Sebasticook Regional Land Trust is set to continue its series of 2023 programs with a meditative, nature exploration walk at Pleasant Lake Preserve in Stetson, a workshop to learn the Avenza Maps app, and a trail work day at Moulton’s Mill Preserve in Unity.
With fall bird migrations underway, the trust also is co-sponsoring a hike up Haystack Mountain with Midcoast Conservancy and Friends of Haystack Mountain.
Wild Mind, Wild Heart: Nature Walk at Pleasant Lake Preserve
People can join the trust from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, for an eco-spiritual outing designed to intimately engage the mind and senses with the surrounding forests and shoreline along Pleasant Lake in Stetson.
Led by Peter Wohl, Maine Registered Guide and spiritual director of the Treetop Zen Center, participants can make their way through this protected landscape, taking time to focus in on the sounds and sights along the trail and reflect on nature’s healing effects. Wohl is the author of “Wild Mind, Wild Heart: Discover Your True Self in Nature.”
Bring snacks, water, and footwear suitable for trail use and the weather. For directions, more information and to RSVP, visit sebasticookrlt.org.
Avenza Mapping App Workshop
Those interested in working with maps to mark trails, navigate woodlands, follow and track boundaries, or manage land stewardship activities can learn how to use this free, downloadable app at an SRLT workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Unity Public Library, 38 School St.
There are many ways to use this app to help with land stewardship or for recreational trail use. The workshop begins at the Unity Public Library on School Street with one hour in-classroom instruction and a presentation to gain a basic knowledge of the Avenza application and its uses for land stewardship activities. An iPhone, iPad, or Android device is required to download the app.
Next, travel to the Richardson Memorial Preserve for two hours of practice with field usage of the application. This will include basic orienteering uses with navigating and utilizing the digital map interface, measuring distance, drawing and tracking, trail marking utilizing the GPS Feature, delineating an area using the polygon feature, and adding photographs to the maps. Mapping a timber harvest area and marking invasive plant locations also will be discussed.
The workshop is led by Dan Hill, a biologist and licensed forester in the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Land Management Program. Registration is required at sebasticookrlt.org. Bring snacks, water, and footwear suitable for trail use and the weather.
Bird Walk on Haystack Mountain with Friends of Haystack Mountain and Midcoast Conservancy
On Saturday, Oct. 21, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust board chair and skilled birder Tom Aversa is leading a walk to the barrens atop Haystack Mountain, where panoramic views allow for observing of southbound migrant birds of prey. Participants also can search for other birds and see fall foliage.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the Liberty Baptist Church on Route 173 (Main Street) at Jacques Road. A half-mile drive up Jacques Road will follow to the Haystack Mountain Road Trailhead and then a walk up the access road. Waterproof shoes and binoculars are recommended.
The event is co-sponsored by Midcoast Conservancy, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust and Friends of Haystack Mountain. The hike is moderately difficult. All ages welcome, but pets should be left at home. For more information and to RSVP, visit sebasticookrlt.org or email Buck O’Herin at boherin1954@gmail.com.
Trail Work Day at Moulton’s Mill Preserve
On Sunday, Oct. 29, volunteers can join the trust from 8 a.m. to noon at the Moulton’s Mill Preserve off Route 139 in Unity to help improve trails and clear invasive honeysuckle near the parking area and along the boat access trail near the old mill site. The 700-acre Moulton’s Mill Preserve has two miles of frontage along Twenty-five Mile Stream, with trails that wind through floodplain forest and other woodland habitats. Be prepared for the weather, and organizers recommend bringing heavy duty gloves, waterproof footwear, and water. Other equipment for trail maintenance will be provided.
RSVP at sebasticookrlt.org. Donations are welcome to help support future programs but are not required to sign up. All programs are open to all.
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