Androscoggin Land Trust to Lead Snowshoe Hike
as Auburn Kicks-off Annual Winter Festival Event
Auburn - Founded in 1989, 2014 is the 25th Anniversary Year for the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) and they will launch a year of experiencing and learning about the outdoors in our community with a Winter Festival Snowshoe Hike at Auburn’s Mt. Apatite Park. The hike will begin at 10 AM on Saturday January 25th from the Small Road entrance off Hatch Road in Auburn, near the Sno Gypsies Warming Hut.
Dana Little, long time LA Trails volunteer and former ALT Board member, will lead the walk along all-season trails with mild gradients. There will be hiking regardless of the weather or amount of snow, and it will last approximately two hours, depending on the ability level and desire of the participants. During the walk, Dana will identify birds and animal tracks, and trail maps of the Mt. Apatite Park and LA Trails maps will be available for all hikers. Meet Dana at the Small Road entrance (this is on the opposite end of the park from the ballfields and National Guard facility, NOT on Garfield Road).
Bring your own snowshoes or if you don’t have them, ALT has adult and child snowshoes available to borrow thanks to our friends at Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Call 782-2302 to reserve a pair if you want to try this fun and healthy winter activity. If you can walk, you can snowshoe and it is a fun way to explore the woods and parks. The level of exertion at Mt Apatite is considered moderate – it is not flat but isn’t excessively difficult.
Dress for the weather and the recommendation is to wear multiple layers. Snowshoeing is a workout and you will warm up! Bring your own water and snacks in a small backpack or to enjoy at the Hut after the walk. There will have a fire at the Hut and this will be a social opportunity to relax and make friends after the walk in the woods.
Please register your intention to join the walk or to reserve snowshoes by calling 782-2302 or e-mailing us at info@androscogginlandtrust.org.
The Androscoggin Land Trust protects important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experiences within the Androscoggin River watershed by promoting stewardship and supporting a network of public and privately held conservation land. ALT currently conserves nearly 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River. For more information, call 207-782-2320 or visit www.androscogginlandtrust.org.