The 10th Anniversary of the acquisition of Timber Point and Timber Island

By Shelley Wigglesworth

Located in Biddeford where the Little River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Timber Point includes a 97-acre peninsula and 13-acre Timber Island. Timber Island itself is a well-known landmark with a prominent view of the island easily seen from Goose Rocks Beach. Most people are aware of Timber Island access by kayak or boat from the beach, though access to the island by walking the peninsula at Timber Point has been another option made open to the public for the last decade thanks to the efforts of people from multiple towns and organizations and all walks of life, along with private donors, lawmakers and businesses. Now a 1.4-mile loop on the Timber Point peninsula guides visitors along salt marshes, mixed forested areas, ocean edges and a sandy cove area. All areas along the way are teeming with wildlife, as the preserved land is also a diverse habitat for woodland mammals, aquatic life, a variety of migratory birds, and waterfowl. It is important to note that those who hike the trail can access Timber Island only at low tide. A tide clock is installed at the trailhead so visitors can successfully time their visit to the island if they choose to explore it.

Before being accommodated by the Trust, Timber Point was once one of the last large, privately owned shoreline properties along the coast between Cape Elizabeth and Kittery. In December 2011, the property became part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge's Little River Division. Ward Feurt, who has been a crucial part of the Timber Point project from the get-go explained how it came to be: 

“The descendants of the Ewing family that owned the property came to the realization they needed to do something when the endowment which had supported the property was diminished and taxes had increased. The septic system was compromised; replacement was expensive. The family had dispersed to California, Ohio, New York, etc. with the few remaining Mainers burdened with upkeep and administrative responsibilities. As is frequently the case, the family was divided on what course of action met their need to reduce or stop the outflow of funds and provide for the future of this family legacy. Robert Ewing, the architect, builder, and original owner had three sons. One died in WWII, the other sons had eight and twelve family members. The twenty people had at least twenty opinions. The family eventually retained the services of a land manager/planner and agreed on selling the land to Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service).”

This is where a great partnership, unlike any other in Trust history, took place. The Trust for Public Land, The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, The Kennebunk Land Trust, The Biddeford Pool Land Trusts, and Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, jumped into action collectively partnering with hundreds of individuals, small businesses, large companies, and foundations to meet the fundraising goal necessary to secure this land as an addition to the Rachel Carson Refuge. Feurt elaborated “The refuge worked with Senator Susan Collins and Representatives Tom Allen and Chellie Pingree who were able to direct $3M in Land and Water Conservation funds for acquisition of Timber Point. The Maine Attorney General dispersed $200K to the refuge from a settlement for tankers dumping in U.S. harbors and these funds were used to help buy the property as well. Trust for Public Land provided the real estate expertise. Friends of Rachel Carson NWR built support with neighbors and donors. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust volunteered to act as the fiscal agent. The public fundraising campaign launched in summer of 2011 and closed out in late fall. Over seven hundred individuals contributed. The partnership is what made the project exceptional.”

In March of 2012, three months after the accommodation of the land in 2011, the refuge had a trail roughed in. In May of 2012, five months after the land acquisition, the trail was complete and being used. By the time summer rolled around, the Youth Conservation Corps built a ramped observation platform, allowing for a universally accessible portion of the Timber Point Trail, providing the opportunity for even more people to access and enjoy the area. The City of Biddeford then painted parking stripes and donated a bike rack for the parking area where access to Timber Point begins. If visitors want to explore from the water and enjoy a different perspective of Timber Point and/ or wish to visit Timber Island without waiting for the tide to walk there, there is an option to bring canoes or kayaks to the Little River for water access. 

Tom Bradbury, Executive Director of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust reflected, “December 2021 is the 10th anniversary of when we worked to save Timber Point and Timber Island. It’s a very special property and it’s protection was very important for wildlife and the look and feel of Goose Rocks Beach and Biddeford Pool.” Feurt agreed and concluded “The property has been wildly popular and wildlife values exceed our original estimates. Overall, everything about it exceeds our high expectations.” 

All are encouraged to take the time to visit Timber Point and Timber Island and experience the wonder of this beautiful place made possible by the extraordinary partnership of so many. 

To reach the trail from Route 9 in Biddeford, turn onto Granite Point Road. Stay on Granite Point Road until you reach the end. The trail begins where Granite Point Road turns into Timber Point Road. For more information, visit:

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson/