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Places We Protect

Loring Conant Preserve

Maine

A view through trees at a broad estuary.

A wonderful place for walking and enjoying nature in the Kennebec Estuary

Viewing

Overview

Description

The 149.5-acre Loring Conant Preserve protects woods and wetlands at the northern end of Soldier Point in Georgetown. Surrounded by the tidal Sasanoa River to the north and the Sheepscot River to the east, the preserve offers opportunities to enjoy views and spot wildlife. The flat to rolling topography features a number of small marshes and wetlands before dropping off steeply along the shore. 

This area is part of the Kennebec Estuary—featuring one of Maine’s most significant concentrations of ecological features. The second largest estuary on the East Coast, it contains twenty percent of Maine’s tidal marshes and provides critical habitat for a range of waterfowl, bald eagles, and migrating fish.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hours

Dusk to Dawn Only—no overnight camping.

Highlights

Surrounded by the tidal Sasanoa River to the north and the Sheepscot River to the east, the preserve offers opportunities to enjoy views and spot wildlife.

Size

149.5 acres

Explore our work in Maine

Trail Description:

Old Farm Trail, a 0.25-mile-long access route, connects to the 1.35-mile-long Conant Loop Trail. These well shaded, gently sloping, and single tread trails take visitors through a scenic heavily wooded area, with 15 bog bridge crossings throughout the trail. Significant numbers of rocks and roots can make footing uneven.

0.31 miles after taking a left at the beginning of the loop, the Conant Loop Trail crosses a gravel road. On the left, there is a green and yellow directional trail marker marking where the trail continues, as well as blue blazes on nearby trees.

An additional 0.32 miles later, Goose Rocks Lookout, a 200-foot offshoot from the loop, offers beautiful views of the Sasanoa River.

There are no designated benches or restrooms along the route or at the trailhead, cell service can be spotty, and there is no Wi-Fi access. Prepare accordingly for the possibility of biting flies and mosquitos during the months of June, July, and August.

Maine Stories

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Conservation on the Half Shell

Working with oysters—and oyster growers—to counter the effects of climate change.

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Walking in Rachel Carson's Footsteps

Rachel Carson, famed biologist, author and visionary, was a founding member of The Nature Conservancy in Maine. We continue her tradition of science-based conservation.

A view of grasses in a tidal marsh with green trees in the background.

Why Are Salt Marshes Important?

Tidal marshes play a critical role in the aquatic food web, and they can also protect cities and towns from coastal flooding by absorbing the influx of water during storms.

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