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Trusts join forces to buy and conserve 47 acres along York River

The land is half marshland and is home to the salt marsh sparrow, an endangered species in Maine.

YORK, Maine — At the southern tip of Maine, York County is growing and is ripe for continued development. 

For those who work to conserve lands, this presents a challenge, but three groups celebrated a win as the new year began.

Combining their funds, the York Land Trust and Maine Coast Heritage Trust bought 47 acres of marsh and field along the northern edge of the York River — land that will be conserved by the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which is a part of U.S. Fish and Wildlife and is based in Wells. 

The land filters water and is home to a wide spectrum of plant and animal species. Marsh migration is an important part of Maine’s fight against climate change.

Amelia Nadilo, executive director of York Land Trust, explained the need to keep developments back from this precious resource.

"It’s having space for the marsh to move towards upland areas, as we see rising sea levels and more frequent flooding," she said, standing on the land Wednesday. "And, so, by being able to protect this marshland, it allows space for the marsh to move, as well as the species that inhabit it."

One of those species is the salt marsh sparrow, considered endangered by the State of Maine. 

"It’s quite a special bird," Karl Stromayer, manager at the Carson refuge, said.

Stromayer and the trusts said the sparrow has been found on the York property, and protecting the land from development will not only allow the marsh to move freely, but the bird to thrive as well.

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