Coastal
The Coastal Sanctuary includes eleven properties, nine on Mount Desert Island and two on the Schoodic Peninsula, ranging from under an acre to over 250 acres (466 total). Most of the properties, acquired between 2005 and 2010, are on Acadia National Park's desired acquisition list and planned for donation to the Park on its 100th birthday in 2016. The Mount Desert Island properties are located within the boundaries of the Park, and the two Schoodic properties protect open space in Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro.
The Mount Desert properties include the old White Birches Campground, now decommissioned and allowed to return to a more natural state. The Mosely property, located along the southern edge of Long Pond, contains a fishway constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The fishway is in excellent condition and creates a beautiful flowing stream with small waterfalls that empty into Long Pond. This property abuts multiple hiking trails, including trails to Mansell Mountain--fairly strenuous hikes with rocky stairs and expansive views of the pond.
The Bass Harbor Marsh property on Mount Desert helps to protect many different birds that use the marsh for habitat and breeding. The marsh is surrounded by maturing red spruce forests, which are home to many species of birds, including warblers, white-winged crossbills, the red-breasted nuthatch, and the hermit thrush. The saltwater of the marsh is home to many species of ducks, the common loon, and the red-breasted merganser. It is also common to see raptors, such as the bald eagle and osprey, while they hunt on the waters of the marsh.
The property on Schoodic Peninsula includes Mount Saint Bernard, which overlooks Summer Harbor. The rugged terrain features a coastal spruce fir forest approximately 75 years old, with blowdowns from coastal storms and many young, regenerating trees.
Coastal Sanctuary map
Directions to the coastal properties
To Otter Creek:
- Take I-95 exit 113 at Augusta to Route 3
- Follow Route 3 through Liberty, Belfast, Bucksport, and Ellsworth onto Mount Desert Island
- Take left fork after bridge, and continue on Route 3 through Bar Harbor to Otter Creek
or
- Take I-95 exit 182 (Bangor-Brewer 395)
- Take Route 1A exit to Route 3 in Ellsworth
- Continue on Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island
- Take left fork after bridge, and continue on Route 3 through Bar Harbor to Otter Creek
To Southwest Harbor:
- Take I-95 exit 113 at Augusta to Route 3
- Follow Route 3 through Liberty, Belfast, Bucksport, and Ellsworth onto Mount Desert Island
- Take right fork after bridge, and continue on Route 198/102
- Continue on Route 102 until Southwest Harbor
- Turn right on Seal Cove Road
- Take the very next right
or
- Take I-95 exit 182 (Bangor-Brewer 395)
- Take Route 1A exit to Route 3 in Ellsworth
- Continue on Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island
- Take right fork after bridge, and continue on Route 198/102
- Continue on Route 102 until Southwest Harbor
- Turn right on Seal Cove Road
- Take the very next right
To Gouldsboro:
- Take I-95 exit 182 (Bangor-Brewer 395)
- Take Route 1A exit to Route 1 in Ellsworth
- Follow Route 1 to Gouldsboro
- Turn right on Route 186
- Turn right on Summer Harbor Road