Join Midcoast Conservancy friends, board, and staff for a morning hike in the Sheepscot Headwaters at the Bolen Hill Trails, followed by lunch from the grill, potluck options, and beverages at Lake St George State Park. 

This year’s Goosepecker Trekker hike and lunch will be in Liberty on Midcoast Conservancy’s new Bolen Hill Trail network. This 2.2-mile moderately challenging hike is on 1,100 acres of Midcoast Conservancy and Lake St. George State Park lands. The hike begins at 10:00 AM at the Bolen Hill Trailhead on Rte 3 in Liberty.

Lunch will follow immediately afterward around noon at Lake St George State Park. This loop hike will go to the top of Bolen Hill, follow the Ridge and descend a series of switchbacks back to the trailhead. The trailhead and kiosk are on the north side of Rte 3, 1/5 mile west of the entrance to the state park.

Come for the hike and lunch or just come for lunch. Grilled organic hotdogs and tofu pups are on the menu, drinks and chips will also be provided. If you like please bring a side dish to share. Bring lawn chairs and for the hardy, a swimming suit for a post-hike plunge! Please note, there is an entry fee because the event is on state park land. Hope you can join us! 

The headwaters of the Sheepscot River includes areas with beautiful mature forest, wetlands, and forested wetlands. More than 1700 acres of nearly contiguous protected land contributes to the health of this important river. The Sheepscot is important for brook trout and many ocean-run fish species including the endangered Atlantic salmon. The Sheepscot is one of only eight rivers in the U.S. identified as critical habitat for the endangered Atlantic salmon.

This is a free event, but use of this trail requires a Lake St. George State Park fee of $5 for those participants under 65 yrs old who do not have a 2026 Maine State Parks pass. Please register below to let us know you are coming.

Refund Policy

Learn to start a fire with ease in this hands-on workshop at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Whether you’ve struggled all your life to get campfires lit, always worry when starting a fire after a rain, or are looking to improve your woodstove fire starting skills, this workshop will leave you feeling confident. 

We often hear from people staying at our campsites and cabins about how difficult it was to start the fire, or how excited they were that they finally got a fire started. When you’re relying on a fire to cook your dinner or dry your clothes, it’s essential that you have the skills to easily make it happen. Learn the difference in types of wood, where to find dry kindling, different styles of fire structure and when to use them, and how to be prepared before you light the match.

Come with a friend you want to camp with, bring the entire family, or join alone. We will make sure you walk away with the skills needed to start a fire successfully anytime you want.   

This is a free program, but space is limited and registration is required.

Refund Policy.

Have a child who needs cross county ski equipment for the winter?
Why not lease them a set of skis, boots, and poles from Midcoast Conservancy! Keep the equipment all winter to ski wherever you want, including Hidden Valley, and return them in April.

Available for youth aged 3-12
Ski Lease Package: $75 per participant.
The individual who will use the skis must be present to ensure a proper fit. Feel free to email in advance to ensure we have the correct size skis and boots available.

Once you have your skis, register here to join us on Sunday mornings January 10 - February 21 for Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Cross country skiers of all ages and abilities can join.

Interested in Ski Lessons during Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club? Register for lessons here. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to cross country ski or you’ve skied before but could use some new skills, we’ll meet you where you’re at in a fun no-pressure environment.

Questions? Contact Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org

Refund Policy.

Have a child who needs cross county ski equipment for the winter?
Why not lease them a set of skis, boots, and poles from Midcoast Conservancy! Keep the equipment all winter to ski wherever you want, including Hidden Valley, and return them in April.

Available for youth aged 3-12
Ski Lease Package: $75 per participant.
The individual who will use the skis must be present to ensure a proper fit. Feel free to email in advance to ensure we have the correct size skis and boots available.

Once you have your skis, register here to join us on Sunday mornings January 10 - February 21 for Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Cross country skiers of all ages and abilities can join.

Interested in Ski Lessons during Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club? Register for lessons here. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to cross country ski or you’ve skied before but could use some new skills, we’ll meet you where you’re at in a fun no-pressure environment.

Questions? Contact Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org

Refund Policy.

Have a child who needs cross county ski equipment for the winter?
Why not lease them a set of skis, boots, and poles from Midcoast Conservancy! Keep the equipment all winter to ski wherever you want, including Hidden Valley, and return them in April.

Available for youth aged 3-12
Ski Lease Package: $75 per participant.
The individual who will use the skis must be present to ensure a proper fit. Feel free to email in advance to ensure we have the correct size skis and boots available.

Once you have your skis, register here to join us on Sunday mornings January 10 - February 21 for Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Cross country skiers of all ages and abilities can join.

Interested in Ski Lessons during Midcoast Conservancy Ski Club? Register for lessons here. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to cross country ski or you’ve skied before but could use some new skills, we’ll meet you where you’re at in a fun no-pressure environment.

Questions? Contact Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org

Refund Policy.