Dodge Point Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dodge Point Preserve |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Dodge Point Preserve
Location in Maine
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| Location | Newcastle, Lincoln, Maine, United States |
| Area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
| Established | 1989 |
| Operator | Damariscotta River Association |
Dodge Point Preserve is a special natural area in Newcastle, Maine. It's owned by the state and kept safe for nature. This preserve covers about 500 acres (202 hectares) of land. It also has over 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) of shoreline along the beautiful Damariscotta River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and a dock here. The preserve was created in 1989. It is looked after by the state and the Damariscotta River Association working together.
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Exploring Dodge Point Preserve
Dodge Point Preserve is located in the southern part of Newcastle. A road called River Road goes through the western side of the property. When you enter the preserve from the north, you'll find a parking area. There's also a trailhead with an information board to help you get started.
What You'll See at the Preserve
The land here is mostly covered with tall red pine trees. These trees were planted when the area was used as a tree farm. The state still sometimes harvests some of these trees.
There are more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) of marked trails for hiking. These trails let you explore the different parts of the preserve.
Cool Spots to Discover
- Ice Pond: Near the northern edge of the preserve, you'll find Ice Pond. Long ago, people used this pond to harvest ice. They would cut large blocks of ice from the frozen pond.
- Brickyard Beach: One part of the shoreline is called Brickyard Beach. You might wonder why! It's because you can find many old bricks and pieces of brickmaking tools here. These were left behind from brick factories that operated in the 1700s and 1800s.
A Look Back in Time: History of Dodge Point
The land at Dodge Point Preserve has been used by people for a very long time. Even before recorded history, people lived and worked here.
Ancient Discoveries
Archaeologists have found at least one ancient site within the preserve. This site is so important that it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place that tells us about the past.
From Farms to Forests
In the 1800s, much of the land was cleared for farming. If you walk through the preserve, you might see old stone walls. These walls were built by farmers long ago to mark their fields. Later, in the 1900s, the property became a tree farm. The state bought the land in 1989 to protect it as a preserve for everyone to enjoy.
