The #WEOUTSIDE Elders program kicked off in amazing fashion with a trip to the great old standby location, the Perham Stream Birding Trail. The Elders program focuses on the other end of our age spectrum – those New Mainers who are most senior in age. While many of their needs are different, everybody in Maine wants to experience nature and all that the state has to offer for outdoor recreation.

Where the youth are focused on careers, kinetic energy, and physically demanding work, the elders tend towards more mature themes: peace and quiet, the wonder in small details, the sheer joy in doing new things. Our first trip to the PSBT was deliberately chosen because of its lovely setting which reminded many of the group of the mountains in their home countries (Burundi and Rwanda). There were other reminders: the continuity of generations visible in the homes and landscape; the presence of agriculture from a bygone era.

But the elders are interested in new things too! They loved riding on ATVs to go check out the blueberries and the wildlife. They loved the cold water streams for relief from the heat. And most of all, they loved being able to visit a protected space that is open for their enjoyment.