Get Out! Nature Walks

Get Out! Nature Walks are volunteer-led regular trips with trained master naturalists and other skilled volunteer leaders. Join us for a well-planned, no cost, guided adventure. Once-per-month on Wednesdays; always free; rain, snow, or shine. Check our detailed schedule (below) for specifics or updates. Our program is jointly offered by both the Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust and the Royal River Conservation Trust. Our nature walks are at preserves in the Towns of Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, Gray, New Gloucester, or anywhere else we decide to roam.

Be mindful of the weather, and dress accordingly. Bring appropriate gear, snacks and a thermos or water bottle. Check back here for any updates or changes. Nature walks typically involve getting on our knees with a hand lens, or standing still for ten minutes craning up at a treetop. Trips are great for kids, but not ideal for folks under age 6. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Because the purpose is nature observation, we ask that dogs do not join us.

The trips are volunteer-led. Staff might be in the office or reachable with information if you are running late or need better driving directions, but our primary liaison between volunteer leaders and trip members is this email: info@ccltmaine.org

Our program is popular for new residents, neighbors, or folks of all ages who want to get to know our organizations and explore new preserves. In addition to these trips, check out our Best Nature Walks webpage which includes many Master Naturalist written guides and youth-oriented nature written guides to our favorite trails.

Next Program:

December 27, 2023, 2pm Wednesday, Mèmak Preserve, Lufkin Road, North Yarmouth. Curriculum: Solstice Tree. Master Naturalists: Beth Sturtevant, Karen Massey, Karen Bruder.

January 24, 2024, 2pm Wednesday,  Knights Pond Preserve, Greely Road Extension trailhead, Cumberland Center. Curriculum: Winter Wildlife Tracking. Master Naturalist: Karin Herold 

February 28, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Talking Brook Public Land (formerly known as Big Falls Preserve), Woodman Road, New Gloucester. Curriculum: Winter in the Woods. Master Naturalists: Karen Massey, Marie Camillo Reimensnyder.

March 28, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Spear Farm Estuary Preserve, Bayview Street, Yarmouth. Curriculum:   Signs of Spring (Elderberry). Master Naturalist: Karen Massey.

April 24, 2024, 2pm, Wednesday, Riverfront Woods Preserve, Yarmouth. Curriculum: Vernal Pools. Master Naturalist Beth Sturtevant. 

May 22, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Broad Cove Reserve, Cumberland Foreside. Curriculum: Horseshoe Crabs. 

June 26, 2024, 2pm, Wednesday, Thayer Brook Preserve, Ramsdell Road trailhead, Gray. Curriculum: Marsh and Bog Habitat. Master Naturalist: Karin Herold. 

July 24, 2024:  Chebeague Island. Stay tuned for details for this special trip.

August 22, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Skyline Farm, 95 The Lane, North Yarmouth. Curriculum: Wildflowers & Monarchs. Master Naturalist: Karen Bruder

September 25, 2024, 2pm Wednesday. CCLT TBD at Longwoods (Massey)

October 23, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Sam Ristich Trails, North Yarmouth. Curriculum: Mushrooms. Master Naturalists: Karen Massey, Beth Sturtevant. 

November 27, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, Rines Forest, Cumberland Center (Karin Herold) 

December 18, 2024, 2pm Wednesday, CCLT location TBD, Curriculum: Solstice Tree