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AMC Outing Exploring Whaleback Shell Midden with Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Date and Time

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Location

Damariscotta, Maine,
Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast,
ME

Registration

Registration is required for this activity.

Overview

I invite you to come spend the day with the AMC and Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust for a guided cultural tour of the historical and protected Whaleback Shell Midden. The site once contained a massive oyster shell heap (midden) formed over a period of more than 1,500 years by Native Americans. Much of the midden was removed in the late 1880s, as a result only a small portion of the Whaleback Shell Midden remains. Managed in cooperation with the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, and the area around the middens is now a State Historic Site that includes the midden and small hiking trails. Nearby the site is Roundtop Farm that also has amazing views of the river (estuary) and additional walking trails. Our guide will share with us the history of this beautiful, protected area as well as the history of Roundtop Farm. After the guided tour we will have a picnic lunch at Roundtop Farm and then if interested will travel over to Salt Bay Farm and Nature Center to explore another midden and dwellings made of local natural materials that students created as part of Coastal Rivers' Wabanaki Living Skills and Culture Program. Other highlights of the Salt Bay Farm we might see include nesting ground birds, spawning horseshoe crabs, osprey and eagles, marsh birds like sora, migrating elvers (American eels). This outing would be classified as easy walking on uneven ground that could have some wet spots, doing 2 miles at the Whaleback Shell Midden and Roundtop Farm, then 2 ½ miles at Salt Bay Farm and Nature Center. To participate, registration will be required and detailed information will be provided at that time.

AMC Trip Policy

Cost

Free

Whaleback Midden

Activities

Social Events
Walks

Offered By

Maine

Status

Open

Audience

Adults (18+)


Leader




(best time to call: Before 8PM)