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Natural Resources Council of Maine

Protecting the Nature of Maine

Green Point Wildlife Management Area

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    Chosen By: Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications

    Location: Dresden, Lincoln County

    Green Point Wildlife Management Area by Allison Wells

    Green Point Wildlife Management Area by Allison Wells

    Description: A former orchard and farm, the area extends down to the shore of the Kennebec River forming the upper reaches of Merrymeeting Bay. A walk along the well-maintained old road passes through old orchards (often teeming with birds), small ponds and wetlands (where we once saw an enormous snapping turtle at rest along the shore), and leads to a beautiful pine grove on a peninsula that provides a magnificent, expansive view of the water.

    Activities: Hiking, bird watching, wildlife watching

    Favorite Season(s) to Visit: Spring, summer, and fall

    Why It’s Special: An excellent spot for a hike and an increasingly well-known birding location, especially during spring and fall migration. It’s very family friendly, a place where kids can run ahead of their parents safely without moving out of sight. Any time of year, there are interesting birds, insects, other wildlife, and plants to see and photograph. In spring, the apple blossoms are a gorgeous backdrop for warblers in their colorful breeding plumage.

    Tips: Stop by Goranson’s Farm just up the road for great local organic foods.

    More Info and Directions: On Route 128 (River Road) in Dresden, two miles south of intersection with Route 197 (Patterson Road)—watch for small gravel parking area on the right (west side of road).

    About Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications

    Allison came from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, where she was communications and public affairs director and served on the boards of other nonprofits. She holds a B.A. from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s from Cornell University. Allison is a widely published natural history writer. She and her husband Jeff, both native Mainers, musicians, and avid birders, also write a birding column for the Boothbay Register and are the authors of the book Maine’s Favorite Birds, published by Tilbury House. They live in Gardiner and enjoy birding, kayaking, and discovering new natural areas.