Trail Mixers are casual, outdoor gatherings guided by light conversation starters meant to facilitate meaningful and new community connections out on the trails! Periodically, a new conversation starter will be proposed and attendees will be encouraged to "mix it up" and find a new person to chat with. There is no guided tour, no cost, no registration required. Just an open invitation for Queer/LGBTQIA+ folks (and allies) of all ages and backgrounds, to gather in a natural safe space, connect with one another, and spend time outside!
Some things to keep in mind:
Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early! We will be leaving for our walk from the trailhead soon after 1pm and may not be able to respond to messages if you are late and trying to catch up to us.
We highly encourage carpooling!
There is no registration, you can just show up.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Bringing some kiddos? Great! Please make sure they (and you!) are dressed for the weather and terrain.
Bringing a camera? Fantastic! Just make sure you have consent if taking photos of other people.
We are meeting at the Highland Spring Trailhead. Directions: Starting at the intersection of US Route 202/Main Street and ME Route 196/Canal Street in Lewiston, go east on US Route 202/Main Street about 0.2 miles, and turn right onto ME Route 126/Sabattus Street. Follow ME Route 126 for about 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Highland Spring Road; there will be a Hannaford supermarket on the corner. Go to the end of Highland Spring Road (about 0.3 miles), turn right on Montello Street, and turn left into the first driveway (about 50 yards beyond Highland Spring Road).
More information on the trail can be found by clicking here: https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/thorncrag-nature-sanctuary
Trail Mixers are our most popular and most frequent program! Trail Mixers began in 2022 through an intentional collaboration between Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust's Lydia Coburn and Queerly ME's Kyle Warnock. Since then, hundreds of LGBTQIA+ community members have found connection with nature and one another on these seasonal walks at various Brunswick-Topsham area properties.