Merryspring Nature Center is a charming nature and education center in Camden and Rockport in the heart of midcoast Maine. We are open to the public every day during daylight hours, free of charge. To preserve the park and the numerous bird species, dogs are not allowed. 

You can hike four miles of rustic trails through meadows and forests to discover yourself in nature. It doesn’t take long to find the beautifully cultivated perennial, herb, and native species gardens located near the Ross Center and parking lot.  There is so much to see and do; visit the Vernal Pool, Fairy Village, and Kitty Todd Arboretum. Or attend an educational program, enjoy nature and even get married.

Outdoor activities include hiking & strolling the grounds, bird watching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Merryspring’s 66 acres span a diverse ecosystem of meadows, wetlands, and forests. Educational offerings include talks, classes, workshops and outreach to schools throughout the year. Merryspring relies on volunteers in the gardens and trails. Please contact education@merryspring.org to introduce yourself.

Office hours: Tuesday through Friday
from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Street Address
Merrryspring Nature Center
30 Conway Road
Camden, Maine 04843

Mailing Address
Merryspring Nature Center
P.O. Box 893
Camden, ME 04843

Park History

Merryspring was founded in 1974 by Mary Ellen Ross, a local horticulturist who had attained national recognition through her mail-order plant business, Merry Gardens. She envisioned creating a sanctuary where horticulture and nature could be studied firsthand. When the 66 acres that make up the Nature Center came on the market, Mrs. Ross enlisted the help of many friends in the horticultural community and bought an option on the land. Merryspring, Inc., a nonprofit, member-supported corporation, was formed to develop, maintain and operate the property as a nature park and horticultural center and to provide nature-based educational programs.

Since then, the Park has enjoyed steady growth under the guidance of many dedicated volunteers, trustees, and staff. New attractions have been added regularly: Hiking Trails throughout the 1970s, the Kitty Todd Arboretum in 1980, the Herb Garden in 1984, the Hexagon in 1987, the Rose Garden and Cottage in 1990, the Perennial Border in 1992, and assorted Memorials to individuals located throughout the park.

Another burst of activity began in 1995 when Merryspring embarked on building a visitor’s center. Completed in 1996, the Ross Center houses Merryspring’s administrative office, meeting room, Nature Library, and basement workspace for volunteers and staff. This project was a catalyst for other additions: the Hosta Garden in 1997, the Birds and Bees/Winter Color Garden in 1999, the Aileen Lubin Greenhouse in 1999, and the American Chestnut Breeding Orchard in 1999. Newer additions at Merryspring include the Daylily Garden in 2008, the Interpretive Trail in 2013, and a renewed Children’s Garden in 2015.

Today, more than 50 years after its founding, Merryspring is thriving with over 500 members and thousands of visitors each year.