Willow Brook is the confluence of a number of small streams draining from the neighborhoods along Scott Dyer Road in Cape Elizabeth. This location is located in a wooded conservation area just upstream from a large culvert that separates the brook from the Spurwink River salt marsh. The brook is bordered by hardwood forest with an understory including both native wildflowers and invasive shrubs. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are common in this area as its lush landscape provides for them.

Photos taken at this observatory site  will help to monitor riparian and pollinator habitats. Pollinators are on the decline as their habitats are being destroyed and the climate is warming, so monitoring their existence, and the habitat they reside in is of utmost importance.

In addition to long-term habitat changes, this post will capture the short-term impacts of a planned replacement for the downstream culvert. This project is expected to cause rapid ecosystem change from a freshwater marsh to tidal wetlands. Photos captured here will provide a valuable dataset for future research and reference.

LEARN MORE: This area is owned and protected by Cape Elizabeth Land Trust . 

VOLUNTEER: CELT welcomes Volunteers! Learn more here  on ways you can get involved.

NEWS & EVENTS: Keep up to date with CELT news  and join us at our events .