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Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations
Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations
who we are
Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) is a Southern Maine land trust focused on conserving land across the communities of the watershed.
Founded in 1988, the Trust protects and stewards land through acquisition, conservation easements and other legal agreements, and collaboration with a wide range of conservation partners. RRCT's work is made possible almost exclusively by charitable gifts.
Learn moreMAKE A GIFTMake a gift
Make a gift to protect our watershed
Your gift to Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards fields, forests, farmland, wetlands, and trails throughout the Royal River watershed.
Learn moreEXPLORE
Explore our watershed
All Royal River Conservation Trust preserves possess their own unique characteristics and are open to the public free of charge year-round.
Learn moreVOLUNTEER
Volunteer to protect our watershed
Volunteers established Royal River Conservation Trust in 1988 and continue to be vital to our operations. We are always looking for talented people to help advance our mission.
Learn more
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers established RRCT in 1988 and continue to be vital to its operations. From trail stewards and committee members, to special event supporters and Board Directors, the Trust welcomes community involvement and wants to hear from you.
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Upcoming Events
2025 is the year of our lucky 13th Annual Pisgah Hill Full Moon Trek! Join us at the summit from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, February 12th for brief remarks at sunset (5:07 p.m.) followed by a spectacular moonrise over Bradbury Mountain.
The Pisgah Hill Preserve (South) trailhead is located at 74 Dougherty Road in New Gloucester. (In Pownal, Dougherty Road is known as Chadsey Road.) Park in the small lot or along the unmarked side of Dougherty Road.
We’ll update registrants with trail conditions as the date draws nearer but typically the trail is well-packed. During your hike, you’ll encounter some nominal elevation climb and the occasional ledge. We recommend wearing spikes in order to assure footing in places that are icy. If snow has just fallen, you may want to swap the spikes with snowshoes. In addition to proper footwear, we recommend you dress in warm layers and bring a headlamp or flashlight, your cell phone, water, and a whistle. We’ll build a warm fire and provide s’mores at the summit.
Plan to cover the 0.6-mile trek up Pisgah Hill in about 30 minutes. We’ll light the way up and back with snow cairns and lanterns but it will largely be dark, especially during your descent. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and leave no evidence of their visit.
See you at the summit!
Join us for the Third Annual Wescustogo Paddle in May! We will depart from Wescustogo Park (Route 231) in North Yarmouth and paddle 8 miles to Royal River Park (East Elm Street) in Yarmouth. This two- to three-hour trip will begin with a brief program at 2 p.m. Stay tuned for more details!
