Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Downeast Lakes Land Trust are coming together for a “Downeast Day on the Ice”. Join us at Vining Lake Community Preserve, located in Cooper Township on February 12th for activities for all ages!

• Land trust staff and volunteers will be on the ice all morning with ice fishing equipment and lessons
• Visit Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Mammal Furs & Skulls table!
• Join DCC and DLLT staff for a winter ecology hike at the preserve
• Give snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and ice-skating a try! We’ll have the equipment on site for you to borrow, FREE! With Spencer from WCCC’s Outdoor Adventure Center there to assist with any tips, tricks, and lessons needed!
• Take a short ride by horse-drawn sled with Ron Kilby and his draft horses!
• Participate in a snow sculpture contest!
• Pick up a children’s themed craft, animal tracking resources, and learn about the Washington County 4H Program.
• And then warm up by the fire pit, roast s’mores, and taste a sampling of smoked fish!

Everything is FREE! The event runs from 8am – 1pm on Saturday, February 12th. Date is subject to change depending on winter conditions. Follow DCC and DLLT on social media or check back to our websites for updates! Maine state license is needed to participate in fishing if over the age of 16.

Directions/Parking: Turn onto the Vining Lake Rd. off of Rt. 191 (Approximately 16.3 miles from the intersection of Rt. 191 and Rt. 1 in East Machias, or approximately 17.8 miles from the intersection of Rt. 191 and Rt. 1 in Baring). It is just about 0.8 miles past the Cathance Lake Boat landing on your left (if you’re coming from Machias). Continue until you see a parking attendant or the main parking lot on your left. There will be slight walk down a gravel road to the event. Please note: The road to Vining will be plowed, but it is a long dirt road hilly in sections, therefore road conditions may be snowy or slippery depending on weather.