Androscoggin River
The Androscoggin River separates Brunswick and Topsham. In addition to extensive undeveloped shoreland, the river hosts numerous islands, some conserved, that create scenic backwaters away from the main channel. It is one of the largest rivers flowing into Merrymeeting Bay.
Historically, the Androscoggin River was one of the most polluted in the nation due largely to discharges from textile and paper mills, and was a key inspiration for the Clean Water Act of 1972. The River is much renewed today. It provides important habitat, including bald eagle and great blue heron nesting sites, and great recreational boating and fishing opportunities. Sturgeon are often seen leaping out of the water near the Frank Wood bridge during spawning season. The River and the bridges spanning it are iconic, treasured features of our regional landscape.
Androscoggin River Conservation Properties:
Click an image below to learn more about each property in this conservation focus area.
250th Park
250th Park is a small public park easement on Maine Street in Brunswick across from Fort Andross.
Androscoggin Woods
Androscoggin Woods is a 58-acre parcel that protects 10,000 feet of frontage along the Androscoggin River.
Coombs
The Coombs property is a 24 acre fee property (owned by the Land Trust) on River Road in Brunswick.
Cow Island
Cow Island is a 58-acre island owned by the Land Trust in the Androscoggin River.
Simpson Farm
Simpson Farm is a 36 acre easement property of meadows, mixed forest, and stream floodplain on River Road in Brunswick.
Smart Property
The Smart Property is a 3.2 acre property on the banks of the Androscoggin River, a few blocks from the heart of downtown Topsham. It has been the home of the Town Landing Trail since 2016, and was conveyed to BTLT for permanent protection in 2018.
Androscoggin River Resources at a glance:
Recreation
Land-based Recreation
- Trails
- Hunting
Water-based Recreation
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
Traditional Land Uses
Agriculture
Forestry
Ecological
- WITHIN FOCUS AREA OF STATEWIDE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE (Kennebec Estuary)
Rare Natural Communities
- Freshwater Tidal Marsh
- Silver Maple Floodplain Forest
Significant Wildlife Habitat
- Tidal Wadingbird and Waterfowl Habitats
- Inland Wadingbird and Waterfowl Habitats
- Significant Vernal Pools
- Deer Wintering Areas
Rare Animal Species
- Bald Eagle
- Cobweb Skipper
- Tidewater Mucket
Rare Plant Species
- Spongy Arrowhead
- Dryland Sedge
- Tidal Spikerush
Agricultural Lands
- Open fields, active farms
Notable Landscape Features
- Coldwater fisheries: Atlantic Salmon, Eastern Brook Trout, Atlantic Sturgeon, Short-nosed Sturgeon
- Grassland Habitat
- Heron Colonies