Explore Great Wass Island

Great Wass Island © TNC

Date:
Friday, September 11, 2009

Time:
9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Overview:
Great Wass Island Preserve is a spectacular 1,576-acre tract composing almost all of the southern part of the Town of Beals in eastern Maine. Several rare plants, such as beach head iris (Iris hookeri), marsh felwort (Lomatagonium rotatum), and blinks (Montia fontana), are found on-site, and the island’s interior supports one of Maine’s largest stand of jack pine (Pinus banksiana), a tree at its southern limit in Maine. The heaths of Great Wass, coastal plateau bogs, are a type of peatland unique to the extreme maritime setting and are of national and state significance.

Our walk will take us through spruce-fir forest interspersed with open ledges of jack pine, providing expansive views of the rare heathlands. We’ll have the opportunity to explore Little Cape Cove and the Point, and will then follow the exposed granite bedrock shore along the Mudhole (a fjord-like cove) back to our start point.

Please come well prepared for any kind of weather and be sure to wear sturdy shoes suitable for a long hike through all kinds of terrain. Trails are very rough, rocky and difficult, especially in wet and foggy conditions. We plan to cover more than 5 miles, round trip. Trip is limited to 12 participants. As space is limited, reservations are required. 

To Register: 
Please email maine_events@tnc.org, indicate which trip, the number and names of participants and your contact information.

Guide:
Dan Grenier, Land Steward

How to Prepare for the Hike:
Bring a beverage, plenty of water and lunch or snacks depending on the time of day. Also bring binoculars, camera, field guides, sunscreen, bug dope, etc., to make your day more enjoyable. Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Long pants are recommended.

Directions:
From Route 1, take Route 187 south to Jonesport, crossing the bridge over Moosabec Reach to Beals and turn left. Follow the road through Beals to Great Wass Island. At the T-intersection turn right towards Black Duck Cove, about 3 miles from Beals (it turns from pavement to gravel), where there is a marked parking area on the left. Meet in the preserve parking lot.