Ocean Point Preserve

This little but sweet preserve protected by the Boothbay Region Land Trust has an almost 1-mile loop and two views over a marshy habitat and small Tibbetts Pond. There’s a lot of bird song to be heard here in springtime.

The paths are well established with stairs and boardwalks, passing through fern glades and patches of low-bush blueberries and over lichen-covered rocks. A little trail brings you to a memorial bench on an open, sunny ledge at the side of the pond. You can feel the breeze off the ocean here, and on our visit, we spotted a great blue heron, dragon flies, lily pads, frogs and small fish.

Directions: From the junction of Route 27 and Route 96 at the light in Boothbay Harbor travel east on Route 96. Go 5.2 miles on Route 96 and turn right onto Van Horn Road and travel 0.3 miles, to a small parking area on your left, with space for about three cars. Parking is discouraged along the road.

Photos contributed by Olivia Goldfine.