Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of a 19-acre property in Newcastle, an addition that expands the Marsh River Bog Preserve and extends the River~Link trail and wildlife corridor northward. The new property, purchased from the Penny family in October, adds to one of the region’s most distinctive wetlands and secures an important wildlife crossing along Route 1. 

River~Link is a collaborative effort bringing together state, municipal, and nonprofit partners to secure a permanently conserved, accessible network of land spanning thousands of acres along the Boothbay Peninsula, supporting climate resilience, clean water, outdoor recreation, community connection and the movement of wildlife. 

There is evidence of a healthy population of moose in the River~Link corridor, and the Penny property is located at a point where moose are known to cross Route 1 as they travel north and south.  

The wetland itself is a beautifully complex area, rich with features that make it truly unique. In spring, tufts of cotton grass sprout up across the bog, while wild cranberries and carnivorous pitcher plants thrive among the native vegetation. The bog also represents vital habitat for nesting waterfowl such as wood ducks and Hooded mergansers. 

The new addition complements existing conserved lands around the bog, creating a stronger buffer to protect water quality downstream into the Marsh and Sheepscot Rivers. It also serves as a scenic gateway to the Damariscotta-Newcastle area. 

Sean and Amanda Penny generously sold the property to Coastal Rivers below market value, which allowed the land trust to use the donated value as a match for multiple grants, including support from the Davis Conservation Foundation, the John Sage Foundation, and a pending grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.  

"When we learned how this property could fill in a missing piece in the River~Link corridor, we knew it was the right thing to do,” the Pennys wrote. “We're proud to play a small part in this larger project.” 

Additionally, Coastal Rivers is grateful for the support of the Ram Island Conservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, whose partnership helped make this and other River~Link projects possible. 

This acquisition follows two other recent additions to River~Link in Newcastle, including the 2024 purchases of the 45-acre Patten property and the 10-acre Reed’s Trees property, which together formed a key connection between Baker Forest and the Schaller Preserve. 

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.