Midcoast Conservancy’s seasonal hiking series of “Wednesday Wanders” and “Saturday Saunters” continues in July. Two walks are being offered, both starting at 10 a.m., and both having a Maine Master Naturalist leading the group. 

On Wednesday, July 10, the group will be exploring a small portion of the 456-acre West Branch Preserve, which straddles the Jefferson/Somerville line. This preserve protects nearly 1.5 miles of the West Branch of Davis Stream, a significant tributary to Damariscotta Lake. The plan is to see a bit of that stream while enjoying a woods walk, where hikers are likely to see several kinds of ferns. Parking is available at the trailhead on North Mountain Road just over the Jefferson line in Somerville.

The second July hike will be a Saturday Saunter on the 13th. Participants will be headed to the very scenic Peter’s Pond in Waldoboro. This outing will offer a peaceful walk out to a lovely pond, getting to see a variety of habitats, including both fresh water and saltwater marsh. Parking is available at the Dutch Neck Community Center on Dutch Neck Road, behind which is where the trail begins.     

All are welcome on these hikes and encouraged to bring some water and wear good hiking shoes or boots. To learn more about the preserves themselves, check out www.midcoastconservancy.org. And stay tuned for more Wednesday Wanders and Saturday Saunters that will continue through the summer and into the autumn. Anyone with questions about the hikes or about Midcoast Conservancy’s recreational programming can email landmcc@midcoastconservancy.org.