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

Welcoming Walkabout heads to Pool Preserve in Union, Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LGBTQIA+ community members, along with their allies, are invited to explore the preserve’s woodland and riverside trails and connect with new and familiar friends.

"Pool Preserve offers a great swimming and fishing spot," said a GRLT news release. 

Participants are welcome to take a dip to cool down or bring supplies for recreation. 

These walks are free and open to all ages. Children and leashed dogs are welcome. Please register at georgesriver.org/events. If you take photos at the event, please make sure you have permission from others. 

Upcoming Welcoming Walkabouts include:

Sunday, June 14 at Trout Brook Preserve (Alna)

Saturday, June 20 at Pool Preserve (Union)

Sunday, July 5 at Maguire Preserve (Whitefield)

Sunday, July 19 at Cross Cushing Preserve (Cushing)

Saturday, Aug 8 at West Branch Preserve (Jefferson)

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.

Directions: From Route 17 in Union, travel one mile north on Sennebec Road to a dirt road on the left. Drive down the dirt road to its end and park beyond the entrance to the driveway into the small gravel pit. See more details at georgesriver.org. 

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved over 5,600 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.