Reid State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reid State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Reid State Park
Location in Maine
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| Location | Georgetown, Sagadahoc, Maine, United States |
| Area | 770 acres (310 ha) |
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Established | 1946 |
| Operator | Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry |
| Website | Reid State Park |
Reid State Park is a fantastic public park in Maine. It sits right on Georgetown Island, looking out over the huge Atlantic Ocean. This park is quite large, covering about 770 acres! It's famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and sand dunes, which are pretty rare in Maine. You can also find cool rocky tidepools, quiet salt marshes, and a calm tidal lagoon here. The park is carefully looked after by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Contents
Park History: How It Started
Reid State Park became a park in 1946. A kind businessman named Walter E. Reid gave the land to the state. Walter Reid grew up in Georgetown and didn't have much money when he was young. Later, he became successful and built a big house near where the park is now. He wanted to share this beautiful place with everyone, so he donated the land.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Reid State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a great place to spend a day outdoors with family and friends.
Swimming and Water Fun
You can go swimming in the ocean at two main beaches: Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach. If you prefer warmer water, check out The Lagoon. This is a calm tidal inlet where the water can be 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the ocean. It's perfect for a relaxing swim!
Picnics and Exploring
The park has special areas just for picnicking. You can bring your lunch and enjoy it surrounded by nature. There are also great spots for fishing if you like to cast a line. If you enjoy walking, you'll find several hiking trails to explore the park's different areas.
Amazing Wildlife at the Park
Reid State Park is a very important home for many animals, especially birds.
Birds and Their Nests
The sandy beaches are super important nesting spots for two special kinds of birds:
- The least tern
- The piping plover
These birds are endangered, which means there aren't many of them left. The park helps protect their nests so they can have their babies safely.
Other Animals You Might See
As you walk along the beaches, keep an eye out for other cool wildlife. You might spot different kinds of shorebirds, which are birds that live near the water. You could also see eider ducks, which are large sea ducks. And don't forget to look in the sand and rocks for clams and mussels!
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