Morong Cove
Straight Bay Road, Lubec
A sweeping panorama of Straight Bay (part of inner Cobscook Bay) provides a view of field, salt marsh, mud flat, and water. With a twice-daily tidal exchange of salt water from the larger bay, the coves of inner Cobscook Bay are highly productive environments. The saltwater estuary supports healthy coastal fisheries by providing shelter, food, and nursery areas for fish and shellfish. Morong Cove is an important overwintering area for black ducks and other sea and shore birds. An open meadow, once part of a saltwater farm, hosts savannah sparrows and other grassland birds. Wild turkey browse among the wild apples and hawthorn. Ravens croak from the trees on the opposite shore, and bald eagles nest nearby. Take in the view from the parking area, or walk, ski or snowshoe through the woods, fields, and shoreline.
207.434.5927 | http://maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/land/department/region_c/cobscookbay.htm
Year-round. Parking. Accessible. Trails. Interpretive sign.
Fisheries Heritage
Fishing in Downeast Maine was practiced in tandem with farming. These two ways of life come together at Morong Cove, where a family farm was active until sometime in the 1970s. Cows and sheep browsed on the marsh grasses, the saltwater tides producing nutritious feed. The family processed meat, milk, butter, and firewood , and even cleared part of the land for a baseball diamond in the early 20th century. The parking area and viewpoint are on the site of the old barn. The Land For Maine’s Future Program helped preserve the 136-acre shorefront parcel, adjacent to the 350-acre Morong Point Wildlife Management Area. http://www9.informe.org/lmf/projects/project_detail.php?project=1591
Downeast Fisheries Trail Interpretive Panel
Activities & Events
Morong Cove is an excellent spot for birdwatching, and paddling among the creeks and marshes.