FOREST CITY — The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust partners are offering their second annual free “Mickey Finn Children’s Day” at Rideout’s Lakeside Lodge.
Rain or shine, Rideout’s will be “the spot to be” Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. as children come together to learn outdoor skills and join in the fun. The day is sponsored by The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust and Rideout’s Lodge.
“The event is part of our Conservation Education Program and our Community Outreach Initiative” said John Gaskins, board treasurer.
The event is free and will include a fishing competition 10 a.m. to noon, kayak races at 11:30 a.m., along with the “biggest splash” contest at noon and a coloring contest between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. A hot dog lunch will be provided.
Maine Guides will be on site to teach a fly-tying streamer clinic and there will be fly-casting lessons. Rides will also be given in a Grand Laker canoe to several interactive stations to learn about fish, trees, animals, knots, the ecosystem and the importance of clean water and forests.
Rideouts Lakeside Lodge is located at 142 Butterfield Landing Road, Weston.
Please register in advance by sending an email to: jeanwwlt@gmail.com or by leaving a message at the Land Trust office 207-448-3250. WHOU 100.1-FM radio will be broadcasting live. In addition to Jim Brown and the staff at Rideouts, other support will come from Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) and the Maine Wardens’ Service.
Participants are asked to bring protective eye wear, bug spray, sun block, personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler. Fishing equipment will be provided by IF&W or participants may bring their own.
The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust has been protecting the lands and waters of the Chiputneticook Lakes Region for 20 years and its conservation and stewardship programs continue. The Land Trust is in its seventh year of offering a summer speaker series and educational field trips. For more information visit their website at www.woodiewheaton.org.
