Royal River Conservation Trust

06/19/2026

Yesterday, RRCT partnered with Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) and a dedicated group of volunteers to conduct a Mussel Bed Mapping survey at Littlejohn Island Preserve in Yarmouth.

Taking advantage of the exceptionally low (negative) tide, we walked along the shoreline in search of blue mussel beds. While mussels may seem commonplace, they play a critical role in the Gulf of Maine - creating habitat for other marine species and improving water quality through filtration. Facing warming ocean temperatures and predation from invasive species like green grabs, mussel beds are retreating deeper into the subtidal zone, becoming harder to spot.

That's where community scientists come in. GMRI's Mussel Bed Mapping project is working to update regional maps of mussel beds for the first time in more than 20 years. Volunteers collect geolocated observations and photographs during extreme low tides, helping researchers identify priority locations for acoustic surveys that can map mussel beds beneath the water's surface.

During our survey, we were thrilled to discover several hundred mussels along the beaches of Littlejohn Island Preserve!

Interested in getting involved? RRCT plans to host mussel monitoring outings during the lowest tides of each month this summer. Stay tuned for more details.

You can also participate on your own by submitting observations (whether you find mussels or not!) through GMRI's Mussel Bed Mapping project: https://investigate.gmri.org/project/mussel_mapping

06/18/2026

There’s a Riverfront Ramble walk at Riverfront Woods Preserve in Yarmouth next Wednesday, 6/24 at 9 am!

RSVP here if you plan to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1zN17U6U3mCcirC9t-ZMsS4c0WRnEunFtUWTHTx5RCY1RiA/viewform?

RIVERFRONT RAMBLE
Wednesday, June 24th at 9:00AM

Step into one of Yarmouth’s last intact, unfragmented shoreline habitats and experience the quiet beauty of a red maple swamp on this guided Riverfront Ramble.

Led by State Horticulturist Gary Fish, this immersive walk will reveal the details of the landscape—highlighting native and invasive plants, forest pests, and semi‑aquatic species that thrive along the river’s edge.

Hosted by Yarmouth’s Sustainability Office, the ramble follows an easy, 1.5‑mile loop at a relaxed pace. Plan for approximately two hours of exploration, conversation, and discovery. The route is wheelchair and stroller‑accessible. Please note: no bikes or dogs.

Parking: 13 Riverfront Drive (follow the posted signs). Additional parking is available at Pratt’s Brook Park (about a 10‑minute walk to the Riverfront Preserve).

An RSVP is required for this event (the program will run with a minimum of 15 participants). Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1h6FpwKi_WcTWR0GcOzPm-e2NmxF-98Oo7IETg6OKDLk/preview , or email Christy Phillips at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

06/18/2026

Explore Littlejohn Island Preserve with us and Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust next Wednesday, 6/24, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm! 🌿

‍Join us for a free, family-friendly, guided nature walk around the shady 1-mile loop trail with stunning views of Casco Bay. Led by Maine Master Naturalist Karen Massey, we’ll wander through towering red oak trees, pause to observe and identify the wide varieties of ferns and understory plants, and explore the intertidal zone during low tide. 🦀

Bring binoculars if you have them - we’ll be on the lookout for ducks, eiders, and other wildlife! 🦆

06/15/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Lanna Antebi‑Igei as our summer intern!

Matched with RRCT through Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program, Lanna brings a passion for stewardship, accessibility, and river conservation to the Royal River Watershed.

Previously, Lanna was a part of a Conservation Corps in Plumas County, California, and has worked as a canoe guide in the Minnesota Boundary Waters and Canadian Quetico. Lanna is double-majoring in Geology and Creative Writing at Colby College and hopes to pursue Geomorphology in the future.

In their free time, Lanna can be found competing on their college’s Woodsmen team, navigating rapids from the stern, fishing, painting, and swimming in whatever body of water is most accessible.

06/12/2026

RRCT is gearing up for major trail improvements at Intervale Preserve in New Gloucester and is inviting qualified contractors and trail‑building organizations to submit proposals. 🛠️

The project includes rehabilitating 0.46 miles of the Interurban Multi‑Use Trail, improving the 105‑foot Route 231 Water Access Trail to the Royal River, and upgrading the 0.5‑mile Warbler Trail and parking area to Universal Access standards.

Proposals are due by July 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm and must be submitted via email to Stewardship Director Hanae Garrison at [email protected]. Full RFP details: rrct.org/news/open-rfp

This project is funded by a Maine Trails Program (MTP) grant administered by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. All procurement must follow MTP requirements.

06/11/2026

🦚 WANTED: George the Peacock 🦚

Last seen at Thayer Brook Preserve living his best life.

Since making a daring escape from Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on May 21, George has been spotted exploring the trails, taking in the scenery, and broadening his culinary horizons.

While we admire his commitment to adventure, it’s time for George to head home.

If you spot this feathered fugitive, please call or text (207) 215-7394 or email [email protected].

🚫 Please do not attempt to apprehend the suspect yourself. Leave the recovery efforts to the professionals.

06/09/2026

More snapshots from our Wescustogo Paddle on Saturday 🛶

Calm waters, bird sightings, great company, what more could we ask for?

If you’d like to stay in the loop about paddling opportunities throughout the Royal River watershed, sign up for our new paddler email group here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/rBwNx0wYE4UfHfQ8fCkazA

06/05/2026

Show us your mussels! Join RRCT, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and several partner organizations for a mussel bed mapping extravaganza event that spans the coast of Maine and New Hampshire! Help us observe where mussels are (and importantly, where they aren't) during an extreme low tide on June 18. 🌊

While in the field collecting observations, you'll also be learning about blue mussel beds, local ecosystems, and ongoing research. The data you collect will be put to use in the Mussel Bed Mapping Community Science Project.

RRCT will host the Littlejohn Island Preserve site in Yarmouth. We hope you can join us!

Before joining us in person, we encourage you to attend the webinar on Thursday, June 11th, at noon to learn about the basics of blue mussels, the community science project your data will be contributing to, and how to participate.

Intro to Mussel Mapping Webinar
📆 Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 12 - 1 PM
💻 Location: online
🔗 Sign Up: https://gmri.org/events/show-us-your-mussels-intro-to-mussel-bed-mapping-community-science/

Show Us Your Mussels! Community Science Fieldwork
📆 Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 8-9 AM
📍 Location: Littlejohn Island Preserve, Yarmouth, and other locations across the region.
🔗 Sign Up: https://gmri.org/events/show-us-your-mussels-community-science-fieldwork/

Expect muddy boots, hands-on science, and a chance to contribute to real coastal research. 🥾