Downeast Coastal Conservancy

09/28/2026

🌲🍂10th Annual Bad Little Trail Run✅

The weather could not hold us back! Thank you to Bold Coast Runners, all the volunteers, and participants for coming out on Sunday!

In honor of the 10th running of this event, a new route was created. The 8-mile runners met at the Lee Pellon Center in Machias, rode a bus to the Whitneyville Down East Sunrise Trail parking lot, where the race began. After a short distance on the Sunrise Trail, runners turned onto the trails of Machias River Preserve, got back onto the Sunrise Trail for a short distance, before turning onto the trails of Middle River Park and finishing by the train cars in town.

The Sunrise Trail Coalition was hosting its Annual Celebration and welcomed the runners for awards and food post-race.

Let us know your thoughts on the course in the comments!

09/27/2026

Thank you Bold Coast Runners and everyone that took part and helped put on the 10th Annual Bad Little Trail Run today!

📷 More pictures coming!

09/25/2026

🚨 The 10th Annual Bad Little Trail Run is ON for this Sunday!!!

There is still time to register! 8-mile, solo or relay, and 5 K options!

A little rain won't stop us. 😎

The Bad Little Trail Run is on for this Sunday! Weather won't stop us!

👊🏽 Online Registration open till Saturday evening

👉🏽 Check-in, Bib Pick-up and Day of Registration at the Lee Pellon Center this year -> https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpkWJ7J1mhY3An1D7
⚠️ -> 7:30am-8:30am

🚌 Shuttle bus PROVIDED - To the Start Line from the Pellon Center at 8:45am

🤪 8 Mile Course 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️ 5k Course and RELAY option!

Come out and support Downeast Coastal Conservancy!

09/24/2026

🍂Fall is here, where are the colors!?

Downeast Maine's forests do not light up in an array of red, yellow, and orange as you will find in the more northern and western parts of the state. The region's cool, damp conditions, combined with shallow, rocky, acidic soil, create an environment that is harsh for any deciduous trees.

Directly on the coast, it is not uncommon for areas to be completely dominated by evergreen trees that do not change color or lose their leaves.

If you move inland from the coast, conditions do shift to allow some limited hardwood growth. These are maples, birch, beech, and others that change color and lose their leaves as winter approaches.

📷Coastal: Pigeon Hill Preserve, Steuben - Inland: Machias River Preserve, Machias

09/15/2026

📷🌲To maintain an idea of wildlife activity on our conserved lands, DCC utilizes game cameras. These are placed strategically in areas where signs of wildlife are prevalent.

These are some of the best photos captured throughout the summer!

It is great to see wildlife thriving across lands protected by DCC.

09/12/2026

🍂With the temps continuing to drop and the leaves of hardwood trees beginning to change, the signs of autumn are here. This is a reminder that Downeast Maine is certainly subject to four seasons. Each with its own unique beauty.

Each photo below was taken at DCC's Machias River Preserve during a different season.

Which time of year is your favorite to be outside?

09/05/2026

✏️ School is back in session, so here is a question: How many miles of trail does DCC maintain?

The answer: Over 30 miles of trails open for year-round public use! 🎉

DCC maintains trails and protects habitat throughout coastal Washington County. River frontage, beautiful ocean overlooks, islands, secluded forests, and so much more.

How does DCC continue to protect and maintain these beautiful areas? With your support! DCC is a donor-funded nonprofit serving coastal Washington County, Maine.

If you want to continue to see the natural beauty of coastal Washington County protected and the trails you enjoy maintained, use the link below to donate.

🔗https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/j2j2QbunqsSlFdCCiODx0Q

09/04/2026

Today, Friday, September 4th, is long-time Land Steward Jackson Wetzel's final day with DCC. Please join us in thanking Jackson for his years of hard work maintaining the trails you love, monitoring conservation easements, and pitching in wherever needed at DCC.

👏Best of luck in your future, Jackson!

08/26/2026

🛶Last Saturday, DCC hosted a paddle at Vining Lake Community Preserve in Cooper. Attendees got to experience the beauty and tranquility of the preserve on the water and on land.

The group paddled the full lake, learned about the preserve and the lake, hiked a portion of the trail that surrounds the lake, and took a break at the waterfront campsite.

During the adventure, an abandoned canoe was discovered on the far side of the lake, washed up into the weeds. With some teamwork, the canoe was recovered and removed from the lake.

08/25/2026

🫐 It's that time of year! If you're out and about and see some low bushes, take a peak, you may be in for a sweet surprise! These were at Middle River Park in Machias.

DCC permits foraging for edible and medicinal plants on all properties. We simply ask users to be cautious and respectful of the resource.