Mullens Woods Project:

   The Mullens Woods preserve is a 117-acre parcel located in North Newport.  The Nature Conservancy received this abandoned farmstead in 1967 as a donation from the Hartwell family heirs.  Their intent was to preserve a stand of old growth Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) and Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), which are located on the property.  The buildings have since been razed and the fields are reverting to early successional mixed growth.  In addition to the pine/hemlock, a plot of English Oak (Quercus robur) planted by University of Maine students is located on the property. 

   The SRWA is currently working in conjunction with MSAD 48 to acquire Mullens Woods from the Nature Conservancy.  Under the agreement MSAD 48 will hold the fee title while the SRWA holds a conservation easement.  The tow groups will collaborate to develop a utilization plan that will allow the area to be used as an outdoor lab while maintaining the unique characteristics of the property. Suggested ideas for the area include habitat restoration for grassland birds, develop singing lanes for American woodcock (Philohela minor), and maintaining a diversity of successional stages.

Jim Dyer
SCHOOL ADMIN DISTRICT 48
Email:jdyer@msad48.org