Weskeag, South Thomaston
A mosaic of forests, wetlands, fields, and shrubland, this 132-acre preserve in South Thomaston abuts other conservation areas along the banks of one of the region’s most ecologically-rich saltwater marshes.
Weskeag is good for:
- Hiking – Enjoy a pleasant 1-mile stroll around the Buttermilk Road hayfields to the edge of the marsh, but please keep your dogs leashed from May 1 to August 15 to protect nesting bobolinks and be prepared with insect repellent during warmer months.
- Birdwatching – Scan the surrounding field and wetland habitats in search of the diverse bird species drawn to the preserve throughout the year.
- Hunting – White-tailed deer are attracted to Weskeag’s fields and edge areas, but please contact MCHT before setting up a deer stand.
- Winter Fun – After the snow falls, strap on your cross country skis or snowshoes and tour the Buttermilk Road hayfield’s open landscape.
Getting there
To reach the main parking area and the preserve’s trailhead, leave Route 73, 0.6 mile north of South Thomaston’s village center, and follow Buttermilk Road north 0.7 mile to a parking area on the left. Access to the preserve’s southern section is on the end of 0.3-mile long Bartlett Lane, which leads north from Route 73, 0.5 mile north of South Thomaston’s village center. The very small parking area is primarily for MCHT staff use and there are no trails on this side of the preserve.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
A Coastal Moment from Weskeag Preserve
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The preserve features a mixed hardwood and conifer forest, shrubland, and two fields maintained through annual, late-summer mowing for hay production. Wetlands are also abundant across the preserve, encompassing roughly 46 acres and including forested, shrub, and emergent marsh wetlands.
Wildlife abounds, including white-tailed deer, coyote, and significant bird and pollinator diversity. Bobolinks are often seen in both the Bartlett and Buttermilk hayfields. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has mapped Significant Wildlife Habitat for shorebirds, tidal wading birds, and waterfowl along the western section of the preserve, in a band roughly paralleling the tidal Weskeag River.
How this place became open to the public
MCHT acquired the preserve in 2018, with funding from the Land for Maine’s Future Program (LMF) and a National Coastal Wetland Conservation Grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Preserve information/guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- No Fires Permitted
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Control
- Dogs Should be Leashed Between May 1 and August 15 to Protect Nesting Bobolinks
- Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors
