Coburn Woods in Skowhegan. This 300 acre tract is named in honor of Louise Helen Coburn, founder and first president of the Somerset Woods Trustees, which owns and manages the land. Is contains significant vernal pools with good surrounding wooded habitat for juveniles and adults of vernal pool species. Informal trails and woods roads provide access from the Russell Road and Coburn Avenue.
See http://www.somersetwoodstrustees.org/newsevents.html for more information and other preserves in the Skowhegan area.
Flagstaff Lake from Bigelow Mountain (2003)
Dead River Public Reserved Land, Dead River Township, encompasses several miles of shore on Flagstaff Lake and the first few miles of the Dead River after it leaves the lake on its eastern end.
Visitors enjoy camping at the lake’s sites, accessible by boat, and at the vehicle accessible campground at Big Eddy on the river. Access to the 4,771 acre site is via the Long Falls Dam Road from North New Portland.
Holeb Falls (2006)
Shooting Mild rapids on the Moose River (2006)
Holeb Public Reserved Land, Holeb Township. A popular three-day canoe trip carries visitors through the heart of this 20,000 acre public reserve. Several class I and II rapids can be either run or portaged.
A spectacular waterfall highlights the trip in this remote area. Moose and loons accentuate the special character found at Holeb, as wildlife watchers are kept busy viewing the more than 200 species found in this 19,651 acre area. A conservation easement held by The Forest Society of Maine protects some of the shore of Attean Pond and the Moose River. The day-use areas around Attean Pond are primarily accessible by boat and offer picnic facilities. Access is either via the traditional portage trail from Attean Pond or by private logging road north of Jackman.
Indian & Fowl Meadow Islands, Embden. These two islands in the upper Kennebec are flooded regularly, giving them distinctive flora including lush ferns and wildflowers in the spring. Migrant waterfowl rest here near evidence of old logging drives.
Moose River, Rockwood-strip/. 87 acres of mixed forest, 1,600 feet on Moose River. Managed by the Nature Conservancy. Off Rt. 15/6, north of Greenville.