Saco

One half of the Biddeford-Saco metropolitan area, the city has its own extensive beach and Ferry Beach State Park. See photos. It is one stop on AMTRAK’s Downeaster rail service. Occupying the east side of the Saco River as it enters Saco Bay, the city is the eleventh largest community in Maine.

Milbridge

The town lies at the mouth of the Narraguagus River where it empties into the Bay of the same name. U.S. Route 1 splits here with Route 1A. The town lies at the mouth of the Narraguagus River where it empties into the Bay of the same name. Blueberries and the Wyman Company in particular are important elements of the local economy. Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge is here.

Connor

Jemtland Road in Connor (2003)

an unorganized township in Aroostook County, was once a town. The impact of the Great Depression and World War II forced its deorganization in 1945. A section of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is in the township. See photo.

Benton

a town in Kennebec County, was incorporated as Sebasticook in 1842. Its name was changed to Benton in 1850 in honor of Missouri Democratic U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton. Benton Station is a location near the Maine Central Railroad tracks and the Kennebec River. The Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge manages a refuge in Benton. See photos.

Baring

Part of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge in Baring (2013)

As was the town of Alexander, it too was named for Alexander Baring, the British envoy who, with Daniel Webster, settled Maine’s northern boundary with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty ending the “Aroostook War.” The town hosts the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. See photos.

York County Nature Preserves

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (2013)

Kennebunk Plains, McGuire Road, Kennebunk. This 1,000-acre sandplain community provides vital habitat for the endangered grasshopper sparrow and four other animals and plants of special concern in Maine. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, acquired with a grant from the Land For Maine’s Future Board. Butler/Marshall Preserve, Kennebunk. The Kennebunk River bisects the two preserves which…