Nature Program: Measuring Change in the Ducktrap Forest

Photo credit: JP Raite

Join Coastal Mountains Land Trust and student researcher JP Raite for a 2.5-mile walk and talk about our changing forest. JP recently led a team of UMaine Forestry students in establishing permanent monitoring plots within Ducktrap Preserve to track changes in forest health and structure as this region faces increasing pressures from climate change, invasive species, and tree pests and pathogens.

We’ll visit three plots in hemlock, ash, and beech stands, where JP will share findings from her first year of data collection. Identification guides will be available for anyone interested in getting better acquainted with our native species. On the return walk, we’ll slow down for some quiet forest bathing and, with luck, a hermit thrush serenade.

All ages are welcome to this free public event! The trail is well maintained with moderate elevation gain.

Directions: Meet at the Ducktrap Preserve trailhead parking lot (2749 Belfast Rd., Lincolnville, ME 04849). Once the group has gathered, we’ll cross Belfast Rd./Hwy. 52 and hike a portion of the west trail to visit the three forest inventory plots.

Bring: Water, layers, and insect repellent.

Registration: To register, please fill out this brief registration form. Email Rosie at rosieh@coastalmountains.org with any questions.

About JP (Julia) Raite: JP is an Ecology student at the University of Maine researching environmental change. She also works as practice manager at OPAL Architecture in Belfast. A Lincolnville resident and neighbor to the preserve, Julia spends much of her free time walking its trails and sitting in the river.