Land Trust Spotlight #1: Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
Photo credit Alisha Chaney
Today is an exciting day for us at Maine Hikes, as we kick off the long-awaited Land Trust Spotlight series. We created this organization with a vision to give back to land trusts, who do so much for our environment and communities. While each trust operates slightly differently, ultimately, they’re here to protect our natural spaces for all future generations, and importantly, to provide access to them. Given Maine’s natural beauty and outdoors legacy, it may be surprising to learn that Maine has the lowest percentage of publicly owned land in New England. However, to the nature lover, it doesn’t feel like that. There’s often a trail waiting to be discovered within mere minutes of where we live or vacation, from Kittery to Fort Kent. We can thank land trusts for that.
About Land Trusts in Maine
Land trusts have worked tirelessly to conserve 12% of Maine’s total land, which is double the size of state parks, national parks, and national forests combined. There are 84 land trusts in Maine. While that number continually evolves, a couple of things stay the same:
Most of the permanent conservation of these lands is made possible by generous private landowners, who selflessly entrust their beloved family land to these trusts for conservation, environmental education, and community benefits.
Members and volunteers are the driving force behind land trusts, from creating and maintaining hiking trails, to environmental research, to nature-based community programs. Their efforts, both physical and monetary, make our favorite trails possible.
There’s no better place to start our journey than with Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, whose properties are a quick drive from the Portland metro, and offer a beautiful glimpse of coast, forest, and farm. So without further ado, here’s Lydia Coburn, Communications and Operations Manager of BTLT, who provides an overview of the organization and some insider tips for how to explore!
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) is a 1,300+ member nonprofit organization based in Brunswick. A nationally accredited land trust with over 3,300 acres of conserved land to date, BTLT protects vital natural areas, supports a thriving local food system, and connects people to the outdoors through inclusive education and recreation programs. By fostering resilient and connected communities, we work to ensure that the natural resources of our region are preserved for future generations of people and animals.
Our work reflects our belief that strengthening the bond between people and the natural world is essential to addressing environmental and social challenges, including climate change. We maintain public access to 24+ miles of trails across more than a dozen open spaces, provide habitat for wildlife, and safeguard regional water quality. Agricultural programs like the Tom Settlemire Community Garden and Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm not only nourish our community with fresh, local food, but also serve as gathering spaces where people come together to learn and grow. Our summer nature camp and partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community groups amplify our mission, allowing us to engage people of all backgrounds and ages with the natural world. Curious to learn more about BTLT or attend one of our 60+ community events? Sign up for our enewsletter!
Supporting BTLT means investing in a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future. Contributions help acquire and care for critical lands, expand educational opportunities, support a thriving local food system, and address the urgent need for climate resilience. By choosing to support BTLT, you join a growing movement of individuals and families who are passionate about strengthening our community through conservation and education. Together, we can protect what makes our area of Maine special and ensure a thriving community for generations to come. Donate today!
Check out some of our most beloved walking trails (and hidden gems!) in 2025:
1. Cathance River Nature Preserve
This property features nearly 8,000 feet of shorefront on the Cathance River, one of six rivers flowing to Merrymeeting Bay, a resource of statewide ecological significance. The Preserve is open to the public dawn to dusk and hosts an extensive network of trails that provide wonderful views of river rapids, flat-water, and the large Heath Bog.
Photo credit: John Lichter
Town: Topsham
Property Size: 230 acres
Approx. Trail Length: 3.3 mile network
Hidden Gem: This property is home to the Ecology Center! Open 12:00-2:00pm every Sunday, this sustainable building is a great destination for all ages. It hosts an array of native Maine mammals and birds on display, a collection of Maine minerals and rocks, an extensive library of field guides, nature books, and story books for all ages, and activities for youth of all ages to do on-site or to take home. Snowshoes are available in the winter months to borrow during the Sunday open house hours to explore the Preserve trails.
Get AllTrails! We’d be lost without it (literally).
2. Crystal Spring Farm
This property reflects many core aspects of the Land Trust’s mission including conserving land while also promoting local agriculture and supporting diverse community needs. Located only 1.5 miles from busy downtown Brunswick, the property hosts a visible working farm and trails that wind through deep forest, along creeks, vernal pools, and active farmland, and pass through the unique Sandplain Grassland.
Town: Brunswick
Property Size: 321 acres
Approx. Trail Length: 5 miles
Hidden Gems: On the North side of the property, you’ll discover the Labyrinth in the Woods, a restful opportunity for meditation and spiritual practice year round, as well as the Tom Settlemire Community Garden, which is bursting with activity three-seasons out of the year. On the South side, be sure to visit one of the best markets in Maine, the BTLT Farmers Market from May-October.
Photo credit: Sue Pinette
3. NEptune Woods
This unique property sits on Brunswick Landing (the former Naval Air Station) and is home to a section of the former Navy Fit trail. When there’s snow, this property is great for cross-country skiing, and in the warmer months it’s fantastic for beginner-friendly mountain biking.
Town: Brunswick
Property Size: 64 acres
Approx. Trail Length: 3.6 miles
Hidden Gem: The BTLT office is right around the corner from the trailhead! Hoping to connect with staff, pick up a trail map in person, or learn more about our work? Come by and say hello Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm, 179 Neptune Drive Suite 200.
Photo credit: Lydia Coburn
4. Woodward Point
After a snowstorm, pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis and head down the preserve’s wide paths where breathtaking winter shots of Casco Bay await. Venture along the network of trails that lead across open fields and through forest to the water’s edge and be sure to pack your binoculars for birdwatching. BTLT manages this beautiful property in partnership with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Photo credit: Alisha Chaney
Town: Brunswick
Property Size: 80 acres
Approx. Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Hidden Gem: This property is great for viewing wildlife! Woodward Point is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land in northern Casco Bay – a designated estuary of national significance. Two commercially important shellfish beds surround the preserve, which also serve as critical habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. The vast fields are also home to a healthy population of bobolinks estimated to be around eighty birds in the summer. You may also see great blue herons, bald eagles, and countless other avian species who frequent the preserve throughout the year. Porcupines are also often spotted here.
In Lands We Trust
Land trusts are pivotal to our hiking access in Maine, and we are honored to begin this Land Trust Spotlight Series with BTLT. The series will continue periodically over the next year; it’s our mission to celebrate every land trust in our state!
So hit one of BTLT’s trails this weekend, consider a donation to BTLT, and check out Maine Hikes’ growing art shop, where you can select BTLT as your non-profit designee of choice at checkout.
See you out there,
Maine Hikes team
Getting into winter hiking? Check out our winter hiking articles, and gear checklist!
