York Land Trust is pleased to share that we have recently acquired a 56.5-acre property within our Cape Neddick focus area. The parcel has many of the characteristics that we tend to look for when protecting land: it is situated within a 935-acre block of undeveloped forest near the coast, abuts other YLT conserved land, and contains high-value wetlands that are part of a larger, ecologically significant wetland system. Additionally, there is documented occurrence of threatened wildlife species in the area, underscoring the importance of preserving this land. We are feeling grateful and excited to have permanently protected this land in an area of town that is in such high demand for residential development. Acquiring this property is an important step forward towards our greater goal of creating a public access preserve in the Cape Neddick focus area.
The Cape Neddick focus area spans 6,300 acres in close proximity to the coast and hosts a diversity of wildlife, including wading birds, waterfowl, and a handful of rare and threatened species in Maine. It also hosts ecologically important wetland and swamp systems. These wetlands behave as powerful natural sponges that prevent flooding and erosion during heavy storms while also supporting vernal pools that provide habitat for sensitive amphibian and aquatic species.
Acquiring this property brings our total number of protected properties to 62 and our total acreage to 3,670. We also hold 30 conservation easements and have worked with other organizations to help conserve another nearly 1,500 acres. Last year, we conserved 127 acres of land, including 73 on the upper reaches of the York River – successfully protecting this property means we’re off to a very good start in 2025!
The recently acquired property has both ecological value and historical interest.