| Maquoit Bay | |
|---|---|
 Looking southwest from the head of Maquoit Bay towards the islands off South Freeport | |
  Maquoit Bay Location of Maquoit Bay in Maine | |
| Location | Maine, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°51′36″N69°59′59″W / 43.85993°N 69.99981°W /43.85993; -69.99981 |
| Type | Bay |
| Part of | Casco Bay |
| Ocean/sea sources | Atlantic Ocean |
Maquoit Bay is abay inCumberland County,Maine, in the northern part ofCasco Bay. It is located betweenSouth Freeport and Mere Point,Brunswick, and is a Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance and one of the state'sImportant Bird Areas.[1]
The mouth of Maquoit Bay faces southwest, which results in its becoming a receptacle for nutrients flowing in from Casco Bay. The mixing of these nutrients with the organic material of the bay'ssalt marshes, a process assisted by the tides and the confluences of surrounding watercourses, creates a rich environment for marine life.[2]
On top of the large amounts of shellfish, the bay is also home to thousands of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds all year round.Shorebirds, in particular, undertake complete annualmigration round trips of up to 20,000 miles (32,000 km), taking them to nesting areas in the Arctic and winter homes in South America, and many hundreds of them stop in Maquoit Bay to rest for the next leg of their journey.
Wharton Point is a popular location forclam andshellfish harvesting. There is also aboat ramp.[3][4]
The point is named for Thomas Wharton, an early settler in Brunswick,c. 1684. He owned the lot in 1717. It was later sold to William Woodside, for whom the road it stands beside is named.[5] (Woodside Road and Maquoit Road merge at the apex of the tight turn in the road.)
It is the southern terminus of the "12-rod road", and served as an access point for vessels delivering and shipping lumber and farm products. Prior to its settlement, it was used byNative Americans for cartage between the sharp bend of theAndroscoggin River in Brunswick and Maquoit Bay. During theIndian Wars of the 18th century, agarrison and company of soldiers were stationed here to keep communication lines open betweenFort George and Maquoit Bay.
In 2020, Wharton Point was one of two sites in Brunswick selected as a test location for a shoreline study. Lasting five years, the study will explore the impact of using naturally found materials, such as oyster shells and downed trees, in reducing the effects of erosion.[6]
