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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
Open Farm Day at Old Crow Ranch
Come visit Old Crow Ranch, a 70-acre, family-owned, pasture-based livestock farm in Durham, Maine. RRCT holds a conservation easement on this beautiful farm and will have a table set up. Come meet the animals (and the farmers), learn a bit about how Old Crow Ranch raises their beef and pork, peruse the #OCRFarmStore and grab lunch from On A Roll food truck!
Runaround Pond Sunset Paddle
RESCHEDULED DUE TO RAIN: Now Monday, July 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm.
Next up in our summer paddle series will be an evening paddle on the serene Runaround Pond in Durham! Comprised of several long fingers, Runaround Pond offers easy access and peaceful, easy paddling on a summer night.
We'll be on the water from 7:00–9:00 pm, timed to enjoy the 7:58 p.m. moonrise.
This paddle is designed for all ages and experience levels. Several different outings will be offered, including a youth paddle led by our whitewater rescue-certified summer intern, Lanna! Paddle groups will begin and end at the Runaround Pond Recreation Area's hand carry boat launch.
While this is primarily a Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB) event, we'll have a limited number of kayaks, canoes, and extra personal flotation devices available. Space will be limited, so be sure to sign up soon!
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Community Picnic
Join RRCT for a Community Picnic at Intervale Preserve in New Gloucester on Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm!
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun afternoon celebrating community and the outdoors. Enjoy live bluegrass music by Cumberland Crossing while we grill burgers and hot dogs. You're also welcome to bring a side dish or dessert to share!
There will be ice cream, lawn games, and plenty of open space to relax and connect with fellow RRCT supporters. Whether you're catching up with friends, meeting new people, or introducing your kids to one of RRCT's beautiful preserves in the heart of New Gloucester, there's something for everyone.