Protect Clarry Hill Highlands
A grassroots effort to save 263 acres of critical habitat in the Medomak Watershed.
On a warm September evening, Clarry Hill is blanketed in scarlet. If you turn in place atop the summit, you can see miles around you–the far-off reaches of Muscongus Bay to the south, the dull lavender back side of the Camden Hills to the east, a ridge of working blueberry landscapes to the north, and a sun setting over Maine’s Midcoast to the west.
The scarlet blanket that surrounds you isn’t from the setting sun, but from lowbush blueberries, their small leathery leaves fading into red at the end of a productive summer. Everything special about Clarry Hill stems from this plant: the annual harvest that has supported and fed generations of Mainers, and those who were here before; the rocky fields that provide important habitat for threatened species; the open summit that showcases the best of the Midcoast.
This is a vital place, where wildlife, agriculture, recreation, and Maine’s natural splendor all converge. And we have the opportunity to keep it that way forever!
OVERVIEW
The Clarry Hill Highlands project consists of two large parcels– 212 acres in Union and 51 acres in Waldoboro, with a full 181 acres of blueberry barrens, that were placed on the market in late 2022. These parcels are adjacent to Midcoast Conservancy’s Clarry Hill Preserve, a smaller acreage lower on the hill with hiking trails. The hill has been in active blueberry production for generations, and the discontinued road to the summit has been a hidden gem for local visitors and people of all ages and abilities.
Given the rate of growth and new development in Maine and the Midcoast in particular–nearly 3 times the national average, by some measures– we feel without conservation action, these parcels would have had a high likelihood of being developed for residential use. So, in February 2023, Midcoast Conservancy negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Coastal Blueberry Service (CBS) to purchase the parcels for $1,050,000 and we are actively fundraising to protect this gem of the Midcoast by the end of summer 2023.
CONSERVATION VALUES
This picturesque landscape has stunning views in all directions, and provides significant habitat for a suite of uncommon grassland birds, including Upland Sandpipers, which have been listed as threatened by the state of Maine. Clarry Hill has been regionally renowned as a prime spot for birding for generations, especially during migration season, and nearly 150 species of birds have been observed here. As Scott Wiedensaul, New York Times bestselling author of "A World on the Wing” states. "Witnessing the 14,000 migrating hawks, eagles and falcons from the summit of Clarry Hill is exhilarating. It’s one of only three hawkwatch sites in the state that is regularly and fully staffed, and its data contribute to the Hawk Migration Association of North America’s continental raptor population index. It is critical that we protect this special place."
These parcels are also connected to a growing network of other conserved lands. If successfully preserved, the Clarry Hill Highlands project would create a 1,130-acre block of contiguous protected Midcoast Conservancy preserves, private conservation easements, and other current Midcoast Conservancy conservation projects.
CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Clarry Hill Highlands is a very high priority for Midcoast Conservancy, partner organizations, and many others–potentially one of the most important projects we have taken on. While Midcoast Conservancy is the lead organization in this acquisition, several other partner organizations will play a critical role in protecting this area as well as ensuring its continued stewardship.
We are actively working with conservation partners to ensure the valued blueberry barrens will stay in production for generations to come. This innovative approach will demonstrate the balance that can be achieved between working lands and conservation.
JOIN US!
We hope you will join us in the effort to protect this amazing property of statewide significance as we work to maintain the vital habitat, working lands, and public access for all to enjoy! Donations to this project may be made below.