Skolfield Shores Preserve consists of 19 aces with 4,400 ft. of shorefront overlooking Middle Bay Cove. The preserve is adjacent to historic Merrucoonegan Farm. Two trail loops wind through varied forest habitat and provide views of the cove, the saltwater marsh separating Brunswick and Harpswell, and the fields of Merrucoonegan Farm. A side trail leads down to the shore. The remains of an old stone ferry wharf and a turn of the 20th century boathouse can be seen along the shore. The Preserve, together with the Merrucoonegan Farm and the Trust's Liberty Farm and Spruce Point easements, form the historic and scenic gateway to Harpswell Neck.
The Preserve contains valuable habitat for many Maine species of birds, fish and trees. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts that the preserve provides habitat for 40 of the 64 declining species of migratory birds, anadromous fish and federally endangered or threatened species in the Gulf of Maine including, horseshoe crab, northern harrier, short-eared owl, bald eagle, roseate tern, osprey, American black duck, sanderling and meadowlark. The marshland around the preserve is especially valuable as a feeding and staging area during migration for shore and wading birds.
Threatened with subdivision development in 2001, the Preserve was acquired in 2002 through the generosity of donors to the Trust's Special Places for Harpswell Campaign and a grant from the Land for Maine's Future Program.
Public Access: Yes. There is a marked, maintained trail looping through the woods with a side trail to the shore of Middle Bay Cove.
Rules of Use
1. Open dawn to dusk only.
2. Pedestrian use only. Stay on the trail.
3. No motor vehicles or bicycles. No overnight parking.
4. Carry in, carry out.
5. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints.
6. No open fires or camping.
7. Dogs must be on a leash.
8. Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze orange and take appropriate precautions during hunting season.
9. Please respect the adjacent landowner's privacy.
Directions
Take the Harpswell Neck Road (Route 123) to just south of the Harpswell-Brunswick Town Line. Turn onto Skolfield Place and immediately left into the Preserve parking lot. The trail begins just to the right of the kiosk.
Acquired: 2002
Property Owner: HHLT
Easement Holder: None