Looking for ways to stay entertained while social distancing? Nature is full of opportunities to learn and explore. Check out the list of activities below and head out to one of DCC’s properties to discover something new!
- 2020 Photo Contest – We are pleased to host our “Inspired by Nature” photo contest! Celebrate the natural beauty of coastal Washington County and help inspire the continued protection of the landscapes you love by sharing your best photos with us. Learn more!
- Nature Scavenger Hunt – We have a list of 25 nature items for you to discover at any of our DCC properties. Maybe you’ll be able to find everything at one preserve or maybe you’ll have to head out to a few different trails. Take the challenge and download the list of items here for a chance to win a prize!
- Discover Geocaching – Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to find containers hidden by other participants. We have hidden a few caches at our local preserves! Visit Geocaching.com to find the geocaches nearest to you. Download their App today and let us know if you find our caches.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Self-Guided Nature Story Trails – Families and story lovers of all ages, we posted illustrated stories up along two of our trails for self-guided reading. Head over to our Klondike Mountain in Lubec to read: How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Majorie Priceman and check out Middle River Park in Machias to read: Paul Bunyan, a tall tale retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg.
- A-Z Hunt – Time to practice your ABCs, head out outside and find something in nature that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Click here to download a printable guide.
- Art in Nature Activity – Get creative and get outside. Find and draw a critter or plant you find out in nature. Click here to download a printable guide.
- Hear-Touch-Smell-See Activity – Time to check in with your senses! Explore nature in a new way by using your sense of touch, sight, hearing, and smell. Click here to download a printable guide.
- Draw Your Own Bird – Get creative and draw your own bird. We have started you off with the beak and feet for three birds. Figure out who the birds are and you can fill in the rest. Click here to download the printable guide.
- Become a citizen scientist! Use iNaturalist, a citizen scientist app, to identify and document flora and fauna as you observe it in nature. The app requires no plant or animal identification knowledge and works with any smart phone! By documenting what you find along your hike, you can help us inventory the incredibly varied species residing on our properties. Learn more about using iNaturalist here.
- Hiking Challenge – During this time of social distancing choose to go the distance! Pick your own hiking goal: Hike a total of 10 miles? Hike at least one trail a week? Hike all DCC’s public access trails? You decide! Head out to the trails to complete your own personal challenge. Share your accomplishments with us so we can all celebrate together! #hikedcc
Time in nature is an excellent way to get fresh air, please have fun but take note of the following recommendations for trail users on observing social distancing minimums:
- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
- Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
- Have a Plan B (or even Plan C)! If your first trail destination has a busy parking lot, go to the next spot on your list! Maine Trail Finder is a great resource to find a trail near you.
- Stay close to home and consider visiting your local trails in your neighbor or even head outside to your own backyard.
- Visit earlier or later in the day to avoid peak times. This is also a great way to catch the sunrise or sunset!
Find a Downeast Coastal Conservancy trail near you: https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/dcc-trails/
Email us at info@downeastcoastalconservancy.org
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