Overview
The Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore consists of 8.9 hectares (21.8 acres) of nature preserve and 11.4 hectares (28.2 acres) of conservation easement.
History
Motivated by the shoreline development they witnessed in their home state of Maryland, Ron and Rosemary Clanton wanted their serene place to maintain its tranquility for the benefit of Islanders and visitors. The name “Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore” was chosen for the preserve in memory of the Clanton’s niece who tragically passed away in a car accident at age twenty.
Ecology
The preserve contains a pond, a cobbled beach, forest, and a wetland that is home to great blue herons, spotted sandpipers, soras, and other wading birds. The area is a popular stopover for migrating songbirds. Unusual seabirds have been observed from the seashore such as Manx shearwaters, red-necked phalaropes, roseate terns, and dovekies.
Access and Activities
A wonderful coastal footpath (Red Trail) links the Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore to the Seven Days Work Cliff Nature Preserve, and the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline. The trail starts at the Whistle lighthouse, winds through the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline, and continues southeast along Seven Days Work cliff to Whale Cove where it meets the Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore. From there, the Grand Manan Trail snakes north again towards the Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch and on to the famous Swallowtail Lighthouse.
The public is welcome to visit the pond and beach for bird-watching and other passive recreation, however, the house and its immediate surroundings remain private. Visitors are asked to refrain from driving on the beach or down Cemetery Lane. The preserve is best accessed on foot either by the coastal trail or via Cemetery Lane behind the old Anglican Church off Route 776 (parking at the church if space permits).
*The property is undeveloped and there are a variety of hazards and risks associated with accessing this preserve. While this nature preserve is open for public access, visitors must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety and are to use the land at their own risk.