The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend School Partnership
February 16, 2016
The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend (GMOW) is a biannual weekend that takes place all over the state of Maine. The GMOW, a project of the Maine Outdoor Coalition, is a series of events led by outdoor oriented organizations and companies to celebrate the how, where, and what of being active outside in Maine. The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) has been a strong supporter of the GMOW, hosting several public programs over the past few years to celebrate this fun-filled weekend. This year, DLLT was thrilled to be awarded funding from the GMOW School Partnership Fund, an inaugural fund designed to connect outdoor groups with local schools in order to bring Maine students outside.
DLLT hosted students and teachers from Princeton Elementary School on Friday, February 12th, for a morning snowshoe hike through the Farm Cove Community Forest. Students glided through freshly fallen snow, learning how to track deer, moose, birds, and other animals that are active during the winter months. Braving the sub-zero wind chills, they forged onward and enjoyed experiencing a part of the Community Forest that many had not seen before. Led by DLLT Education and Outreach Manager, Colin Brown, the students welcomed a small campfire to roast marshmallows, warm up with hot cocoa, and talk about natural changes in the winter landscape. With rosy cheeks and tired legs, students and staff headed back to Grand Lake Stream for lunch, before heading back to school.
“Winter can be one of the toughest times of the year to get children outdoors, but the recreation and learning opportunities are endless,” said Brown. “DLLT is very grateful for the generous funding from the GMOW School Partnership Fund, allowing Princeton students to enjoy a memorable day in the Farm Cove Community Forest.”
Follow the links to learn more about the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend and the Maine Outdoor Coalition. For more information about upcoming programs with the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, please call (207) 796 – 2100 or email cbrown@downeastlakes.org.
