Sparhawk Mill on the Royal River in Yarmouth. Photo by Bishnu Das

Greetings!

During this season of giving, we want to thank the many local families and businesses who have chosen to support RRCT as we wrap up our 37th year of conservation, preservation, and restoration within the Royal River watershed. 

What began as a small group of concerned citizens has blossomed into a vibrant, community-driven organization dedicated to protecting the watershed while providing exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Each year, thousands of area residents visit our properties, and countless volunteers contribute their time, energy, and passion to support RRCT’s growth and development. 

This year’s annual appeal—bolstered by a generous $25,000 matching grant—will help ensure that we can continue to do this important work. Individual donations remain the cornerstone of our operating budget. While state, federal, and private foundation grants help fund new land acquisitions and major trail projects, our ability to protect land, maintain trails, and steward the watershed depends directly on the support we receive from our community each year.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a banner year for conservation in the watershed. Major initiatives from the removal of the dams in Yarmouth to the proposed Casco Bay Trail are gaining momentum. These efforts would dramatically improve the health of the Royal River and open up new recreation opportunities. Several new land acquisitions are already underway, and with your continued support, we can make these critical investments in our shared future.

We are very excited about what lies ahead and are deeply thankful for your support!

Warmly,  

The Board and Staff of RRCT

Royal River Conservation Trust welcomes your participation! Please share this email with

family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe to our

newsletter, visit RRCT.org, e-mail us at Info@RRCT.org, call us at 207-847-9399, or visit

us at 52 North Road in Yarmouth.

Maine Trails Program Grant Award

The Warbler Trail on Route 231 in New Gloucester, soon to be upgraded to Universal Access standards with 85 ft of boardwalk and a 4-ft-wide gravel trail

RRCT has received a $78,234.55 Maine Trails Program grant to improve trails and Royal River access at Intervale Preserve in New Gloucester!

This funding will support three improvement projects:

• Interurban Multi-Use Trail – Resurfacing and drainage improvements to fix erosion and stormwater issues along this historic former railroad corridor that connects New Gloucester’s Lower Village to surrounding trail networks.

• Warbler Trail – Upgrading the 0.5-mile Warbler Trail on Route 231 to meet Universal Access standards. Improvements include the construction of an accessible gravel trail and boardwalk, along with upgrades to the parking area to enhance drainage and improve accessibility.

• Royal River Water Access Improvements - Enhancements will be made to the hand-carry boat launch on the Royal River, located along Route 231, to improve erosion control, traction, and overall usability.

Thank you to the Maine Trails Program, our community partners, and the RRCT staff and volunteers who helped make this possible. We can’t wait to get started this spring!

Pownal Conservation Commission

Seeking New Members

As part of our ongoing work, Royal River Conservation Trust regularly collaborates with local town committees working to preserve open space for public recreation and habitat protection. Over the past several months, we have been attending meetings of the Pownal Conservation Commission to help advance a proposal to permanently protect several Town-owned parcels with exceptional conservation value.

Pownal residents interested in learning more about the work of the Conservation Commission are encouraged to visit the Commission’s website. The Commission currently has several vacancies and is seeking new members to participate in its monthly meetings. Regular meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Mallet Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

To inquire about applying for a position, please contact Bob Van Milligan at conservationcommission@pownalmaine.org.

Pisgah Hill Full Moon Trek

Snowy bridge at Pisgah Hill Preserve. Photo by Kaitlin Spear

Third Falls on the Royal River

courtesy of Geoffrey Vickers

Cedar Waxwing

curtesy of Karen Kurkjian

THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS

Atlantic Sportswear | Flycatcher

Freeport Wild Bird Supply | Law Offices of Thaddeus V. Day

Real Maine | Simmons Investment Advisors

Yarmouth Payroll Plus | Yarmouth Water District

Royal River Conservation Trust serves as a catalyst for land conservation in the watershed. We engage landowners, government officials, community members, businesses, local, regional, and state non-profits, and others to protect, steward, and restore the diverse and unique natural ecosystems of the Royal River watershed for current and future generations.

Royal River Conservation Trust | 207-847-9399 | Info@RRCT.org | RRCT.org