Property Overview

A working landscape,
protected in perpetuity

The 132-acre North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area has been providing hay and pasture for generations of central Maine farmers. Its 40 acres of open fields and surrounding mixed woodlands create one of the most ecologically productive edge habitats in the KLT portfolio.

Tanning Brook and Spring Brook converge on the property to form Bond Brook—one of the strongest wild brook trout streams in the capital area. The blend of open meadow, wetland, and forest attracts hawks, eagles, grassland birds, deer, and turkey year-round.

Access & Trails

Getting here

Directions

From Route 202 in Manchester, turn north on Puddledock Road. Continue approximately two miles to Prescott Rd. and turn left. Go 0.4 miles to Lyons Road, turn right, then 0.4 miles to the gate on the Old Wade Road.

Stream crossing

Water levels at the Tanning Brook crossing can be very high in spring or after heavy rain—crossing may not be possible at these times. Plan accordingly.

Hayfields

Local farmers raise 800–1,100 bales of hay per year on the North Acres fields. Mowed paths are open for walking. Please stay on marked paths to protect ground-nesting grassland birds.

History

Generations of stewardship

The Wabanaki—Maine's indigenous peoples—fished, foraged, and hunted throughout this region long before European farmers arrived in Manchester in 1775. Brown ash (Fraxinus nigra) and brook trout here hold ongoing cultural significance to the Wabanaki.

In the 19th century, the Prescott, Knowles, Wadleigh, Brown, and Cram families farmed this land. The Ithial Knowles homestead on the Old Wade Road produced 60 tons of hay, 80 bushels of barley, and 200 bushels of potatoes in 1880 alone—and the foundations of their farmhouse are still visible today.

Map

Trail & property map

Click to enlarge  ·  PDF available via brochure download