Wild and Delicious Houlton

with Roxanne Bruce and Marawynn Bruce from the Shire Ale House and Shiretown Gaming LLC

Saturday, May 6 at 8:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Meet with the group at the Houlton Riverfront Park! We will walk a couple of miles down the path to check out all the awesome wild edibles along the way. Discussion topics will include where to eat in Houlton, how to forage, good books for foraging, how restaurants can participate in foraging movements, and anything else related to tasty treats. For the adventurous among the group, there will be things to taste and try along the walk. I anticipate the walk will be approximately 90 minutes with the opportunity to stop and take short breaks along the way to check out the edible landscaping of course!

Accessibility: This starts and ends in a public park, there is handicap parking but the path will be bumpy.

Starting and ending point: 49 North Street

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Migration Exploration: Ospreys and AlewiVes

with Beth Brooke from Upstream Cobbossee

Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

An astounding 56 species of birds and thousands of alewives were seen in past years on the Harrison Avenue Nature Trail in Gardiner. Come explore on Saturday morning in May 6th as the Augusta Bird Club, Maine Master Naturalists, and Upstream highlight the beauty and the multitude of species that thrive on our gem of a stream.

Accessibility: The trail is not wheelchair accessible. It is a gentle downhill slope along Cobbossee Stream and return along the same trail.

Starting point:

New Auburn: Lost & Found

with Rick Whiting from the City of Auburn

Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

New Auburn built from the Little Androscoggin River up burned to the ground and built itself again (with more brick)! We will take an hour walk through lower New Auburn, and visit Barker Mill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and discuss a rumored "speakeasy" location!

Accessibility: It is hilly but should be reasonably manageable.

Starting point: The intersection of Mill Street and South Main Street

Ending point: Barker Mill Arms

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Bangor's Cityscape: How we got here

with Matt Bishop from Bangor Historical Society and Anne Krieg from the City of Bangor

Saturday, May 6 at 9:30 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Bangor, Maine is a unique city with a unique cityscape. Please join the Bangor Historical Society's Curator Matt Bishop and the City of Bangor's Anne Krieg for a walk through Bangor where we will travel through many different details involving our cityscape. We will learn about how the city has been planned and built over the years, how we faced disasters, and how our city is expanding to how it looks today. This 90-minute walk will start at the front steps of Bangor's City Hall and traverse through downtown to the Penobscot River and back. We will look at historical maps and photographs along the way as we see the changes in our cityscape. Some of the key topics that we will cover will be why we are located here and early city planning, the lumber boom, the Fire of 1911, and Urban Renewal. Questions are welcome along the walk and we do encourage comfortable shoes to walk in.

Accessibility: The path will follow the sidewalks, there are some small hills. There are parking spaces including handicap spaces near City Hall.

Starting and ending point: Bangor City Hall

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Historic Buildings and Landscape of Good Will-Hinckley

with Deborah Staber from L.C. Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley

Saturday, May 6 at 9:30 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

On a walking tour of part of the Good Will-Hinckley campus, early 1900's buildings, roads, a pond, trails and monuments will be visited to learn about Good Will-Hinckley's history of childcare. The 132-year-old campus of Good Will-Hinckley was designed as a village home for children. The 90-minute walk will explore the beautifully designed campus. We will look at the architecture of several buildings designed by Maine architect Wiliam Miller and take a short walk to see historic monuments. The short walk will be in part on trails so wear solid shoes. The walk will begin at the L. C. Bates Museum.

Accessibility: The walk will be adapted as needed to support people with mobility issues.

Starting and ending point: L.C. Bates Museum

 

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Strolling through History: Hallowell Cemetery Tour

with Robert McIntire and Deb Fahy from Vision Hallowell and Historic Hallowell Committee

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

Spend a history-packed morning touring the historic Hallowell Cemetery. The cemetery opened its gates in 1800. Until that time those that passed in The Hook were buried in family plots around town. As the city grew, the decision was made to relocate the remains of the earliest European settlers to an area known as Hinckley Plain. The only neighbors at the time were the patrons of the Norcross Tavern who were apparently unfazed by the new transplants. This Jane’s Walk event is based on the popular tour conducted in the past by City Historian Sam Webber.

Accessibility: The route is on the gravel drives of the cemetery - all on level ground. Parking available on Water Street.

Starting point: Civil War Monument in Hallowell Cemetery

Ending point: The Dog Fountain in Hallowell Cemetery

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Our AncestOrs' Voices: A Walk Through the Greenville Cemetery

with Liz McKeil and Ben Beverly from Moosehead Marine Museum

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

The Moosehead Lake Region has a rich and sometimes colorful history. In summers past, entire families fled the cities for the healthy and invigorating environment of Northern Maine. Visitors would arrive by train at Greenville Junction and in a few steps were boarding boats to travel up the Lake to the various resorts and sporting camps that peppered Moosehead's shoreline. It was the perfect escape from the stifling heat and pollution of cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. The region was also home to a thriving lumber industry with steamboats towing log booms to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River to be sluiced downriver to lumber mills or towing logs to Atlas Plywood in downtown Greenville. At the core of all this activity were the families and personalities of the region, many of whom were buried at the Greenville Cemetery. Come walk with local history teacher Ben Beverly as we tour the cemetery and share their stories.

Accessibility: Guests with mobility challenges can park at the Greenville Cemetery. We will not stray from the paths through the cemetery.

Starting and ending point: Steamboat Katahdin parking lot

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

From the Ashes

with Terri Cormier from the Ellsworth Historical Society

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

The route will follow the section of Main Street in Ellsworth that burned in May of 1933, we will be talking about what was lost, what was rebuilt and the history of the architecture and the businesses that were lost, homes and families upturned, and the rebuilding of our community after a devasting loss during the time of the depression and how Ellsworth has rebuilt and survived.

Accessibility: The route follows sidewalks throughout town

Starting point: Ellsworth City Library

Ending point: The Old Jail and Sheriff’s Home

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Wandering Woodfords

with Jeff Levine from Friends of Woodfords Corner

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Like much of Portland, Woodfords Corner is a neighborhood that mixes history and modernity. One of the long-standing regional hubs from its days as the location of Deering City Hall, Woodfords Corner continues to thrive and revive by mixing historic homes, cafes, shops and restaurants together at one of the busiest junctions just off the peninsula. Join us as we explore some of these standout landmarks and meet local business owners, as well as new friends and neighbors. Highlights include: Baxter Woods, businesses new and old, discussion of street art, notable developments, and a visit to a local bakery!

Accessibility: All sidewalks are accessible.

Starting point: Entrance of Baxter Woods at James and Hartley Streets

 

Ending point: Big Sky Bakery

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Jane's Walk on the Edge: Downtown Eastport & Architect, Henry Black

with Hugh French from Tides Institute and Museum of Art

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

In honor of Jane Jacob’s cross-border life in the U.S. and Canada, this walk will examine the downtown architecture of the border community of Eastport where architect, Henry Black, designed 20 of the 30 late 19th century buildings in the National Register Historic District established in 1982. Black began his career in Boston, then went to Saint John, New Brunswick following its great fire in 1877 and then came to Eastport following its great fire in 1886. Many of the Black designed buildings in Eastport’s downtown were built by New Brunswick craftsmen. Black also designed buildings in Woodstock and St. Andrews, New Brunswick before heading to the Pacific Northwest where he finished his career. Self-guided tours of some of Eastport’s unique features that contribute to its distinctiveness will also be available for pick up.

Accessibility: Free public parking is available near the StudioWorks building on Water Street in downtown Eastport. Depending on the weather, the walk will take place along accessible sidewalks and streets of the downtown. The StudioWorks building is fully accessible.

Starting and ending point: StudioWorks

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

My Queer Portland: A Walk Back in Time to the 1980s & ‘90s

with Kelley McDaniel and Megan MacGregor

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

“My Queer Portland” is a reminiscence of the places that were an important part of my life as a young, single lesbian Mainer, who finally made it to a gay-friendly city in Maine. Some of the places, groups, and events that existed then—Outright, the Matlovich Society, Women’s Dances, Drop Me a Line (gift shop), the Underground (bar)—are long gone; still, they are part of Maine’s queer history. I was born in 1969, the year of the Stonewall Riots and the beginning of the modern-day gay rights movement. I grew up gay in small town Maine in the 1970s and 80s—from Androscoggin and Aroostook counties to Knox and Oxford counties. I finally made my home in Portland, ME in early 1990; I had just turned 21. Join me for a two-mile walk around Downtown Portland and learn about some personal queer history, as well as some of Maine’s queer history that should not be forgotten. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your own stories of Queer Portland / Queer Maine. We’ll make eight official stops, collect Pride beads, answer some queer Maine trivia, and do the TimeWarp. We’ll end at the new Equality Center/Maine Trans Net on Casco Street.

