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• Merryspring Nature Center

Merryspring Nature Center - a 66-acre private park and nature center with walking trails, an arboretum, and several themed gardens

Merryspring Nature Center is a non-profit, privately-owned, 66-acre park and education center located in Camden and Rockport. The mission of the Merryspring Nature Center is “To practice, teach and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment, and to provide natural landscapes and cultivated areas for public enjoyment.”.

Today, the public enjoys walking trails, an informative and welcoming visitors’ center, an arboretum, an herb garden, a rock garden, a children’s garden, a birds & bees garden, a rose garden, and three different greenhouses, with many other natural delights mixed in. White-tailed deer are commonly sighted in the park, as are barred owls, ruffed grouse, and a wide variety of songbirds.

Merryspring Nature Center was founded in 1974 by Mary Ellen Ross, a local horticulturist. She wanted to create a sanctuary where horticulture could be studied and enjoyed. Each year that the Center grows, her dream becomes a larger reality.

To get there, follow Route 1 to the Camden/Rockport town line. Just on the Camden side of the line, you will see Conway Road at the top of a hill, just in front of Subway. Merryspring Nature Center is located at 30 Conway Road.

The Center is open to the public every day free of charge. The Center offers trails through and around gorgeous gardens, as well as a variety of special events such as discussions, lectures, classes, and workshops. Call (207) 236-2239 for more information. Please note, no dogs are allowed in the park.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
“Merryspring Park, Camden, Maine” by Dave Jensen on Flickr Creative Commons
“Merryspring Park, Camden, Maine” by Dave Jensen on Flickr Creative Commons
“Merryspring Park, Camden, Maine” by Dave Jensen on Flickr Creative Commons

You can view more images of Merryspring Nature Center and other Maine images by visitng Dave's Flickr page.