Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley Nature Center is 1,000 acres of protected land in Jefferson, rich with a variety of habitat and terrain including over a mile of shorefront on Little Dyer Pond.
Our Hidden Valley Nature Center is your community forest, offering nearly 25 miles of multi-use trails great for connecting to nature. Come learn about sustainable forestry or attend a full moon paddle. Join us at one of the many programs we offer annually to learn new skills or just explore this world-class, award-winning nature center.
All are welcome; $5 day-use donations from non-members are accepted at the Welcome Center donation box.
We know that overnight stays at our Hidden Valley Nature Center are a cherished way for people to experience and enjoy nature. We have been working hard on our Strategic Plan goal of completing a master plan for this community forest, while simultaneously planning to offer overnight stays through Hipcamp. Read more about our plans on our news blog.
Thank you for your patience as we improve our ability to connect people to nature. We appreciate your continued support of Midcoast Conservancy's conservation efforts focused on protecting the vital lands and waters in midcoast Maine.
Visitor info
Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley is located at 131 Egypt Road in Jefferson.
Dogs are welcome but leashes are required throughout the preserve, to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe, and comfortable. This preserve is open from dawn to dusk for all. Overnight campers have it to themselves. Visitors with horses are allowed during the week (no weekend riding) and should park in the furthest satellite parking lot.
Sustainable Forestry
Several of our preserves have active forest management plans, but the best place to learn how you can create income by managing your own tract of forest land is at our Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. With nearly 1,000 acres of contiguous forest, our nature center offers an immense natural and educational resource in midcoast Maine. Our forestry crew applies innovative practices, under the direction of a certified consulting forester, on about 15 acres each year. Our management is designed to enhance the value of timber, wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreation. Learn more about our sustainable forestry program here.
Natural Ingredients for Curious Students
Fourth-grade students from area schools are brought out to our Hidden Valley each month to engage in conservation education tied to Maine’s state standards for science curriculum. Students participate in dynamic science lessons, leading their own investigations and experiments, collecting information and exploring – all led by an award-winning outdoor educator. One teacher shared that through this program, “every child is a scientist, seeing the world through the lens of observation and curiosity,” and that participating was “one of the best decisions I have made in my teaching tenure.” Funded by both grants and private contributions, this program helps build confidence, promotes creativity, gets kids moving, and makes kids think.