Accessibility: The route is wheelchair accessible and there is public transit (Greater Portland Metro Bus).

Starting point: Corner of Preble Street & Cumberland Avenue, Portland

 

Ending point: Equality Community Center/ Maine Trans Net, Casco Street

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Wait, What? The Pools of Who?

with Renee Bonin from Washburn Norlands Living History Center and Lynda Fournier, Maine Masters Naturalist

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Come experience history outdoors in the forest. This walk will be led by an interpreter from the Washburn Norlands Living History Center and a Maine Masters Naturalist. Expect to learn about what you see in the forest and hear about tales from the past that took place in this 19th century crossroads neighborhood. One path leads down to a water view and another path leads up to a mountain view. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and bug spray for a walk in this very old forest. The Washburn Norlands Living History is the estate of the remarkable Washburn family. You’ll get to know the family and their neighbors as we walk to the Pools of Simeon and to the overlook, where on a clear day Mt. Washington is visible. The perfect combination for an outdoor historical experience is to have one guide to tell tales of the past and second to provide information about what surrounds you in an old Maine forest. Questions are welcome as we walk and talk our way through the forest.

Accessibility: There is access to car parking. It is a woods path in the forest.

Starting and ending point: Norlands Living History Center

 

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

A Walk Through Two Wars

with Julia Gray and Lisa Simpson Lutts from the Wilson Museum and Castine Historical Society

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

This walk through Castine’s beautiful Witherle Woods (a Maine Coast Heritage Trust property) will be a teaser for a new walking and driving tour around Castine (due out later this year) that explores how two wars fought between Great Britain and America— the American Revolution (1775-1883) and the War of 1812 (1812-1815)—impacted our town and the nation. As you take the tour, you will come to understand why a seemingly remote coastal town in what would become the state of Maine was a desirable location for military fortifications and the scene of an important battle. While Witherle Woods is peaceful today, it was the site of a violent battle in 1779 and a less dramatic occupation in 1814. Evidence of both conflicts remains across the landscape, and the views from various lookouts offer a wider context for the local impact of these two wars. The walk will be co-led by the directors of the Castine Historical Society and Wilson Museum. For this roughly 2.2 mile walk, make sure you are prepared for uneven trail surfaces, ticks, mosquitos, and black flies. We recommend sturdy walking/hiking shoes, long pants, along with water, sunscreen, and bug spray. This area is prime habitat for deer ticks which are known vectors of Lyme’s disease—make sure to conduct a thorough tick check at the end of your visit. On-leash dogs are welcome on the walk, and MCHT asks you to stay on the trail and carry out any trash. To find more information about MCHT or Witherle Woods, please visit mcht.org.

Accessibility: This walk follows uneven, wooded trails and is not ideal for people with mobility challenges. There will be options for participants to shorten their walk at a couple of trail intersections. There is no regular public transportation to Witherle Woods, but there is plenty of space for bike parking.

Starting and ending point: Witherle Woods Preserve parking lot

 

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

A Banner Day in Lisbon: A tour of Lisbon's Historical Banners

with Ross Cunningham and Len Lednum from the Town Of Lisbon Development Committee & Positive Change Lisbon

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Estimated duration: One hour

Last fall, Lisbon installed light pole banners with historical photos on them. This walk is an opportunity to walk the sidewalks, check out the historical photos and learn about each location from the Lisbon Historical Society. We will start in Lisbon Falls and spend an hour there and then move to Lisbon village and have lunch at a food truck and spend time walking in Lisbon village as well.

Accessibility: All sidewalks are ADA compliant.

