In-person

As most of us know, Western Maine has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts in all four seasons. This Gold LEAF opportunity joins the paddling trips, light hikes, walks, and snowshoes of past offerings into one package geared to take advantage of local resources. We are organizing an activity each month of each term based on seasonal conditions.

For this term, we will have a snowshoe or hike (depending on the snowpack) or two to start.  We will finish with a couple of paddles once the ice is out and things warm up! We will be keeping a close eye on the weather before each event and keep participants posted about changes and “Plan B’s”. Activity organizers Barbara Toner and Sarah Carlson plan adventures to be safe and fun and an opportunity to explore local to relatively close "hidden gems".

Tour begins at 10 am-12 pm

Barb Toner will alert participants to the meeting place.

NOTE:  Tuesday, February 28 this date has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Monday, March 10 (make-up date from Feb 28).

Tuesday, March 28

Tuesday, April 25

Tuesday, May 23

Barbara is a retired Biology teacher who enjoys exploring new places to get out and enjoy nature.

Sarah Carlson, the co-host for this class, is retired after many happy years teaching in RSU 9. She currently teaches at UMF. Sarah is an avid outdoor enthusiast who finds much enjoyment in nature-whether skiing, on a bike, on foot, or in the water!

In person 

We meet once a week at a different location along the Whistle Stop Trail between Jay and Farmington. The trail is mostly flat for easy relaxed walking. This is a great opportunity to keep moving, meet new folks, get outside, and enjoy the views.  Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, bring your walking sticks, and dress in layers.

6 sessions on Wednesdays from 2pm - 3 pm:

March 22 & 29, 2023

April 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2023

Deb Bomaster has recently returned from wintering in northern California (several earthquakes).  She wants to keep up her healthy walking to combat her neurological disease and meet new folks.  Deb is not a speed walker and uses a walking stick while walking long distances.

In-person 

Wolfe's Neck Farm is a 626-acre farm in Freeport. It is farming with the goal of sustainable farming and protecting the environment. It is a place that connects farmers, eaters, and learners to the land and animals at the core of our food system. The program will start at 11 am at the farm. We should plan for a start time of around 9 am from the UMF facilities lot.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 9 am- Leave UMF facilities lot.

Tour at 11 am-12:30 pm

Andrew Lombardi is the events and education coordinator at Wolfe's Neck.

In Person Class

Based on the presenter's new book, 'The Belgrade Lakes Region' for Arcadia Publications' Images of America series, this will be a two-day class: Day One is a 2-hour class with a lecture on the development of sport and youth camps and luxury hotels and Day 2 is a field trip to one or more of the famous camps that have been in operation for over a century under successive generations of the founding families.

Education Ctr, Room 112

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 (Ed Ctr, rm 112), 10 am - 12 pm

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 (Field Trip) 10 am - 2 pm

Eric Hooglund is a Professor Emeritus of Iranian Studies. Previous Gold Leaf courses include History of Waterville and Walking tour of former Lebanese District; Walking tour of Belgrade Grade Lakes village; US Foreign Policy in the Middle East; Iranian Films by Women Directors; Films of Asghar Farhadi, winner of 2 Academy Awards for Best Foreign film