Chalk Pond Preserve

Description and Access

The Chalk Pond Preserve consists of a 200-foot buffer around the southern two-thirds of the pond, with a DSF sign and short access road coming from Route 193 just south of the junction with Route 9 in Beddington, Maine.

Scenic Chalk Pond

This scenic pond has parking for several vehicles, pond access for boating, fishing and ice fishing, two picnic tables and an information kiosk. There are no facilities at this property, and visitors should follow the “Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out” policy while visiting this preserve.

Kiosk and picnic tables at Chalk Pond Preserve

History and Background

Chalk Pond owes its name to the discovery of diatomaceous earth in the 1800s, and the Chalk Pond Company once had rights to mine this deposit. Little is known about the actual mining operations which occurred here, but some remnants of a former mill still exist. Diatomaceous earth is formed by the accumulation of fossilized diatoms, and powdered diatomaceous earth can be mixed with grain to deter insect infestation and also used as a flea repellent for livestock.