Runaway Farm
A Story of Preservation, Conservation, and Biodiversity.
Runaway Farm was purchased by the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust (CELT) in 1988. The 50 acre property is open for public recreation and is an important habitat for many species including the vulnerable New England Cottontail (NEC).
During spring 2022, Zofia, a senior at Cape Elizabeth High School studied NEC by monitoring dropping and browsing activity via GPS at both Runaway Farm and on part of Gull Crest Fields. This project also included plant, biodiversity, and property research. This project follows the NEC and the conservation done by CELT to protect and rehabilitate the species along with the interconnection of the farm's inhabitants. Her work is part of the Extended Learning course coordinated by Sarah Plummer, where students conduct interest projects.
Photo: Wells Reserve at Laudholm, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
In the years of 2018, 2019, and 2021 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife collected NEC pellets to determine the presence of the species on the property. The results of the collection can be found at the right.
To the right are the plots monitored for NEC activity. The data from these plots was collected through GPS tracking of NEC browsing and droppings. Each plot studies different characteristics determining which area has the most NEC activity.
Runaway Farm can not survive on its own. Hundreds of different species connect to the property creating a diverse, thriving ecosystem. Butterflies, caterpillars, moths, and other insects aid in this connection as many species, especially birds, rely on them for a food source. Native plants are caterpillars and NECs food sources. Eliminating these plants or losing them to invasives would crucially disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, butterflies are pollinators which create food and seeds in plants that benefit other animals including NEC and bird species. Then birds spread those seeds, increasing plant life on the property. All these benefits and connections make each species of butterfly, moth, caterpillar, and bird, crucial in supporting the ecosystem and the NEC.
Photo: "Runaway Farm" Maine Trail Finder
Native Plants of Runaway Farm
Runaway Farm is home to an abundance of native plant species. The map to the right provides information to some of the key species.
Help the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust preserve Runaway Farm and its biodiversity through keeping your dogs leashed and staying on the trails. With your help we can keep the land healthy and the rabbit and native plant populations growing!
Photo: "Runaway Farm" Maine Trail Finder
