RRCT EVENTS

Join RRCT for a mussel bed mapping bioblitz at Littlejohn Island Preserve to collect data for GMRI's Mussel Bed Mapping Community Science Project! Help us observe where mussels are (and importantly, where they aren't) during an extreme low tide on Friday, July 17th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. While in the field collecting observations, you'll also be learning about blue mussel beds, local ecosystems, and ongoing research.

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.

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!

Next up in our summer paddle series will be an evening paddle on the scerene 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 on Tuesday, July 28th, 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!

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.

Join us at Knight's Pond Preserve to learn about the amazing world of ferns!

Join Royal River Conservation Trust for our 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, from 6:00–8:00 pm at Cunningham Farm, 1007 Intervale Rd, New Gloucester.

Celebrate another year of conservation with fellow supporters, volunteers, board members, and staff as we reflect on our accomplishments and look ahead to the future of the Royal River watershed. Everyone is welcome to attend! Current RRCT members will also have the opportunity to vote on the election of new Board members and officers.

This year's speaker is Andy Fisk, Northeast Regional Director at American Rivers, who will share insights into dam removal efforts and what restoring free-flowing rivers means for communities, wildlife, and the health of the Royal River watershed.

Winners of our Celebrate the Royal Photo Contest AND Royal River Watershed T-Shirt Contest will be announced at the meeting.