RRCT EVENTS

Saturday, May 23rd

Location: Sparhawk Mill, 81 Bridge Street, Yarmouth

Join us on Saturday, May 23rd, from 12–3 PM at Yarmouth’s historic Sparhawk Mill for a community celebration of World Fish Migration Day. This biennial event brings together conservation groups, artists, and speakers for an afternoon of hands‑on learning and exploration focused on the Royal River.

This is an exciting moment for the Royal River, as the Bridge St. dam will be removed this summer—restoring the river’s natural flow and improving fish passage for the first time in nearly two centuries.

The event will include guided river & history tours; guest speakers; exhibitors; fly fishing demonstrations; a live whitewater kayaking demo; river insect exploration; and kids’ hands-on activities, wooden fish crafting, aquatic insect discovery, and Stream-Smart river table.

Bring chairs or a blanket, and order a Sparhawk Tavern takeout lunch. Enjoy Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company’s new Royal River tribute beer, Upstream, served from their tap truck

Whether you’re passionate about river restoration, curious about local ecology, or simply looking for a fun community event, we’d love to have you join us!

Parking is available at Patriot Insurance (701 US-Route 1, Yarmouth).  Walk through the back entrance of the parking lot to reach the mill at 81 Bridge Street (handicap parking at Sparhawk Mill). (Click for more event details).

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Broad Cove Reserve, Cumberland Foreside

Curriculum: Join us at Broad Cove Reserve to learn about spring ephemerals, captivating and delicate wildflowers like Pink Lady’s Slipper, Trillium, and Trout Lily, that we only have a fleeting moment to enjoy in bloom each spring.

Naturalists: Sukie Curtis, Margaret Reimann, and Karen Massey

Rain or Shine | No Cost Event

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.

Join us for Royal River Conservation Trust's Fourth Annual Wescustogo Paddle on Saturday, June 6th!

Dust off your canoe or kayak and join us for scenic and leisurely canoe/kayak trip down the Royal River! This group paddle is perfect for both novice and experienced paddlers. The route winds through stretches of conserved riverbank, offering beautiful views and a peaceful paddle.

Paddle Options:

    Wescustogo Park to Baston Park (3 miles) – Launch at 9:00 AM

     Baston Park to Royal River Park, Yarmouth Historical Society (5 miles) - Re-launch at 11:15 AM

     Full Route: Wescustogo Park to Royal River Park, Yarmouth Historical Society (8 miles) - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Return shuttle coordination will be available.

From 10:15 am to 11:15 am, we will gather at Batson Park (across from the Route 9 boat launch) for a "midway" stop with refreshments, camaraderie, and brief remarks. Boaters can choose to part ways here or re-launch and continue to Royal River Park!

Registration is required, and more details will be emailed to participants closer to the event.

As an added benefit to this year's paddle, Brickyard Hollow is planning a Royal River Celebration event the same afternoon/evening featuring live music and will be pouring their "Upstream" beer created to support Royal River Restoration initiatives.

FAQs

What if I don’t own a boat?

RRCT will have access to a limited number of additional canoes/paddles/life jackets and will be happy to coordinate with you ahead of time.

How do I get back to my car?

The best way would be to leave a ‘shuttle’ vehicle where you will be coming off the river.  RRCT will also provide a shuttle service if you need help getting back to your car. Please indicate on the registration form if you need a ride back to Wescustogo Park.

What should I expect?

The company of other boaters enjoying a day on the river! The river is slow-flowing and while previous canoe/kayak experience is helpful this is a great way to test out your boating skills.

What does this cost?

Nothing! This event is free, but registration is required so we can plan accordingly.

Can I just watch?

Yes, there will be a gathering from 10:15 am to 11:15 am at Baston Park where you can meet up with the boaters during their ‘mid-way’ stopping point and enjoy complementary snacks and drinks.

Can I just bring an inner tube?

We’re not going to stop you but a self-propelled craft will get you downstream much quicker (and drier…and warmer). Paddleboards welcome for experienced users.

What should I bring?

At the very least you will want to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, water, life jackets, layers for changeable weather, and a dry bag for your personal items is always recommended.  You might also want to bring cameras and/or binoculars as there will be some fantastic birding along the way.

Do you need Volunteers?

Always.  If you are interested in lending a boat (paddles, life jackets etc.) we would love to talk with you.  We will also need help shuttling people back to their cars from Baston Park and from Yarmouth

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Littlejohn Island Preserve, Yarmouth

SPECIAL PARKING: For this event only, drive to the very end of Pemasong Lane in Yarmouth. Go past RRCT’s 4-car parking lot on Pemasong Lane, through the stone gates marked “Private Way”, and drive slowly to the very end of the road. At the end of Pemasong Lane, turn right, and the service gate will be open. Go through the gate and park in the grassy area. RRCT staff will be there to direct you. Please respect all speed limits on this private road.

Curriculum:  Walk around this shady 1-mile loop trail as we explore the quiet 23-acre Littlejohn Island Preserve. We'll walk through towering red oak trees and with breathtaking ocean-front view of Casco Bay, observing the natural history and beauty that abounds. We'll pause to observe and identify the many varieties of ferns and understory plants. Bring binoculars if you have them because it is highly likely we will see many ducks, and maybe an eagle or osprey!

Naturalists: Karen Massey

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.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Skyline Farm, 95 The Ln, North Yarmouth

Curriculum: Join us in the expansive fields of this beautiful preserve that is home to milkweed and other native wildflowers to explore the magical lifecycle of monarchs and other high summer sensations.

Naturalist: Karen Bruder Howe

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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