Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations

GET INVOLVED.

Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET INVOLVED.

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 GIFT

Make 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.

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EXPLORE

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.

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VOLUNTEER

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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Trails, preserves, and farms

Explore the waters and lands of the watershed.  

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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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What’s new

Read more about our recent projects.

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Upcoming Events

Special Film Screening: Salt Marsh

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
   |   
5:30 pm
  -  

With an original score by Sonic Youth co-founder Lee Ranaldo, Salt Marsh contemplates the beauty of an austere winter landscape through the reflections of Yarmouth artist Mitchell Rasor.

The 15-minute documentary is a lyrical portrait of an artist and place. It was filmed over three winters at the Spear Farm Estuary Preserve on the Royal River in Yarmouth.

An artist talk and Q&A with Rasor will follow.

More InfoRegister Here

Vigorous Tenderness: a fall equinox concert at Old Town House Park

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
   |   
5:30 pm
  -  
7:00 pm

Welcome fall with vibrant chamber music that connects new sounds, the environment, and the community.

Vigorous Tenderness is an immersive outdoor concert series that amplifies marginalized voices in classical music and democratizes new / experimental music. This fall equinox event resembles an art museum experience, with seven different chamber ensembles nestled in the landscape, playing continuously as the audience follows a path of listening and reflection.

People of all ages are welcome; this is a family friendly event.

Please arrive between 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm and move through the installation at your own pace.

More Info

Get Out! Nature Walk: Woods in Autumn

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Explore the beautiful woods of Rines Forest in autumn! We will be looking for signs of the changing seasons and evidence of how nature adapts.  The trail will be uneven and steep in a few sections, so appropriate footwear and poles (if you need extra support) are recommended.

Naturalist: Karen Massey

More Info
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