
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

Monday, April 20th, 2026 | 10 AM & 1 PM
Location: Riverfront Woods Preserve, Yarmouth
Join us for a guided walk along Yarmouth's Riverfront Woods Preserve with Maine Master Naturalists on Monday, April 20th! There will be two sessions, at 10 am and 1 pm.
We will be looking for frog & salamander egg masses in the many vernal pools around the preserve. This event is rain or shine so dress for mess!
These guided walks are hosted in collaboration with Merrill Memorial Library, the Maine Master Naturalist Program and Royal River Conservation Trust.
Registration is now FULL! If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email iburns@yarmouthlibrary.org
REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Riverfront Woods Preserve, Yarmouth
Curriculum: When you notice the unmistakable chorus of spring peepers signaling that days and nights are finally warming, it’s a sign that vernal pools are coming alive. These temporary bodies of water are home to wood frogs, spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp, and other amphibians. We will get a close-up look at egg masses and other evidence of amphibians in three temporary and isolated wetlands. The walk will be about two miles over relatively flat terrain.
Naturalist: Beth Sturtevant & Karen Bruder Howe
REGISTER HERE
Get Out! Nature Walks are volunteer-led regular trips with trained master naturalists. Join us for a well-planned, no cost, guided adventure. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday; always free; rain, snow, or shine. Jointly offered by both Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust and Royal River Conservation Trust, the walks take place at preserves in the towns of Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, New Gloucester, and Durham. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Because the purpose is nature observation, we ask that dogs do not join us. Email CCLT with any questions.
*Photography and Filming Note: Your attendance at RRCT events may be photographed or filmed and your attendance indicates consent to have any images or footage featuring you at the event to be used for RRCT-related materials and outreach. Should images or footage appear in marketing materials that you don’t wish to be featured in, you must notify RRCT at info@RRCT.org and RRCT will cease to further use your image or footage for any new materials going forward.
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Monday, April 27th | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: RRCT's Office, 52 North Rd, Yarmouth
Join us for a casual open house for is hosting an open house for paddlers of all experience levels—including those who are just getting started. This gathering is a chance to explore the many paddling opportunities throughout the Royal River watershed and connect with others who love being on the water.
We’ll review maps, share stories from favorite routes, and highlight both well‑known and more remote paddling areas on the Royal River and beyond. Our hope is that this gathering will spark a series of community paddles throughout the summer—ranging from ecological outings like birding and wildlife observation to river cleanups and introductory paddling experiences. From Shaker Bog to Casco Bay, the watershed offers dozens of exceptional destinations, and we invite you to share your favorites while discovering new ones.
This open house is designed as a relaxed, social event - a chance to connect with fellow paddlers, compare notes, and get oriented to access points and paddleable stretches of the river. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
We hope you’ll join us and bring your enthusiasm for getting out on the water. Please reach out with any questions or for additional information.
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