Welcoming Walkabouts will hike at Georges River Land Trust’s Haystack Mountain Preserve, in Liberty, on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Welcoming Walkabouts are outdoor meetups for LGBTQIA+ community members at various trails throughout the Midcoast. Treks include a short hike with time to foster connections with each other and with nature. The Walkabouts are hosted by The Washington Grunge, in partnership with Georges River Land Trust and Midcoast Conservancy.

Allies are welcome to join the group on this hike, according to a GRLT news release. Participants are welcome to bring friends, children, and leashed dogs. These walks are free and open to all ages. Please register at georgesriver.org/events.

Hikers should meet at the parking lot beyond the Maine Health Primary Care office in Liberty, in front of the baseball fields. Good walking shoes and drinking water are recommended.

The Washington Grunge is an affirming rural community for LGBTQIA+ folks, families, and friends. Founded in west Knox County, all are welcome to come as they are. Welcoming Walkabouts are hosted by Grunge Founder Sarah Masters. Masters is a local journalist covering regional arts programming.

"Georges River Land Trust and Midcoast Conservancy are proud to partner with The Grunge to offer these walks in striving to create safe, accessible outdoor experiences for all community members," said GRLT.

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved over 5,700 acres of forest, farm, and shoreline, and provides over 80 miles of public trails in 19 towns from Cushing to Liberty. This conservation work is supported by over 1,000 community members. Visit georgesriver.org to join the community and learn more.