Weskeag Headlands Protected Forever

The Weskeag Headlands is integral to the Bridging Two Rivers Conservation Project in South Thomaston that combines the efforts of local, regional and state conservation groups to conserve the significant resources and productive ecosystems associated with the Weskeag River and the estuarine flats of the St. George River.

Georges River Land Trust has conserved nearly 600 acres, including the 45-acre Weskeag Headlands acquired in September 2020, complementing the State R. Waldo Tyler Management Area (700 acres), and 250 acres conserved by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. As part of the larger vision, the Headlands contributes to the swath of protected lands from the Weskeag to the St. George River, providing a significant boost to the broader conservation efforts that will ensure mammals, birds and amphibians have room to feed, travel and rest.

This parcel is primarily wooded and has distinct wetland features (estuarine intertidal) that are otherwise in decline in Maine, and includes over 2,000 ft of shoreline on the Weskeag River. Adjacent to the headlands, shallow coves carve into the shoreline, providing space and opportunity for the marshes to migrate inland as sea level rises with climate change. With a trail down the spine of the property to the headland overlooking the river, the property provides easy access for everyone to explore and learn about the Weskeag and its ecological values.

The unfragmented woodland and diverse wetland communities offers a complex mix of habitats for raptors, songbirds, tidal wading birds and waterfowl. All species depend on healthy wetland complexes as well as the surrounding uplands for breeding, feeding and migration and they are all susceptible to loss of habitat through human disturbance and conflicting land uses. As natural communities, they offer opportunities to learn about wildlife habitats, wetland functions and climate adaptation.

With conservation surrounding this parcel, the waters of the Weskeag are clean and well suited to fishing, clamming and aquaculture. Weskeag River Oyster Company, an aquaculture operation growing oysters, keeps their farm just off the shore of this property.

The Weskeag Headlands adds a valuable piece to the puzzle, with access to explore, learn, and be inspired by this magnificently productive natural river and marsh system.