Swan Island’s 2012 Season

2012 was a busy year as usual for Swan Island staff, volunteers and partners. We saw increases in visitation from 2012, and are hoping to see many new faces in 2013.

Now is the time to start thinking about your camping trip to the Island this summer — we begin taking reservations after March 15th. Remember, you can now access the Island for day use without reservations by paddling your personal canoe, kayak or small boat across. Simply place the user fees in an iron ranger (at the main pier or around the east side at the campground), grab a self-guided brochure and start to explore! For answers to your questions, or to see a map of the island and landing sites visit www.maine.gov/swanisland. Check in later this spring to see updates to the calendar for exciting events.

In addition to ongoing and essential Island maintenance and projects, we made some exciting progress on renovating the Tubbs-Reed house. With the enthusiasm and effort of the Swan Island Advisory Group and Friends of Swan Island, along with some much needed grant funding, several improvements were made to reestablish the structural integrity of this classic Federal period house. In addition, we hope to complete the creation and installation of new interpretive signage featuring the significant human and natural history of the Island. Stay tuned for the unveiling of these new attractive and educational signs later this summer, and be sure to come see them.

If you have always wondered about Swan Island, make this the year that you finally make that visit – either for a day or a camping trip. If you already know the splendors of this tranquil and intriguing place, then quit making excuses and come back! The Island awaits you starting mid-May.