Scenic Hikes + Picnic Lunches + a Bounty of Seasonal Produce = Summer in Downeast Maine

Guest post contributed by Shannon Cherry, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator.

Summer in Downeast Maine; does it get any better? Berries are ripe, wildlife is abundant, and the rugged coastal shoreline offers endless opportunities for exploration. One of my favorite places to enjoy a hike and a picnic lunch is the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge, located just off Pigeon Hill Rd in Steuben. This preserve is home to many birds and other wildlife species, as well as many native plants and a wide variety of ecosystems.

There are two lovely trails on this Maine Coastal Islands Wildlife Refuge property. The 1.8-mile Hollingsworth Trail is a moderate-difficulty loop. The trail brings you through open fields of Maine wild blueberries, mixed forest, granite ledges, and a cedar swamp before providing spectacular panoramic views of the Petit Manan Lighthouse and Pigeon Hill Bay.

The longer Birch Point Trail is a 4.2-mile trek, with an easy rating, that follows old logging roads. This means it is wide and smooth for much of the trail, making for easy travel. You will meander through spruce and mix wood forest, the salt marsh, and mudflats along Dyers Bay. You can take a side loop off the out-and-back path to explore Lobster Cove and views of Sally Island.

For information on this preserve from US Fish & Wildlife Service, click here.

Now, let’s get back to that picnic lunch I love to enjoy from a sunny spot on the rocky shoreline. You can’t go wrong with any of our plentiful seasonal vegetables and berries. These Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins, featured on page 8 of our Maine SNAP-Ed 10 Tips Series Cookbook are the perfect way to fuel your body. Pair them with a serving of low-fat yogurt topped with walnuts and a large bottle of water, flavored with cucumber slices and mint, to keep you hydrated and energized!

Are you looking for ways to stretch your food budget and create healthy and delicious meals at home? Our SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators can help you gain the skills and confidence to create meals your family will love while also making the most of your time and budget.

Our Washington County team is offering free learning sessions in the Machias area in September. Click here to learn more.

Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Mandy or Shannon in Washington County, and Isi or Lizzie in Hancock County.