Redmond’s Creek Preserve

Description and Access

Redmond’s Creek Preserve is a 9-acre, mostly forested parcel located in Harrington, Maine. It has a small loop parking area, information kiosk, picnic table and a fire ring.

Kiosk and picnic table at Redmond’s Creek

The land abuts tidal marsh adjacent to the Harrington River, and has a history of being an important spawning habitat for rainbow smelt.

This preserve can be accessed from US Route 1 in Harrington by turning south onto Marshfield Road and driving approximately 0.2 miles to Cates Road. Turn right on Cates Road, then turn left at the first driveway (unmarked) and proceed for 500 feet to the parking area and kiosk. There are no amenities or facilities at this location, and visitors should follow the “Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out” policy when visiting this preserve.

History and Background

This 8-acre property is dedicated in memory of Charles “Charlie” Parker. Charlie was a resident of Harrington, a local high school teacher, and a strong advocate for conservation. Charlie and his students worked with the Downeast Salmon Federation for many years monitoring water quality and improving fisheries in this region.
​This property has been protected by the Downeast Salmon Federation to ensure the conservation of this important smelt spawning habitat and to ensure continued public access to this traditional smelt fishing site.

Redmond’s Creek has been a destination for people wanting to catch smelts for many generations, and this tradition continues to this day. On dark nights in the spring of the year, people come with their dip nets and flashlights to scoop up the migrating fish. Despite the harvest pressure, Redmond’s Creek is one of the most productive smelt brooks in the region.

​In May of 2010, knowing the ecological and public access values of the property, DSF moved quickly to secure funding to purchase the property. With the help of our many members, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Downeast Coastal Conservancy, and the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation, DSF was able to purchase the property to protect it and ensure public access forever.