MTN OUTdoors: Saco Heath Preserve

Need some respite from the chaotic world? Want to lean into nature with others in your greater queer community to find mindfulness and connection? Also curious about Maine ecosystems and all the wonders and queerness it contains? The Saco Heath is a very special place and, in late spring, it is chock full of birds, ferns, huckleberries, witch hazel and more. Come and see rare and familiar plants and birds and learn how we can use all our senses to learn about and integrate into the natural world.

This trail, located on beautiful Wabanaki land, is moderately flat and may be muddy in spots, depending on whether we had rain recently. Half of the trail is a narrow wooden board walk with several stopping points with benches. Wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and consider sunscreen. Bring binoculars, if desired, to see who is flying about!

Note: Please communicate any accessibility concerns or questions at registration and the walk leader, Grove, would be happy to contact you to discuss the aspects of the trail and the walk in more detail if desired.

Grove (they/she) is a plant, tree, bird and ecology hobbyist; a botanical illustrator for Fedco Seeds; and is currently enrolled in the Maine Master Naturalist program. They have led many plant identification and ethical foraging walks for people of all ages. Grove enjoys bringing people together to find queer joy and healing in nature, practice mindfulness outside, and become sensory animals in the woods.

Info: While the Saco Heath Preserve is known for its Rainbow Boardwalk, we recommend wearing comfortable, waterproof footwear, as well as dressing in layers and remembering to bring any other necessities to help ensure you are comfortable during the event (water bottle, bug spray and/or sunblock, etc.). The Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The exact meet-up location will be shared with registered attendees. Please note that while this event is for Transgender and Nonbinary Adults only, there will be other opportunities for community building with Allies and friends/families!

Info: Conditions: The preserve is accessible through a 1-mile trail and boardwalk. The terrain is relatively level and easy. Preserve Guidelines: Foot traffic only; Please stay on the trail and boardwalk to protect this fragile ecosystem; No collecting of plants or animals; No pets; Carry out all litter; No fires, smoking or camping.

Info: "The Heath features a unique assemblage of plants that are adapted to thrive in its nutrient-poor soils. These include Labrador tea, leather-leaf, rhodora, cottongrass, sheep laurel and scattered pitch pine, Atlantic white cedar, black spruce, and tamarack. These plants grow on a mat of sphagnum moss. The woodland areas of the preserve include red maple, white pine, hemlock and black gum trees. This is the southernmost example of this type of raised bog and the only place where Atlantic white cedar grows on a northern raised bog.


The Atlantic white cedar at Saco Heath is one of the largest stands in Maine and supports one of only two populations of Hessel’s hairstreak butterfly in Maine. The caterpillars of this species feed exclusively on Atlantic white cedar. The Heath is also home to deer, moose, snowshoe hare and a variety of other wildlife. The acidity of the heath keeps mosquito numbers low by making the abundant standing water inhospitable to mosquito larvae."

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Saco.