Our Commitment

The east side of the Damariscotta River once contained an enormous shell heap named Whaleback because of its shape. Much of this midden was removed in the late 1880s to supply a factory built here to process the oyster shells into chicken feed. As a result, only a small portion of Whaleback remains today. Managed in cooperation with the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, the area around the midden is now a State Historic Site that includes a small hiking trail and beautiful views of the river. A series of interpretive panels helps inform visitors about the history of the area.

Watch boats motor by, catch a glimpse of playful harbor seals, or see nearby nesting osprey take flight as you enjoy a picnic on the waterfront at Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site. Located on Davis Island in the Sheepscott River, Fort Edgecomb traces its origins to the early 19th century. Interpretive panels unfold the events surrounding the Fort's history when hostilities in Europe dictated construction of forts to protect local residents.