Lisa Tolman Wotton Nature Preserve

Description

The terrain and wildlife habitats on this property are remarkably diverse. The 40-plus acre gem on Little Deer Isle contains steeply wooded hills and ravines, bubbling brooks, a bird-watcher’s gold mine in a large white cedar swamp, and a high, rocky knob with views of the water, known historically as Spinney Ledge.

The trail sets out through fields dotted with spruce and fir trees, but quickly enters the woods after 0.2 miles. The trail reaches a junction a half mile in. From this junction, various loops are possible. It is 1.4 miles around the Blaster Loop, or 1.6 miles with the Big Pine Loop added on. Spinney Ledge, which offers views out to the ocean, is a quarter mile from this junction, or can alternatively be accessed via a 1.1 loop along the Spinney Trail. The 0.6-mile Black Brook trail is an out-and-back trail, paralleling Black Brook for much of its length.

Other Information

HISTORY

For many generations this property was treasured by the descendants of Sherman Eaton, himself descended from one of Deer Isle’s earliest English-speaking settlers. The family has since moved off-island, but have fond memories of gathering together here each summer. Wanting to protect their beloved property as a nature preserve and maintain it for public use, the family generously donated it to IHT in 2017. Because a much loved daughter, Lisa Tolman Wotton, is buried here, they asked that the preserve be named in her honor. Stacie Wolgalter said of her cousin, “Lisa loved roaming through the fields, picking blueberries, walking through the woods, building forts, walking down to visit her aunt at the shore and swimming off Big Rock. She had such an adventurous spirit and the biggest heart.”

GUIDELINES

• Day use only; no camping or fires
• Please stay on marked trails
• Please respect the private property of neighbors
• Foot traffic only on the trails, no bicycles or motor vehicles
• Leave No Trace; do not remove any natural objects and carry out all waste

• Dogs are permitted on leash only from May 1 – September 30; dogs are permitted on leash or under voice control of owner October 1- April 30.

• No hunting is permitted. However, during hunting season, all visitors are urged to wear blaze orange.

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Island Heritage Trust website, or contact: