Western Maine is filled with incredible outdoor amenities, and partners in the Maine West coalition are working to ensure that these assets, which contribute significantly to the region’s economic, environmental, and community health, are accessible to and utilized by everyone.

A suite of new programs has helped more than 100 participants get active outdoors. 

Maine West, facilitated and led by the Center, launched several pilot programs this summer to connect people to the outdoors so they could experience the physical and mental health benefits of spending active time with others on trails, rivers, lakes, and in open spaces. “Our local partners on the Maine West Active Communities Team identified specific populations who may experience barriers to accessing the outdoors, and designed pilot programs to specifically reduce those barriers,” said Amy Scott, Program Manager for the Northern Forest Center. 

In partnership with Regional School Union 10, which serves Rumford and surrounding towns, Falcon Camp provided a skills-based summer-camp type experience for high school students to support a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Students learned to mountain bike, paddle canoe, hike, camp, cook outdoors, and take care of each other through this program.  

Together with River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, Maine West provided an opportunity for older adults in the River Valley region to walk, stretch, and connect through a weekly program.  Adults in recovery from substance use disorder participated in a third pilot program, a series of outings that included hiking, fishing, archery (scheduled for Oct. 23), and a family fun day.  

“Each pilot program provided a safe and supportive environment for participants to connect with others while exploring a new place, learning a new skill, enjoying the benefits of time in outdoors, and doing an activity that might otherwise be out of reach due to various barriers,” said Scott. The programs provided equipment, food, and other supplies, and supported people needing transportation.  

The Maine West Education Team also launched a pilot program to support youth in the school district serving Bethel, Gilead, Greenwood, Newry, and Woodstock, connecting the students with their first work experience. The pilot program worked with businesses and organizations in the outdoor recreation and hospitality sectors because of their importance to the region’s economy. The Maine West Education Director provided support to students, and to the businesses to ensure a successful experience for both the teens and the employers.