Rene Henderson, Castine
Located in Castine, this quiet 100-acre preserve invites exploration of its mixed forest uplands and diverse wetlands.
Rene Henderson is good for:
Hiking – Venture along the preserve’s 2.5-mile network of woods roads and trails in search of birds and other wildlife.
Ice Skating – Lace up your skates during the winter months once the pond on the preserve’s northwest corner (by the road) is safely frozen.
Hunting – Explore the preserve’s diverse habitats in search of deer and game birds in their respective seasons (consult Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for applicable state laws and regulations).
How to get there
Access to the preserve is from Route 166 in Castine. The entrance to the parking area is approximately 0.8 miles north of the southern intersection between Rt. 166A and Rt. 166.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The Rene Henderson Preserve is almost entirely forested with a mix of uplands and wetlands, and includes an open, beaver-generated pond and wetland complex near the northwest corner. There are several seeps and small streams on the property as well. And, there are two small clearings in the western portion of the preserve.
Evidence of past land use is everywhere, with logging roads, heavily cut patches of regenerating forest, and stone walls throughout much of the property. Noteworthy natural resources include mapped high value habitat corresponding with the pond and wetland and Northern White Cedar Swamp/Mountain Holly – Alder Woodland, and deer wintering areas on the eastern edge of the preserve.
How this place became open to the public
The Rene Henderson Preserve was originally protected by the Conservation Trust of Brooksville, Castine, and Penobscot (TCT) which merged with the Blue Hill Heritage Trust in 2014. During the merger, former TCT properties were split between MCHT and Blue Hill Heritage Trust, with MCHT assuming ownership of Rene Henderson in 2014. The property was originally purchased in 1992 from the estate of Myrtle M. Wood.
Preserve information/guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- No Fires Permitted
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Strict Voice or Leash Control
- Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors