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Last week I brought a group of seven 4th and 5th graders to Rines Forest as part of OMP Camp (an outdoor after school program). This trip confirmed something that I've known in my heart for years. Something that has been made increasingly clear in the last two years of running this camp. Here it is: If given natural spaces to explore and friends to be with, kids will not only create their own play, they will actually thrive. All on their own, with no adult intervention. I've

Less of a trail, more of a swimming destination, Babb's is an adyllic spot for cooling off in the summer. If you are interested in adding a trail to this adventure, there are several great ones close by, including: Shaw Park , Mountain Division Trail and Gambo Preserve . Babb's Bridge is Maine's oldest covered bridge, built in 1840. The original bridge was burned by vandals in 1973 and an exact replica was built with lumber milled locally in Gorham. It spans the Presumpscot

Hugging trees, shade and the thing we are all longing for this week. Swimming holes. This trail is yet another sweet surprise that's owned and managed by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. It is also a great one for hot weather, as it offers swimming and shade. Located at 54 Tow Path Road in Gorham, the 1 mile loop winds along the Presumpscot River, then through the hemlock forest. This trail was once part of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal path. It was also part of the tr

The alewives have arrived. Booyah! Mill Brook hosts the largest fish migration from Casco Bay to Highland Lake, where the fish spawn each year, starting around this time (late May to early June). The best local trail for viewing Alewives is the Mill Brook Preserve. There are several trailheads for this secluded, peaceful trail...which truly tops my list of favorites. I've shared the Perry Court trailhead details with you, so today we will talk about the Mill Brook Preserve So

If you're wondering where Oxford County is, I'll start there. This mountainous region of western Maine is bordered by NH to the west and...

Today I'd like to talk about the thing we're all focused on right now, finding places to cool off...that preferably do not involve the ocean. Not sure about your kids, but mine won't put one toe in the salt water after recent news and there is no way of convincing them that they are more likely to become the next Tony Hawk then get attacked by a shark. As I like to swim downstream, not up, we've been exploring lakes this week and here is a great one. Outlet Beach at Sabbathda