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How You Can Help
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This 135-acre preserve in southern Maine conserves a key parcel within a large expanse of coastal sandplain grassland. More than 2,000 acres surrounding the preserve are protected by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Nature Conservancy has an agreement with MDIFW to help with management of the rare species and natural communities here and conducts prescribed burns on the Department’s behalf.
Six hundred acres of sandplain grassland are surrounded by pitch pine - scrub oak forest. Both natural communities are adapted to frequent wildfires that prevent fire intolerant trees and shrubs from dominating. The sandplain along Branch Brook and Coldwater Brook is bordered by outwash seepage forest, another natural community that is rare in Maine.
What You’ll See
The grasslands are home to several species of birds that are rare or endangered in Maine, including grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, vesper sparrows and horned larks. In late summer, the plains are painted purple by the spectacular blooms of the northern blazing star, which occurs nowhere else in Maine. The population of this plant at Kennebunk Plains is the largest in the world. Other common plants on the preserve include lowbush blueberries, poverty grass and little bluestem. One of only two known populations of black racer snakes in the state also makes the plains its home.
Conditions
Trails are located on old sand roads and are generally flat to gently rolling.
Preserve Guidelines
To learn more about the logic behind these rules, please read our complete list of preserve use policies.
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Foot traffic only
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Because the rare birds nest on the ground, it is essential that visitors stay on the trails from late April to September
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Respect areas marked as private
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No collecting of plants or animals
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No pets
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Carry out all litter
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No fires, smoking or camping
Directions
From the Maine Turnpike (I-95) take exit 25. Head west on Alfred Rd through West Kennebunk. After passing through the village, turn left at the stop sign towards Highway 99 and Sanford. Cross the Mousam River, bear left, and turn right at the stop sign (Highway 99 heading west). After about four miles, the main parking lot will be on your right. Another lot is located on Maguire Road about ½ mile southeast of Highway 99.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © TNC (Upland sandpiper at Kennebunk Plains); Photo © TNC (Wood Lily).
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