Riverview Hayfields Preserve is a central piece of conserved land in South Thomaston that protects over 300 acres of open hayfields. These hayfields are critical habitat for migratory shorebirds and nesting grassland birds. This preserve uniquely stretches between the St. George River and the Weskeag Marsh, where there are over 1,500 acres of continuous conserved land. Visit in the summer to appreciate the wildflowers and grasses where these special birds make their home and enjoy a picnic from our covered pavilion. Afterwards, continue on your walk around our looping meadow trail that takes you past sweeping views of the St. George River.  

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Protecting some of the last remaining open hayfields on the St. George peninsula is an important management goal of this preserve. Georges River partners with Ag Allies and Mid-Coast Audubon to educate visitors about this important bird habitat and river frontage. Almost 100 different species of birds have been spotted here since its protection, including bobolinks and savannah sparrows that nest in late spring and fledge their young in late July. The preserve is closed to dogs during this time to protect these important birds. 

Conservation History 
This 316-acre preserve was acquired in four different pieces from 2007-2017. It joins local conserved land protected by Maine Coast Heritage Trust to the south at their Weskeag Preserve and over 600 acres of the state’s R. Waldo Tyler Wildlife Management Area. ​