Starting and ending point (for 10 AM walk): 1 Canal Street

 

Starting and ending point (for 12 PM walk): 241 Lisbon Street

 

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

DO LOOK DOWN: EXPLORING THE MUSIC & TACTILITY OF WALKING

with C.J. Opperthauser from Friends of Congress Square Park

Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM

Estimated Duration: Less than on hour

In comparison to other modes of transportation, one of the main joys of walking is the enormous array of sensory experiences. On this walk, we’ll explore how different types of surfaces and textures provide different sounds, feelings, and moods—and how those relate to our shoes! Participants are encouraged to bring more than one pair of shoes (with vastly different bottom materials) to try out on various surfaces. This walk is less of a tour and more of a gently guided group experience and conversation.

Accessibility: Particular surfaces may be a bit difficult to manage for some, but all abilities are welcome to join!

Starting point: Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal

 

Ending point: Monument Square

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Of Cows and Crabs: the Evolution of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm

with Linda Littlefield Grenfell and Norma Fox from Wells Reserve

Saturday, May 6 at 10:30 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Atop a hill where the Little River and the Gulf of Maine meet and mix, sits one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves. Today, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place of coastal research, stewardship, and ecological learning. But there is much more to this story. Beginning in the 1640’s, we will explore the rich history of this site, from saltwater family farm to protected estuary reserve. This guided walk will take us into the barns and historic structures around campus, with a peek into the coastal ecology research lab.

Registration: Click here to register.

Accessibility: Most locations are paved and have an access ramp. However, the bull barn requires traversing an uneven grassy field with tight quarters inside the barn and the floor boards in the horse barn aren't uniformly flat.

Starting and ending point: Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

 

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Recent History along Gardiner's Historic Downtown Walking Trail

with Tarama Whitmore from Gardiner Main Street

Saturday, May 6 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

The history of the City of Gardiner is rich and much is centered on it's downtown area, adjacent to the confluence of the Cobbosseecontee Stream into the Kennebec River. Meeting at the Gardiner waterfront, we will follow Gardiner's Historic Walking Trail, rich with facts of its residents’ life over the past four hundred years via panel installations along the route. The focus of our walk will be on the more recent history of Gardiner, as many changes have, and are currently, taking place in our downtown. A little less than a mile, our walk will take us along the Kennebec River, the Cobbossee Stream, and down Water Street, ending where we began at the Gardiner waterfront. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the Waterfront Park afterwards or visit one of Gardiner's excellent eateries.

Accessibility: There will be some walking on old brick sidewalks, but mostly accessible.

Starting and ending point: Gardiner Waterfront

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Engineering: Stormwater Design and Trails in our Downtown

with Rhonda Forrester from Discover Downtown Westbrook

Saturday, May 6 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

View downtown Westbrook through the lens of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning with DDW Board member, Portland Trails member, and Civil Engineer, Rhonda Forrester. Curious what is considered when designing downtown spaces? What do we need to consider when connecting our neighborhoods? What’s so important about stormwater, anyway? Rhonda will help you discover the planning and design necessary to create urban landscapes and what trails you can access right from downtown.

Accessibility:

Starting and ending point: Riverbank Park

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

Then and Now: A Walk down Main Street

with Mike Sanphy from the Westbrook Historical Society

Saturday, May 6 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

This walk is led by local historian, author of the newly published book Westbrook Remembered, and longtime member of the Westbrook Historical Society–Mike Sanphy. Join Mike at 11:00 at the intersection of Spring and Main Street and continue to walk down Main Street to Saco Street. Experience the stories, see the pictures, and remember–or imagine–what Main Street used to be.

Accessibility: The walk will be at a slow pace so all can be accommodated.

Starting and ending point: The intersection of Spring Street and Main Street

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.

A Vision for Westbrook

with Robyn Saunders from Discover Downtown Westbrook

Saturday, May 6 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

This walk will be led by Robyn Saunders, project manager for the City of Westbrook. So much is happening in downtown Westbrook! In addition to Vertical Harvest’s urban greenhouse and the new municipal parking garage, there are plans to add housing, redevelop Saccarappa Park as a four-season pavilion, upgrade the downtown Riverwalk, and more! Meet and walk with Robyn Saunders as she shares the vision for what’s to come in downtown Westbrook. There is a lot of construction happening downtown, Westbrook Common is complete and there’s more to come! Join Robyn as she provides a vision of what’s happening now and what’s to come as we lay the foundation for Westbrook’s future.

Accessibility:

Starting and ending point: Vallee Square

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.