As of this printing, both eagles and osprey call the island home today, and visitors should give the eagles in particular a wide berth, especially during nesting season.
Stratton Island was one of DRA’s very first acquisitions. The 28-acre island was a gift of the late Ann Stratton in 1988. The Strattons of Shreveport, Louisiana traveled to Maine every summer and until 1938 made Hodgdon’s their “menigawum,” which according to family tradition means “island home.” They kept a cow and built a large log cabin on the land. Sign of their habitation can still be seen, but, save for a well-defined foot trail, the human presence has faded into the background.
Daytime use only. No camping or fires permitted (note that camping is allowed on nearby Fort Island). Please keep to marked trails or the rocky shoreline, especially on the fragile east side bluffs. Please do not gather wildflowers, mosses, or shells, but please do carry away any litter when you leave. Please obey all signs and steer clear of eagle, osprey, and other bird nesting areas, especially during spring and summer nesting time. For your own safety, the dangerous ruins of the old home site are strictly off limits. Please inquire with the DRA about canoes, which may be available for members to use to access Stratton Island from the mainland. The DRA granted permission to the Maine Island Trail Association to list the island for day use.
For more information visit the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust website, or contact:
Stratton Island is only accessible by boat. The Island can be accessed form the boat launch in East Boothbay. Stratton Island lies at the north end of Seal Cove on the Damariscotta River in South Bristol. Access is most reliable at Boat House Beach on the northeast edge of the Island.
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