Discovering A Sense of Place discussion group
Freedom, every other Wednesday, Feb. 15 - May 9
Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance (SWLA) is sponsoring the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) discussion course, “Discovering a Sense of Place.” The seven-session course is designed to help participants gain an understanding of the meaning of bioregional perspective (and what it would mean to develop one), consider the benefits of consciously developing an intimate relationship with one’s place, and explore what it might mean to protect the place where we live.
The discussion course requires purchase of a $21 NWEI guide. The guide has a collection of readings and discussion starters on the following topics:
1. A Sense of Place
2. Responsibility to Place
3. Knowing Your Bioregion
4. Living in Place
5. Mapping Your Place
6. Building Local Community, and
7. Empowerment.
“Discovering a Sense of Place” discussions will begin on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, and will continue on a biweekly basis through May 9. The group will meet at the home of SWLA members Read and Heidi Brugger, 15 Deer Hill Road, Freedom.
“These discussion courses are a great way to get to know your natural community better and to learn how to care for it," said Heidi Brugger. “There are many ways to participate since the course is self-facilitated, but with a mentor for support. The format really lends itself to addressing ecological issues through real and thought-provoking conversations, and as Bill McKibben has said, ‘action on the environment comes from thinking about it.’ “
Participation is limited to 12, and currently only open to SWLA affiliates. We recommend that you sign up before we open seats to the general community on January 14, 2012. The deadline for sign-up is January 31.
If you would like more information or wish to sign up for the discussion course, please contact Heidi or Read at 382-6477 orheidivnb@netscape.net (please use "discussion group" as the subject).
Sunday, January 29, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Family Friendly Hike, Montville
Join Ryan Howes of Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance for this 2-mile family-friendly hike that will be at an easy pace. It will include maps with wildlife identification destinations along the trail and practice with compasses to find some of those destinations. Two ski-pulks (sleds that can be used by adults to pull young children in snow) will be available for use. Meet at Bog BrookTrailhead to hike the Bog Brook Trail just north of the intersection of Burnham Hill and Halldale road in Montville. Bring food, hot beverage, and clothing/ equipment appropriate for the weather. FMI contact Ryan at (207) 322-9039
The hike was a great success, with over 40 people in attendance and post-hike skating on Bog Brook!
Wednesday Feb. 22, 10:00 a.m.
Snowshoe Hike, Montville
Join us for a snowshoe walk on the Northern Headwaters trail. This 3.5-mile loop takes us past a near-pristine section of the Sheepscot headwaters. Bring water and a snack and dress warmly. The event is being co-sponsored with the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition and is part of their “Wednesday Walkers” series. If you have questions contact SWLA board member and trip leader Buck O’Herin at 589-4311. Meet at the Whitten Hill parking lot and trailhead on the Halldale Rd in Montville. The hike is moderately difficult.
Thursday March 15, 6:30 p.m.
Presentation: “Connecting Habitat, Trails, and Health: A Conservation Vision for Midcoast Maine”
Belfast Free Library
Join Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance, Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition, and New Forest Institute for a presentation with ecologist Janet McMahon, who will talk about the first ever conservation plan for midcoast Maine and a proposed walking trail from Unity to Belfast. Conserved lands contribute greatly to the health and quality of life in our region. Come learn about a vision that is bold and obtainable. Doubling the amount of conserved land in midcoast Maine and connecting communities and farms to a network of trails will support the health of both human and non-human communities. Additional speakers will discuss the ongoing trail effort and the meaning of both conservation and trails to our communities. FMI, contact Buck O’Herin at 589-4311.
Wednesday March 28, 9:30 a.m.
Snowshoe Hike, Montville
Join Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance and Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition for a conditions-permitting snowshoe hike on the Bog Brook trail in Montville. This 2-mile loop traverses a wide range of woods, glades, and wetlands. Evidence of deer, moose, and beaver is common. Meet on the Halldale Road next to the Bog Brook Marsh in Montville. This hike is part of BBWC’s Wednesday Walker Series. FMI, contact trip leader Karin at 207-322-5545.