Maine IAT 30th Annual Gathering of Friends

Please join us for our Annual Gathering of Friends of the IAT in the picturesque Katahdin region, a celebration of community, culture, and nature. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, learn from inspiring speakers, and explore the beautiful surroundings. This year we will have the opportunity for a special tour of Tekαkαpimək, the new visitor’s center for Katahdin Woods and Waters.

Date: Saturday, May 18

Cost: Free of charge

Location:

• Start: Tekαkαpimək – Visitor Contact Station, Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, Swift Brook Road, Staceyville (off the Swift Brook Road, four or five miles from the big 90˚ bend in Rt. 11 in Staceyville). You can meet us at 9:45 am at Taylor Camps to follow us in if you are unsure.

• End: We will gather for dinner at the Northgate Grill at 5pm. (53 North Rd. Patten, ME 04765)

Schedule of Events

10:00 am: Guided tour of Tekαkαpimək with Jennifer Neptune, Penobscot artist, Maine Guide, and Director of the Penobscot Nation Museum, and Mark Wimmer, Superintendent of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.

11:00 am to 4:00 pm: Enjoy the annual Fiddlers and Fiddleheads Festival at the Patten Lumberman’s Museum (https://www.facebook.com/FiddlersandFiddlehead/).

There are plenty of opportunities to find a bite to eat or bring your own lunch. At noon the Lumbermen’s Museum will be opening their new trail.

Optional activities: If the Loop Road is open, we recommend a scenic hike to Orin Falls or Barnard Mountain.  You can head right to the trail heads from Tekαkαpimək, and don’t forget your lunch and water. Or, explore the region as you wish!

5:00 pm: Finish the day with dinner at the Northgate Grill at 5pm. (53 North Rd. Patten, ME 04765)

Additional Information:

While we will not be coordinating overnight housing or camping for Friday night or the weekend, we are more than happy to assist you in finding accommodations if you are interested in extending your stay.

Our first Sponsored Hike of the season will be on Sunday if you decide to stay for the weekend. You can join Amy, our coordinator and a Maine Master Naturalist for an easy stroll on the Esker Trail in KW&W, and do some spring wildflower ID and nature journaling. For more details visit our Sponsored Hikes page. To sign up for that hike (space is limited) visit the May 19 Sponsored Hike Registration page. This is an all ages, family friendly hike, suitable for hiking levels. Supplies are provided.

Registration:

This event is free of charge and open to all. We encourage you to RSVP in advance to help us plan accordingly.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate our community and the natural beauty of the Katahdin region and get an early peek at the new visitor’s center. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information or to RSVP, please register at this link or email Amy at coordinator@maineiat.org at the Northgate Grill in Patten, ME (53 North Rd. Patten, ME 04765)