Edgar M. Tennis Preserve

Edgar M. Tennis Preserve is owned by the State of Maine and managed by Island Heritage Trust — an arrangement that dates back to 1972, when Dr. Edgar M. Tennis gave approximately 100 acres to the state with a specific wish: that the land he loved be made available to the public, its natural beauty preserved, and that it remain "Forever Wild." His daughter later donated an additional 15 acres and, in 1996, 30 more. Both additions are protected by IHT conservation easements.

The 145-acre preserve encompasses two old farms on the west and east sides: the Davis Farm and Pickering Farm. The trail system passes evidence of both — the forest changes character across different sections, reflecting how the land was used by its past inhabitants. Before the farmers, Wabanaki people camped along these shores for up to 3,000 years, most likely wintering here where strong tidal currents and fertile sea provided fish and shellfish. The farmhouse the Tennis family eventually purchased had, in the early 20th century, been owned by the artist Chase Emerson, for whom the Deer Isle library is named.

The shore trail passes a small pocket beach with ocean and island views. In winter, Common Eider ducks raft offshore in flocks that ecologist Dr. Ken Crowell calls "one of the wildlife wonders of the world." The trail has its challenges — shallow, fragile soils mean exposed roots and sometimes soggy footing — but the reward is proportionate.

Directions: south on ME-15 past Deer Isle village, left on Sunshine Road (across from Mill Pond Irving), 2.5 miles, right on Tennis Road to its end. Four small parking areas on both sides of the road as you enter the preserve.