Earthrest Wilderness Sanctuary

Hiram, ME 265 acres Download Map

Grey and red fox, bobcat, coyote, fisher, bear, weasel, deer, moose, bald and golden eagles, woodcock, flying squirrel, reptiles, amphibians, and all kinds of songbirds have been observed at Earthrest Sanctuary in Hiram, ME.

In November of 2013, Northeast Wilderness Trust was the recipient of a generous gift from Pat Foley of Hiram, Maine. This small town is about an hour’s drive northwest from Portland and less than an hour from the White Mountains. Ms. Foley, a retired retreat center owner who has lived on this land for about 20 years and has come to love its wild character, donated 265 acres to Northeast Wilderness Trust.

A wolf's milk slime mold on a rotting log. Photo by Shelby Perry.

Photo by Shelby Perry.

A porcupine in the treetops at Earthrest. Photo by Shelby Perry.

Photo by Shelby Perry.

Photo by Shelby Perry.

Because Pat recognized this land’s importance as wildlife habitat and felt a responsibility to protect it from the threat of development, she sought out the Wilderness Trust to help her protect Earthrest as forever wild.

Earthrest Wilderness Sanctuary is part of a large block of undeveloped forest within the Sebago-Ossipee Hills region and includes a mostly forested rocky hill over 1,000 feet in elevation. Earthrest Preserve has high value for rare plants, including at least one endangered breeding population.

“The Earth’s undeveloped wild land is our capital.” Pat Foley, Former Property Owner

When asked about her reasons for choosing to donate her property, Pat says, “The Earth’s undeveloped wild land is our capital. If we maintain enough of it intact, it will provide us with interest, both now and in future years. The interest includes clean water, fresh air, sequestered carbon, a safe place for forest plants, fish, and wildlife to regenerate, a place where we humans can go to find peace and restoration. I would like to do my part to be sure these things, tangible and intangible, are available to future generations.”

We are delighted to have helped Pat protect this extraordinary place for all to enjoy, and to see that it remains wild and natural in perpetuity.

Earthrest Wilderness Sanctuary landscapes by Shelby Perry | American toad by Zack Porter

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