HOULTON, Maine — The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust of Forest City, Maine hosted their Childrens’ Mickey Finn Conservation Day Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Houlton’s Riverfront Park. The event was a part of the Trust’s “Conservation Education Program” and “Community Outreach Initiative.”
“By moving the event to downtown Houlton, we were able to increase the attendance, expand the number of learning stations and add some crafts this year, as well,” stated Anna Rickard, WWLT administrative director and co-chair of the event. “In addition, the children had an opportunity to participate in ATV safety, archery, casting lessons and to brush up on their knot tying skills. I think we served nearly 200 lunches of hot dogs, chips, beverage and dessert.
“We can’t help wonder if our children and grandchildren will still have fresh water and unpolluted air to breathe and we lament the fact that our children don’t spend as much time in nature as we did when we were young,” said Jean Swanson, board member and event co-chair. “What we can do is teach our children about the power of the individual. Little things can create big change, like picking up trash, protecting the environment, and not wasting water. When so much of their world seems to be spinning out of control, it’s important to give them a sense that they can affect change. We’re teaching about making a difference in small ways that they can see, feel and hear.”
The children had the opportunity to practice ATV safety and archery thanks to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and ATV of Maine representatives. Youths also tried their hand at fly casting with the Backyard Bass equipment, designed by IFW as part of their “Hooked on Fishing” program.
The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust has been protecting the lands and waters of the Chiputneticook Lakes Region for over 20 years. For more information visit their website: www.woodiewheaton.org.
