WWLT Partners with other Washington County Land Trusts for 2026 Paddle Series

This summer, the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust is partnering with Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Downeast Lakes Land Trust to offer a free, guided paddle series across Washington County. Each outing brings you to a different conserved landscape, creating a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Downeast Maine while getting to know the land trusts working together to protect it.

Maine has an incredible conservation story to tell. As of 2025, our state leads the nation in land trusts per capita, with 84 organizations collectively conserving close to 3 million acres. That work fills an important gap. Because less than 7% of Maine’s land is publicly owned, a figure significantly lower than in many other states

Here in Washington County, we are fortunate that these three land trusts are collaborating to steward the landscapes that define this place we all love. And yet, despite the abundance of conserved lands around us, many people have not had the opportunity to experience them firsthand. This paddle series is an invitation to do just that.

2026 Summer Paddle Series

• July 16 | 9 AM to 12 PM | Spednic Lake (Forest City)
  Paddle the scenic wilderness of Spednic Lake to Mud Lake Falls at the Maine–New Brunswick border. Along the way, enjoy a glimpse of old growth forest, with an optional hike to the falls, and learn about local conservation efforts. The trip wraps up back at WWLT’s Spednic Lake Camps with a provided picnic lunch.
• August 22 | 10 AM to 1 PM | Vining Lake (Cooper)
  Explore the remote beauty of Vining Lake, surrounded by 406 acres of conserved land and home to iconic Maine wildlife such as moose and brook trout. After paddling the lake, take a short hike to a granite outcrop overlooking a marsh, then return to enjoy hotdogs roasted over the fire.
• September 17 | 9 AM to 3 PM | 4th Lake (Grand Lake Stream)
  Paddle your way through history with a visit to an ancient Wabanaki fishing weir, then continue on to the newly reclaimed Gassabias Carry, a historic portage connecting two watersheds. This outing also highlights the 4th Lake Ecological Reserve and the conservation efforts that make this landscape so special.

Whether you are a seasoned paddler or simply looking for a new way to experience the outdoors, these trips offer a meaningful way to connect with the land, the water, and the people working to protect both. We hope you will join us this summer and discover just how much there is to explore right here at home.

For more information and to register please email Anna Levitsky at anna.levitsky@woodiewheaton.org

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