Standing on the shoreline of the Weskeag Headland Preserve, you see extensive salt grass flats, quiet coves, and acres of open fields and woodland protected along the opposite shore.

The acquisition of the Weskeag Headlands Preserve by the Georges River Land Trust occurred at the end of 2020 and marks the success of many community members and the vision of David and Lorri Cousens to conserve this 37-acre forested property along the Weskeag. David, who grew up in the area, spoke enthusiastically about the opportunities the property offers to educate area youth about the natural environment and give residents the chance to experience the marsh up close.

This Preserve fits into the mosaic of over 1,500 acres of conserved lands in the Bridging Two Rivers Focus Area; the result of a multi-year effort between the Georges River Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the State of Maine. Integral to this landscape is the protection of wildlife habitat, buffered shorefront and expansive marsh that can accommodate rising seas in the years to come.

Active oyster farms, a growing local economic industry, benefit tremendously from the conservation of this property along the marsh.

The focus for Georges River Land Trust, since 2007 has been to attain landscape scale conservation between two highly productive estuarine systems: the St. George and Weskeag. Together they support local marine economies, vast populations of migratory birds, juvenile transient fish populations, and provide recreation for the local and visiting communities.

In this most recent acquisition, David and Lorri Cousens offered the first gift by selling at a bargain price. Additional support came from Maine Community Foundation, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Onion Foundation, Falcon Charitable Foundation, as well as the National Coastal Wetlands Grant program. More support came from the community who shared in this vision to see a healthy and productive natural system thrive going forward.

The Land Trust is grateful for all who made contributions to this project and gave us the opportunity to tell the compelling story of this region’s vital ecological importance. The Georges River Land Trust’s mission is to conserve the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region through permanent land protection, stewardship, education, and outdoor experiences.

GRLT is a network of conservation easements, trails, and preserves protecting more than 4,000 acres with 60+ miles of public trails. It is an equally opportunity provider. For more information about the work of the Georges River Land Trust, please visit www.georgesriver.org, or email specific questions about conservation to Annette Naegel at annette@grlt.org.a