River Bend Farm
A place to inspire learning and sustainable living.
In a beautiful location on the Saco River in Southern Maine, River Bend Farm, home of The Ecology School, lives and breathes a sustainable future, now. All around our visitors, ecologically focused ways of growing food, conserving energy, and building community show that humans can thrive while nourishing the ecosystems we inhabit. At River Bend Farm, we strive to live, learn, work, and play in ways that are restorative to the world around us.
River Bend Farm is a historic 313-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River, just twenty minutes from the Maine coast. It is a place designed to bring people and nature together. We provide “live what you learn” opportunities for guests through hands-on exploration of Maine’s ecosystems, sustainable living practices, direct connection to food systems and farming along with modeling conservation-in-action.
From overnight retreats and conferences, to summer camps and school programs, River Bend Farm is a place where people of all ages will find comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and beautiful outdoor spaces to explore.
5 miles of trails
144 bed Dormitory nestled along the edge of a forest
7,000 square foot Poland Spring Education & Dining Commons overlooking the Saco River
Recreational L.L.Bean Waterfront
712 solar panels supply 105% of the site’s energy needs*
Agroecology farm
Dormitory and Dining Commons built to the specifications of the Living Building Challenge
* Check out the daily impact of our solar panels here:
More About the Spaces
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land that brings us together today, River Bend Farm, is the traditional land of the Sokokis Tribe of the Pequawket people of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Generations of ancestors have cared for this land and we acknowledge its unjust seizure. We are learning (and living) on their territory, honor their culture and are enormously grateful for their stewardship of the land.
Book Your Next Event at River Bend Farm!
A group's experience at River Bend Farm is completely customizable, created according to your needs. Our expert educational and programming guides are available to partner with your group to create a one-of-a-kind experience or we are happy to provide the idyllic setting for your prearranged program.
Please note River Bend Farm is available for multi-day rental only and we kindly require that all groups utilize our on-site lodging and food service to respect the valued mission of our organization.
For information or details regarding scheduling, lodging, food, the site, and more, please connect with Alex Grindle, our Director of Programs, using the form below.
Learn more & curate a custom experience for your organization.
For information or details regarding scheduling, lodging, food, the site, and more, please connect with Alex Grindle, our Director of Programs.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RENTING RIVER BEND FARM FOR AN OVERNIGHT RETREAT, CORPORATE PROGRAM, OR EVENT? CONNECT WITH US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOUR GROUP!
Questions about our COVID safety protocols and guidelines? Please review them by clicking here. Please note River Bend Farm does not host weddings.