Zak Preserve

Discover

Zak Preserve in Boothbay brings an open field, woodland, and the Wildcat Creek watershed into one varied walk. The transition between those habitats gives the outing its shape. A broad meadow scene can give way to trees and a tidal waterway, making the preserve a rewarding place to explore how the inland and coastal parts of the peninsula connect.

The land's protection has a clear personal history. Michael and Roxanne Zak contributed funds toward a major purchase in 2003 and added land of their own. Boothbay Region Land Trust identifies that gift as the beginning of Zak Preserve. The public walk is therefore connected to a decision to keep this field-and-forest setting within a larger conservation landscape, rather than allowing each part to become separated from the others.

For a first visit, choose a preserve circuit from the current map at the Route 27 entrance. The operator describes an easy trail network within Zak itself. Let the open field and creekside woodland provide the main themes, with enough time to notice the change in enclosure along the way. A shorter route can still give a clear sense of the preserve if it includes both a wider habitat view and a closer look within the trees.

Wildcat Creek provides the water connection. The preserve spans parts of its watershed and headwaters, with salt marsh and other wet ground adding to the variety. Follow the marked path while observing how the creek sits among the surrounding vegetation. The interest is in the relationship between water and land: a view through trunks toward the creek can feel quite different from the more open field at the start of an outing.

An original November 2022 account by Dan Rothermel describes hiking here with Hannah beneath a covering of autumn oak leaves. Their route beside tidal Wildcat Creek was part of an enjoyable day exploring the region. He also noted a hidden stump under the leaves. That specific experience suggests a sensible pace for an autumn visit—look outward at the water, then give attention back to the ground beneath your feet as the trail continues.

The preserve participates in the land trust's bird-box monitoring work, too. Its 2026 seasonal report records nesting activity at Zak as part of a wider program that contributes observations to NestWatch. That background gives the meadow and woodland another meaning during a walk. Conservation here includes repeated attention to living processes, with monitoring carried out by people returning through the seasons. Watch from the trail and give nest boxes and wildlife their space.

Zak also connects with the longer River~Link corridor. That route belongs to a separate, more ambitious plan involving road crossings and additional lands; the preserve's own circuit makes a complete outing. Finish with another look across the open field before returning to the entrance. The strength of a Zak visit lies in its combination of connected habitats, a creek with a coastal character, and the human effort that kept this varied piece of the peninsula together.

Fun facts

1. Zak Preserve began through a 2003 contribution and land gift from Michael and Roxanne Zak.
2. The preserve includes Wildcat Creek watershed and headwater habitat.
3. Zak is connected to the longer River~Link conservation corridor.

Read the official sources →

Visitor perspectives

1. Dan Rothermel enjoys an autumn walk beside tidal Wildcat Creek with Hannah, while noting a stump hidden under fallen leaves.

Capture

1. Pair an open-field composition with a wooded view toward the creek.
2. Observe birds at a distance without approaching or opening nest boxes.

Social

Zak Preserve brings open field, woodland, and creek habitat together.

A 2003 gift helped keep this varied Boothbay landscape connected.

Wildcat Creek gives the walk a distinctly coastal water setting.

Choose a preserve circuit before considering the longer River~Link corridor.

Autumn leaves add color while calling for careful footing.

Nest-box monitoring adds another layer to the preserve’s conservation story.

Keep dogs leashed and watch wildlife from the trail.

Return to the field with a clearer sense of the creek and woodland beyond.

Hashtags

1. #Cre8Travel
2. #Maine

Sources & visitor information

• bbrlt.org
• over60hiker.wordpress.com
• bbrlt.org