MAINE, USA — With more than 2,000 hiking trails scattered across the state, keeping Maine's wilderness areas maintained for people to enjoy takes a lot of work.
June is Love Maine Trails Month, established three years ago, for conservation groups to equip hikers with the tools they need to keep our trails usable.
"June is a fantastic time for everyone to just get together across all our different communities, all of the participants that are participating in Love Maine Trails Month and say that our trails are important and really engage in our outdoor spaces," York Land Trust Stewardship Director Liz Walworth said.
To kick off Love Maine Trails Month, the York Land Trust (YLT) hosted a trail stewardship workshop.
"Not everyone is on the same page or the same level when we start off with these events, and we really want to build skills for volunteers that may be experienced and just kind of brushing up on their skills to true beginners really making them feel comfortable just diving in for the first time," Walworth said.
The workshop covered a variety of topics that are useful when out on a trail.
"How to corridor a tail, blazing, how to report an issue and when to report an issue, some safety stuff, and LNT which is Leave No Trace, and how to be a good ambassador for good practices on our trails," Walworth explained.
Michelle Hunt recently moved to the York/Kittery area. She is a nature lover, which is a reason why she volunteered to go out with YLT.
"I really feel a sense of peace when I get out in the woods. I love to bring my dogs out on their leash," Hunt said. "One thing I do is pick up dog waste. That's really important on our trails. Most of us have pets, and we like to go out on the trails and just keep that in mind."
While on their adventure, the group spotted a pink lady's slipper orchid.
Walworth said bringing people together with nature is another proponent of the monthlong initiative.
"One of the reasons why this event is so important is that it ties together the missions of all these incredible land trusts and land stewarding organizations," Walworth noted. "It's pretty much in all of our missions that we care for these outdoor spaces, and we want to connect people to these spaces."
Several events have been planned around the state in the coming weeks for Love Maine Trails Month.
You can find more events hosted by York Land Trust by visiting, mainetrailscoalition.org.