The Wildlife Sanctuary includes 2 acres of grassy field, 9 acres of forest, and 300 feet of tidal frontage on the shore of the Muscongus River. A stone’s throw from the cabin is a pocket beach. At low tide, clam flats are revealed, and, downriver from the preserve, a colony of harbor seals makes their summer home. Numerous birds, such as black-back and herring gulls, bald eagles, kingfishers, terns and great blue heron, may be seen flying overhead or fishing along the riverbank. The large windows of the cabin provide panoramic views up and down the Medomak River. Jean Twomey, a South Portland resident, has stayed at the Osborn Finch Cabin the past few summers. “We had no idea how wonderful it would be until we made our way through the woods that first time to find the cozy cabin right on the water's edge. We brought kayaks and enjoyed the luxury of tying up our boats on the rocks out in front, exploring the neighboring islands and coves, occasionally stopping to picnic or take a swim. We brought plenty of good food, books and an eye for starlit nights, easygoing mornings, the sights and sounds of lobster boats, ospreys and an amazing variety of other shore birds. We felt so lucky knowing that someone left this beautiful place so that we can all have a chance to feel like Thoreau by the sea.”
It is a rustic getaway whose charm is most enjoyed by those who love the quiet solitude of nature and do not mind being without common creature comforts for a few days, as it has no electricity or running water. Despite Spartan amenities, it is a comfortable and relaxing getaway, with a well-kept indoor composting toilet, simple yet charming furnishings, and serene surroundings.
Although the cabin is available only on a summer reservation basis, the Osborn Finch Wildlife Sanctuary trails are open to the public year-round. The cabin is reserved on a donation basis. Proceeds from use of the cabin support PWA’s land and waters stewardship programs. To reach the preserve from Rte. 1 Waldoboro, turn onto Rte. 32 South, go 2.7 miles and turn east onto Dutch Neck Road. To reach the preserve from Damariscotta, travel the Biscay Road to Rt. 32 north in Bremen and drive 6.3 miles, turning right onto Dutch Neck Road. Once on Dutch Neck Road, go left at the fork and then travel 2.5 miles. The preserve’s sign and grass parking area are on the left. The cabin is about a 1/5-mile walk over a preserve trail from the parking area.
PWA is a volunteer-based, membership-supported non-profit organization with a mission to conserve the natural resources of the Pemaquid Peninsula through land and water stewardship and education. FMI, call 207-563-2196 or visit http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/cabin.html
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