Calderwood

Calderwood is a rugged island at the eastern extent of the Fox Island Thorofare, a busy deep-water channel separating North Haven and Vinalhaven. Long and slender, its interior consists of a mix of spruce forest and meadows and its shoreline is a patchwork of ledges, cliffs and sand and gravel beaches. A large, north-facing crescent beach is a popular sunning and picnic stop for boaters in Penobscot Bay. From here, trails lead to several other points on the island, including beaches along the southeast side and two camping areas to the northeast and southwest.

Conserved by [Maine Coast Heritage Trust](https://www.mcht.org/) in 1997, the island is named for its longtime owners, the Calderwood family. While there is no record of permanent settlement, the island once contained a corral and dug well to support sheep grazing. In the absence of sheep, spruce and juniper have colonized the meadows. MCHT uses periodic controlled burns to maintain the meadow environment and promote native grasses.

There are designated campsites at the southwest point and the northeast corner of the island. Groups of 6 or more and commercial uses should contact MCHT for permission to camp by calling 207-729-7366 or emailing stewardship@mcht.org.