It is our mission at NREC (Natural Resource Education Center) to increase awareness, appreciation of the natural resources around us, and to understand the stewardship necessary to sustain them. These goals are met through in-depth, science based, experiential education, and outdoor recreation. NREC began the Maine Woods Explorers program in 2005 providing quality hands-on, nature-based activities that are challenging and fun to youth both local and beyond since then. Maine Woods Explorers is for youth ages 8-12 years old.
Week 1: Local History/Forest Heritage, July 14-16: We will become fascinated by the history of the Moosehead Lake Region as we visit local history museums and historical sites, explore fire warden's cabin and tower and where it originally stood on Big Moose Mountain, and learn about Wabanaki culture past and present. During the week we will take a 3-hour cruise on the Katahdin, the only vessel to survive from Greenville’s thriving & nostalgic steamboat era; hear the storied history of the Moosehead Lake Region from the history of logging and the fire wardens of yesteryear keeping watch over the mountain tops; hike Big Moose Mountain to check out what remains of the original fire warden’s cabin; see relics of the B52 crash before visiting the site on Elephant Mountain. If you like cool, old things, then this is the week for you to be amazed!
Week 2: Animals, Art, and Outdoor Skills, July 21-23: We will be biologists! artists! And outdoor enthusiasts! Do you know your animal signs, furs, and skulls? Then get ready to compete in an Animal Olympics! To prepare for competition, we will hike Borestone, looking for animal signs and learn about local wildlife at the Visitors Center. Do you like to create art and poetry that is inspired by nature? While exploring and sitting in the beauty of the Maine woods, your creativity will be sparked! Hiking along Little Wilson Stream, you will keep a keen eye for artistic inspiration. Do you know how to set up a campsite site, cook lunch on a campstove, navigate with a map and compass, and tie knots? If so or if “not”, we’ll be on the nature trails at the Visitors’ Center to learn how to do all of these outdoor essentials. If you like to do different activities outdoors, then this is the week for you!
Week 3: Hunting & Fishing Week, July 28-30: Get ready to hone in on your hunting and fishing skills because this is going to be the week to sharpen your skills. We are going fishing with local IF&W Fisheries Biologists on Indian Pond, trying our hands at archery with a certified archery instructor, and sighting in at Big Pine Gun Club to learn firearm safety and shooting skills. If hunting and fishing are your outdoor passions, then this is the week for you!
Week 4: Adventure Week, August 4-6: We have packed this week with so much adventure in the Maine Woods! During the week we will spend time on the water, in the water, and hiking trails. We’ll head to Lily Bay State Park, venture over to Little Moose, and find the perfect body of water to kayak on. And we will stop for ice cream at least once this week. If you like to recreate outdoors, then sign up for this adventurous week!