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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.
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Photo Credit Kristel Hayes
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
Royal River Clean-Up Day
Help clean up the Royal River! The recent removal of the Bridge Street Dam and drought conditions create a unique opportunity to access and remove trash and debris along the Royal River. This cleanup will help restore the Royal River corridor and improve its condition for the community and wildlife.
Royal River Conservation Trust is teaming up with the Town of Yarmouth and the Royal River Alliance for this volunteer event. We’ll have trash bags, gloves, and an empty truck bed to fill with trash and debris. If you have waders, bring them! We can also spend some time removing invasive plants along the river banks.
'Round the Marsh at Thayer Brook Preserve
Save the date for our fourth annual free 'Round the Marsh hike at Thayer Brook Preserve in Gray on Friday, October 16th at 1:30 pm.
The 3.5-mile guided trek will be led by Trail Steward and long-serving volunteer Steve McPike, whose thorough knowledge of the preserve and the entire Libby Hill Forest trail network will add significant depth and texture to the hike. Plan for a three-hour visit to one of Cumberland County's most remote and intriguing places.
Casco Bay Wildlife Tracking Club
Join Northern Songlines for a monthly, community-centered wildlife tracking club in the diverse Casco Bay area. Suitable for all skill levels, this is a collaborative, curiosity-led space where we explore tracks, sign, animal behavior, and the ecology of the beings who share this land with us. Afterwards, you’re welcome to meet us at a local cafe for warm drinks, continued conversation, and shared stories.
Ages 12+ (kids should be accompanied by an adult).
Free and open to all on the 3rd Saturday of every month. 10 am - 12 pm.