The Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) is offering two great opportunities to get outside while practicing social distancing: a story trail and a hiking challenge. At this time, the preserves are a great resource for exercise, nature study, and de-stressing. BRLT hopes the following programs will extend visitors’ enjoyment of the preserves and offer new ways of connecting with one another and sharing your journeys through social media.

If you are looking for a way to get out with your kids during school closures and remote learning, our story trail at Oak Point Farm may be what you need. Come outside and read a family friendly book while on a short and easy hike at Oak Point Farm. BRLT will post a new illustrated story along the trails of Oak Point Farm every other week throughout the school closure. The free one-mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed anytime during daylight hours. The current story trail features the book “Salamander Room” by Anne Mazer, and will be in place through April 2, after which time a new story will be posted.

BRLT also invites all visitors to join our “Going the Distance with BRLT hiking challenge.” Come practice social distancing while getting fresh air and enjoying the beauty of our region. With over 3o miles trails to explore on more than 20 preserves, we are challenging you to visit as many as you can in the coming weeks. Visit our events calendar at bbrlt.org to learn more about this challenge, and to download a “Going the Distance Hiking Challenge” log for recording hiking journeys. Hike 10 miles or more on our preserves and earn a fun BRLT patch!

We are so lucky to be social distancing in Maine, so let’s get outside! We also want to see you social distancing, using social media! Share your journey by adding photos, videos, hiking distances, wildlife sightings and more using the hashtag #BRLTdistancing. Share your journey and enjoy viewing those from friends and neighbors.

Please remember, if you see others hiking, respectfully keep your distance. We ask all hikers to adhere to the following guidelines at all BRLT preserves during this public health epidemic:

• Refrain from using trails if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of trails.
• While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
• Avoid using the preserves as a place to meet up with friends for social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, sports, etc. and maintain proper physical distance from other hikers at all times.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

Be well and happy hiking!