MTN OUTdoors: Welcoming Winter at the Bog

Need some respite from the chaotic world? Want to lean into nature with others in your greater queer community to find mindfulness and some fun seasonal connection? Join us at Saco Heath Preserve to welcome winter and all the delights to be found in braving Maine's outdoors during this magical season!

Note: the path may be slippery, please wear/bring anti-slip shoes or traction for your boots (such as crampons) if you have them. Grove will have a few pairs to loan for small-medium sized feet. 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 a graduate of 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.

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.

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.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Saco.