Annie Sturgis Sanctuary in Vassalboro, Maine

Nature Trail, Wildflowers, and a Rare Stand of Wild Ginger

Jun 21, 2009

This small wildflower sanctuary offers visitors two short nature trails that cross tiny brooks and wind through an attractive conifer and hardwood forest.

The Sanctuary totals about 40 acres situated along the east bank of the Kennebec River. Vassalboro is a small town in central Maine located immediately north of Augusta, the state capital. The Sanctuary is open during daylight hours spring through fall and is not open in the winter months. No vehicles, dogs, or pets are allowed.

The trailhead is on the Cushnoc Road (formerly the Old Federal Road), just off State Route 201. The wooden Sanctuary sign that marks the entry is on the west side of the road, about a hundred yards from a large barn and house, once home to the Sturgis family. Very limited parking is available on the shoulder of this rural road.

After the initial half-mile, the nature trail splits into two loops, both easily walked in 15-20 minutes. The Ginger Trail is a 3/4 mile loop, and the River Loop is about 1 mile. Terrain consists of gently sloping hills through a forest of pine, fir, oak, beech, and maple. Sharp-eyed visitors may also see wild turkeys, foxes, and deer.

Mt. Tom represents the highest point in the Sanctuary, although it's really just a short hill (definitely not a mountain). Located between the Ginger and River Loop trails, it's a very easy climb. At the top of Mt. Tom is a fieldstone chimney and hearth, the remnants of the log cabin that the Sturgis family built here. Nearby is a modern-day bench — a convenient spot for a rest and a view of the Kennebec River. The bench is dedicated to Marilyn Dwelley, a local author of several well-received wildflower guides and tree identification books.

If on the River Loop trail: at the halfway point a narrow, informal path off the main trail takes interested explorers a short distance across the Maine Central Railroad tracks and to the edge of the Kennebec River. The tracks are used by freight trains, so look carefully before crossing. Also, the path near the river is steep and can be slippery.

A Special New England Wild Flower Society Sanctuary

The Massachusetts-based New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) owns the property, gratefully perserving it's wild beauty from the developers!

Woodland wildflowers include a couple stands of the wild ginger (Asarum canadense), which is a rare sight in Maine. Also purple trillium (Trillium erectum), which some folks call wakerobin or stinking benjamin. The more common trout lilies and wild violets are also present in this shady, humus-rich setting.

Additionally, in the adjacent rolling meadow, visitors see a charming range of many sun-loving wildflowers:

Check out NEWFS online for other properties open to the public in Maine and New England.

Short Nature Walks in Vassalboro

Ready for more walking? This rural town hosts a few other nature trails besides those at the Annie Sturgis Sanctuary. Visit the Vassalboro Conservation Committee for a brief description of these walks:

The copyright of the article Annie Sturgis Sanctuary in Vassalboro, Maine in Maine Travel is owned by Cheryl Pratt. Permission to republish Annie Sturgis Sanctuary in Vassalboro, Maine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.