Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Roby Memorial Forest is a 160-acre protected area located in the town of Eliot, Maine, maintained by the New England Wild Flower Society. The forest preserves a stand of well-established northern hardwood trees including red oak, sugar maple, beech, and white pine, some of which are over a century old. This forest represents a rare example of mature forest in southern Maine and serves both as a natural sanctuary and educational resource. Trails weave through the forest, allowing visitors to experience quiet woodland atmosphere, seasonal changes, and diverse understory plants. The preserve is a favored spot for botanists and nature lovers interested in native flora, forest ecology, and birdwatching, with the presence of various migratory and resident bird species. Roby Memorial Forest was established to honor Harriet Roby, an early conservationist, and has become a local landmark for passive recreation and nature study. Visitors appreciate the peaceful walking paths, interpretive signage, and the chance to observe a relatively undisturbed forest ecosystem near a populated region. Despite its modest size, the forest offers a meaningful connection to Maine's natural heritage, supports biodiversity, and promotes awareness of forest conservation values.
