Helen and Walter Norton Preserve

Acquired in 2016 by the [Harpswell Heritage Land Trust](http://hhltmaine.org), the [Helen and Walter Norton Preserve](https://hhltmaine.org/get-outdoors/helen-walter-norton-preserve-birch-island/) protects more than 3,000 feet of shoreline on the northeast corner of Birch Island in Middle Bay. Formerly a boatyard and later the site of Camp Narragansett, a character building camp for Boston-area boys, the property is mostly wild today with little evidence of these past uses. It is managed by the land trust for coastal habitat, scenic preservation, and low-impact public recreation.

The best landing is at the northeast-facing pebble beach, just north of a relic, unmaintained dock structure. From here it is a short scramble up the bank to a grassy field that can accommodate several tents. Camping is allowed anywhere in the open field, but fires are not permitted anywhere on the property. There is a wooden shed on the property that is available for use as a rain shelter if needed.

Birch Island has many private homes on it, and visitors are asked to respect the privacy of other landowners on the island. A 3/4-mile trail leads southwest from the shed and loops around the perimeter of the eastern half of the preserve highlighting several scenic features of the property. Other informal trails can be found inland, but those exploring should stick to marked trail only. Given the presence of neighbors and sensitive wildlife, dogs should be under owner control at all times and leashed during bird nesting season, April 15 through July 31.