Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Sears Island Coastal Preserve is a protected area located off the coast of mid-coast Maine near the town of Searsport. The preserve covers approximately 940 acres on Sears Island, the largest undeveloped island on the Maine coast. The island features dramatic cliffs, tidal inlets, salt marshes, and a blend of spruce-fir and hardwood forests, creating a rich variety of habitats for shorebirds, peregrine falcons, seals, and rare plant species. The island's terrain includes rocky shorelines and elevated viewpoints offering expansive views of Penobscot Bay. Historically, Sears Island was used for logging and has cultural significance linked to maritime activities. Today, it is managed to maintain its natural character, with minimal development and limited human impact. The preserve offers several trails that wind through forest and along the coastline, where visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Access is typically by boat, enhancing the sense of remoteness and wilderness. Though no camping facilities exist on the island, day visitors cherish quiet, contemplative visits amid pristine coastal scenery. The preserve is an important site for environmental education, research, and protecting Maine’s coastal biodiversity.
