Bass Falls Preserve
The Preserve is named in recognition of a small waterfall that is seen at low tide, and for the striped bass that inhabit the river. The trail meanders through a field home to Bobolinks and Tree Swallows before entering mixed hardwood and coniferous forest. Huge old pines along the blue trail are reminiscent of presettlement forests. Along the river, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles and Ospreys, both of which nest in the area and are frequently seen along the river.
Story of the Land
Bass Falls Preserve protects over 4,500 feet of river frontage for bald eagles, wild Atlantic salmon, and other species that thrive in this tidal section of the Sheepscot River.
The preserve was named in honor of the small waterfall that is visible at low tide and for the striped bass that live in the river. It was created by the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (now Midcoast Conservancy) through collaboration with the Lewis, Barth and Fossel families, who loved the property. The words Elizabeth Coatsworth once wrote strongly resonated with the families who wanted to preserve their land.
If the world is going to be saved it will be saved by people who care deeply about small places.”
-Elizabeth Coatsworth
Bass Falls Preserve was protected with assistance from Land for Maine's Future Program, the Landowner Incentive Program, the Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other state and private funders.
What you Might See
The plant communities that line the riverfront, stands of pine and oak trees over 100 years old, and birds and other wildlife that live there are now protected forever. The trails meander through a field that is home to many birds before entering the woods and wandering toward beautiful views of the Sheepscot River.
The old fishing cabin perched on the river was brought to the property in 1965 by its builder Stephen June and his uncle Clifton Walker. An outhouse (which is no longer operational), estimated to be over 100 years old, is east of the cabin along the trail. You can see a colorful painting of an eyeball, added in the 1960s, on the side of the outhouse.
Look for Eastern bluebirds near the nest boxes. Male bluebirds are brilliant blue with a red breast, while females are grayish-blue above with a beige colored breast. Other native birds such as tree swallows, house wrens and black-capped chickadees may also use these boxes. Bobolinks and Eastern meadowlarks sometimes nest in the field. Along the river, keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys, both of which nest in the area and are often seen along the river.
Directions:
Bass Falls Preserve
1828 Alna Rd.
Alna, ME 04535
From the South: From Route 1 in Wiscasset, follow Route 218 north for 7.25 miles to the Bass Falls Preserve parking lot and kiosk, which are located in a field on the right.
From the North: Follow Route 218 south to the Alna Store, which is located at the intersection of Route 218 and Dock Road in Alna. The Bass Falls Preserve parking lot and kiosk are located in a field on the left, 1/4 mile south of the Alna Store on Route 218.
