Brickyard Farm, Falmouth

Portland Trails, an urban land trust, acquired 14 acres of exceptional property with more than 1,650 feet of shoreline, located at the mouth of the Presumpscot River. Historically, the land's rich marine clay was mined to make bricks that were shipped all across the eastern United States. Ever since the consturction of I-295 isolated the property, the land has been returning to its natural state -- forested upland, salt marsh and undisturbed intertidal mudflats that provide important migratory habitat for shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl.

Portland Trails and Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) are working together to protect wildlife habitat and create public access. MITA will add the parcel to its established network of island stops in Casco Bay. Portland Trails intends to build a primitive land trail connecting the property to Maine Audubon Society's Gilsland Farm Sanctuary via a bridge over Skitterygusset Creek.

Brickyard Farm is near five other Presumpscot River properties already protected by Portland Trails, the City of Portland and the Town of Falmouth. The acquisition of this parcel is an important part of Portland Trails' long-range plan to preserve as much of the shoreline of the Presumpscot River as possible. The Brickyard Farm acquisition was funded with donations from the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership Important Habitat Protection Fund and several other key donors.

Projects

Funding sources

Casco Bay Estuary Partnership Important Habitat Protection Fund Slideshow