DRA GREAT
SALT BAY FARM 
HERITAGE CENTER

 

 

    One of the Damariscotta River Association's most exciting and beautiful protected lands is the 100 acre farm on the Great Salt Bay in Damariscotta.  Thanks to a generous personal gift from the late Mrs. Elizabeth Noyce and a substantial grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the River Association was able to purchase the Salt Bay Farm in 1994. 

    The farm includes over one mile of shorefront, extensive wetlands providing both fresh and saltwater habitats, and rolling fields that have been worked for 200 years.  It is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife and affords spectacular views across the bay. You can see some of its beauty in this online photo collection.

     The original 18th century farmhouse serves as home for the DRA.  The Heritage Center is an important conservation and education resource for the community.  The property is open to the public for pedestrian use daily from dawn to dusk.  Dogs are permitted when leashed at all times on the farmhouse (west) side of the road, and are permitted on the barn (east) side when under control. Motorized and wheeled vehicles are prohibited because of the sensitive habitat areas.  Walkers and skiers are encouraged to take advantage of this unique property. We also have a great sledding hill!

     The DRA Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are welcome. We are at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta (directions). Call us at (207) 563-1393 for more information. In addition, if you are interested in using our conference room for community meetings, please let us know. While we welcome small donations to defray cleaning costs, we make the facility available free of charge.

In October 2006, DRA volunteers constructed a new observation plat-form at the wetland edge affording clear and intimate views ... more