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Exploring a Coastal Landscape
Existing Land Cover
As coastal and upland habitats develop at Round Top Farm, interpretive signage could be incorporated throughout the landscape to celebrate and inform visitors about the rich history and ecosystems of the Damariscotta Estuary. Information on indigenous peoples and the history of the farm and the plants and animals that call these varied habitats home could be displayed on the signs, as well as information about CRCT's stewardship activities. Interpretive locations suggested below can be reached with accessible paths. A self-guided tour could begin at the historic cemetery and move visitors throughout the landscape to highlight green stormwater management practices and native plants performing various functions on site. The viewpoint on the ridge southwest of the barn could serve as a place to educate visitors about features visible from the overlook, including the estuary, the importance of wide riparian buffers, and the different habitats located to the west of the site that are connected to the estuary such as brackish tidal marshes and eelgrass meadows. The viewing area by the barn could also point out these features as well as the shell middens to the north and other habitats beyond the site boundary like the bald eagle nesting area. Everyone can have access to this information as they meander through the native perennial gardens and the meadows.
The plan below shows how various habitats might be expanded and where interpretive signs could be placed. Signs, trail markers, and other educational features in the landscape (for example, animal sculptures) could be made in a style reflecting indigenous craftsmanship and the legacy of the site as Round Top Center for the Arts.
Brackish Tidal Marsh
Sedge Meadow
Hedgerows
Proposed Land Cover with Interpretive Stations
Vehicle paths
Oak-pine-Hardwood Buffer Accessible Paths
Mown Trails
Hayfield
View Point Sedge & Tall Grass Meadow
Hayfield Mown trails
Cattail marsh Mown lawn
Green Stormwater Management
Cattail Marsh
Grassy Shrub Marsh View Point
Rain Garden Mown Area Pollinator Meadows
Historic Cemetery
Vehicle Paths
Accessible path
Oak-hardwood woodland
Tall Grass Meadow
Interpretive Signage Location
