The first snows have fallen and Grand Lake Stream is blanketed in a beautiful, white glow. The longest nights of the year are upon us, but the coldest air has yet to arrive. As Downeast Maine settles in for the cozy, winter season, the Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is busy planning several public programs that will be offered in the early months of 2016.
On January 15th at 2 pm, join DLLT Education and Outreach Manager Colin Brown, on an “Evening Snowshoe Trek” through a local trail in Grand Lake Stream. Participants will be on the lookout for animal tracks and learn how to identify trees in winter. On January 25th, DLLT welcomes Maine author, Tim Caverly, to present “Allagash Tales,” a musical and photographic journey through the famed North Woods that will be fun for the whole family!
In February, DLLT is pleased to be hosting a “Winter Birding Weekend” celebrating the Great Backyard Bird Count. On Friday, February 12th at 7 pm, join us as we introduce the weekend with a special program led by renowned birder and founder of the Maine Birding Trail, Bob Duchesne. After a brief introduction to the Great Backyard Bird Count, Mr. Duchesne will lead a presentation entitled, “Bird Identification Made Easy.” Learn the many tricks of the birding trade to help identify the numerous species that might arrive in your backyard! The Great Backyard Bird Count can even be completed from the comfort of your own home – come and find out how you can participate!
On Saturday, February 13th at 8 am, DLLT and the Fundy Chapter of Maine Audubon are leading a “Winter Bird Walk” in Grand Lake Stream, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Come out to support citizen science, meet experienced birders, and enjoy the mid-winter beauty of the Downeast Lakes region. This walk is for people of all ages and skill levels, and it supports the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend.
On Saturday, February 27th, DLLT is pleased to be partnering with Princeton Rod & Gun Club to present, “Introduction to Ice Fishing.” Join us at 12 pm for an introduction to the seasonal sport by members of Princeton Rod & Gun Club. Club members will outfit participants with required fishing gear, help with drilling holes, and send you on your way to landing a monster! Snacks and refreshments will be provided by a warming campfire on shore.
March gets started with the musical group, “From Away Downeast,” as they bring classic, logging camp songs to Grand Lake Stream on Saturday, March 5th, at 1 pm. On Sunday, March 20th at 12 pm, DLLT celebrates Sugar Maples with a traditional “Backyard Boildown,” in Grand Lake Stream. Learn all about the transformation from sap to syrup and the cultural significance of this local tradition. As the syrup finishes off outside, we will head inside for a pancake brunch, putting our finished product to good use!
All programs meet at the Grand Lake Stream School Building and are free to the public. To view individual events, visit www.downeastlakes.org/news-events/events. For more information, please contact Downeast Lakes Land Trust at (207) 796 – 2100 or email cbrown@downeastlakes.org.