Despite relatively balmy temperatures and, until this past week, no significant snow accumulation since early January, it’s still winter, darn it, and there’s plenty of cold-centric events to get out and enjoy. That’s why there are two editions each year of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend — one in the summer, and one in the winter.
The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, organized by 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. There are events planned all over the state, including many right here in the greater Bangor area.
The goal is to connect people throughout Maine with the natural world, and to promote fun, physical activity and good health. And with the eight events occurring in the region — as well as more than 50 more throughout the state — it’ll be easy for anyone, regardless of age, capability or background, to do just that. For more information, visit greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org.
BANGOR:
Guided Snowshoe Adventure, Bangor Land Trust, 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14
Meet at the end of Fox Hollow Lane in Bangor, and head out across the West Penjajawoc Grasslands to the Penjajawoc Marsh. If the Marsh is well frozen, participants will go all the way across the marsh, which is filled with cattail, alder, porcupine sign, and muskrat dens. Your guide will explain the Penjajawoc Preserve names and their locations to show how they’re connected. If the Marsh isn’t frozen, participants will hike the marsh edge and along the forest edge of the Grasslands. Bring your snowshoes, skis, ice walkers and/or poles to be prepared for conditions. Check bangorlandtrust.org for updates.
HOLDEN:
Family Snowshoe, Fields Pond Audubon Center, noon Saturday, Feb. 13
Snowshoeing allows families to have an adventure in nature no matter what the weather brings. Join the folks at Fields Pond for a guided ramble through the meadows and woods of the preserve, searching for tracks and stories in the snow. Gentle pace, all ages welcome. The cost is $25 for non-members and $20 for members for a whole family. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5.
OLD TOWN:
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge’s Winter Family Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Hirundo offers a lineup of programs and activities for all ages and abilities. Alexander Therriault will take folks on dogsled rides, Bucky Owens will lead an animal tracking session, there will be a cross-country ski race for entry levels adult, junior and child, curling (weather dependent), and a snowshoe biathlon. There will be a campfire and hot chocolate; donuts and hot dogs will also be for sale. Admission is $5 for non-members; Call to register (207) 394-2171. For more information, visit www.hirundomaine.org
BUCKSPORT:
Frost Fest, ice skating rink on Miles Lane, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Frost Fest is an annual winter celebration held in Bucksport during February school vacation. Activities this year will be at the ice skating rink on Miles Lane, behind Bucksport Regional Health Center. An old fashioned ice skating party will kick it off at 11 a.m. Other activities include a snow sculpture competition and miniature golf, in a course made of snow. Putter and ball rental is $5; children under 5 are free. All the fun will wrap up at 3 p.m. when the snow sculptures will be judged and the winner awarded their prize.
CASTINE:
Ski/Walk/Snowshoe and Bonfire at Witherle Woods, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Bring the kids and explore 185 acres of mixed forest and groomed trails. Enjoy a bonfire and toasted marshmallows and discuss the history of the Witherle Woods Preserve; site of the infamous Penobscot Expedition. The bonfire will be from noon to 4 p.m.; if you plan to attend later in the afternoon, bring a headlamp. Marshmallows and hot cocoa will be provided. Participants must bring their own water, snacks, skis, snowshoes, and other equipment. Directions: From the junction of Routes 166 and 166A in Castine follow Route 166 south 0.9 mile to the top of a hill. Continue right at a sharp bend in the road and drive 0.8 mile along Battle Avenue to the Preserve entrance on the right. Parking is along the fence line.
BLUE HILL:
Constellations on the Mountain at Blue Hill Heritage Trust, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12.
Join Blue Hill Heritage Trust, and Professor of Marine Transport at Maine Maritime Academy Dan Parrott, for a night of stargazing at the base of Blue Hill Mountain. Stargazers will have star charts on hand and Dan will be discussing and pointing out constellations and navigational stars. There will also be a fire for roasting marshmallows. Parking is in the town lot on Mountain Road, across from the gazing site. To register, call Chrissy Allen at 374-5118 or email chrissy@bluehillheritagetrust.org.
ELLSWORTH:
Sunrise Trail Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe, or Hike, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13.
Join East Coast Greenway Alliance, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and the Downeast Sunrise Trail Coalition for a cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike on the Sunrise Trail in Ellsworth. Participants will meet at the Sunrise Trail parking lot off of Washington Junction Rd. in Ellsworth, and will ski/snowshoe or hike a down and back route, a distance of about 4 miles. Participants are welcome to do shorter or longer distances, but must be back at the meeting point by noon. Refreshments around a bonfire will follow. Call Eileen at 422-2328 for more information; bring your own equipment.
UNITY:
Valentine’s Day Tracking Walk, 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Feb. 14, Moulton’s Mill Trail
Footprints in the snow, bite marks on a tree, a trail of crushed leaves… who lives in your backyard? Visit your animal neighbors in their own habitats and follow the tracks and signs they leave behind to learn what they are doing during the winter. Beavers, bunnies, bobcats or barred owls; all are potentially out there. Dress warmly and prepare to be standing still on cold ground; if there is lots of snow, bring snowshoes. Hot drinks, snacks and Q&A to follow the walk. Directions: Follow route 139W from downtown Unity, approximately 2.3 miles until you reach the kiosk on the right. Call 948-3766 or email rose@sebasticookrlt.org to register.
