservation
The preserve was purchased by MCHT from a private landowner in 2005 with support from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant.
On the Preserve
The 80-acre Pinkham Island Preserve located in Back Bay (Milbridge) is almost completely wooded with several small salt marshes, open headlands, and an old meadow. While the island’s high point rises 40 feet above sea level, the rest is fairly level. Note that recent blowdowns have created a very thick regeneration of spruce-fir, making walking difficult in places.
The island is surrounded by mudflats, making it accessible only for a couple of hours on each side of high tide. During this time, the preserve is a pleasant destination for picnicking, wildlife observation, and hunting. While there are no marked trails or other amenities, you can explore the immediate shoreline and adjacent woodlands on foot. Be sure to watch the tides closely to avoid being stranded on the island.
The mudflats and shallow water are popular feeding locations for shorebirds during late summer and fall migration (please observe from a distance). The island has had an active bald eagle nesting pair for many years, with one active nest on the southwest shore and another on the northwest shore. Public access to the area near these two locations is restricted from February 15 to August 15 to help this pair thrive.
Stories from Downeast
Fish Friends: Connecting Students with Coastal Ecosystems
A collaborative effort to help students from Lubec and Whiting learn more about and contribute to healthy ecosystems.
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 Pinkham Island
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)
Campfires on the Preserve
Campfires by permit only—must be smaller than 3 feet. Contact the local fire department for restrictions.Additional guidelines:
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Do not build fire rings
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires