June 1-30: “Giant Island” StoryWalk™ for Children on Sears Island
Carver Memorial Library and Friends of Sears Island are collaborating on a StoryWalk® for children to enjoy along the Homestead Trail on Sears Island. As families walk along the woods path, they will find posts with laminated pages of the book “Giant Island”, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Doug Keith. This whimsical story is about two children exploring an island with their grandfather, and their discovery that there’s more to the island than what appears at first glance. As they wander, the features of a giant are revealed in the island’s landforms. “Giant Island” is written to appeal to kids 5-8 years old, but is enjoyable for all ages, and is sure to inspire curiosity and imagination as you enjoy your own island exploration during the StoryWalk.
The StoryWalk® will be available from June 1-30, and directions to the start of the story can be found by the kiosk just beyond the island gate. From start to finish, the story will cover approximately a half mile of the trail. Sears Island is located off of Route 1 on Sears Island Road, just east of downtown Searsport. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island check out www.friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland. For more information on the Carver Memorial Library, visit www.carverlibrary.org. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
June 11: Wednesday Waldo Walk on Sears Island with Bindy Pendleton
Friends of Sears Island and Coastal Mountains Land Trust invite you to another Wednesday Waldo Walk! Each month, CMLT volunteer and Waldo County resident Bindy Pendleton leads hikes exploring a variety of intriguing and unique trail systems. This month’s hike will feature the magic of Sears Island in the town of Searsport on June 11 at 9:30 a.m. FOSI board members Janet Williams and Rolf Olsen will share the organization’s on-going, incredible work and answer any questions.
This hike will include an option of distances between 1–4 miles including forested trails, shoreline and the island’s road. The hike will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. or 12 p.m., but please feel free to bring a picnic lunch and continue enjoying the island on your own. Bring water, tick and insect protection and binoculars, if you have them.
Sears Island is located at the end of Sears Island Road, off Route 1, just east of Searsport village. You will drive out onto a causeway where the leaders will meet at the far/southern end of the causeway.
Please register at [email protected] and if you are interested in a ride share, be in touch with Bindy at at 207-323-0817.
Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected over 13,000 acres, offering 55 miles of trails for public recreation.
The mission of Friends of Sears Island is to support permanent protection of Sears Island’s environmental and cultural resources; preserve its marine, shoreland, and forest ecosystems; and encourage educational and low-impact recreational uses of the island.
June 20: Solstice by the Sea, A Summer Celebration on Sears Island
Friends of Sears Island’s annual Summer Solstice by the Sea celebration will be held on Friday, June 20, from 5-8 p.m. on Sears Island. We are very pleased to announce that Sundog Solar of Searsport will be our exclusive sponsor again this year. Bring the whole family for an evening of merriment to celebrate the start of summer! We’ll have live traditional music by the fiddlers and other musicians of Sea Strings Orchestra, poetry readings, a craft station to make your own noisemakers, streamer wands, and crowns for the festive “sun parade” procession on the causeway, face painting, sidewalk chalk, giant bubbles, a “Rest and Read” area provided by the Carver Memorial Library, and a children’s activity with the Penobscot Marine Museum. A StoryWalkⓇ will also be installed along the Homestead Trail for viewing. Dress to celebrate summer with a flower crown or tropical shirt, or whatever means summer to you! Purchase dinner from Portable Pie Place food truck, ice cream from Stone Fox Farm Creamery, or bring your own picnic. This event is free and open to all, but a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family will support Friends of Sears Island’s education and conservation programs.
Please bring blankets or lawn chairs for your comfort and be prepared to carry out what you carry in. No grills or open fires are permitted on Sears Island. Please leave your pets at home. Porta-potties are available near the island gate. Sears Island is located at the end of Sears Island Road, off Route 1, just east of Searsport village. Parking will be along the causeway; please park along the guardrail facing the island. In the event of poor weather, check our Facebook page (facebook/friendsofsearsisland) to learn if the event is canceled.
