Behind our new location at 12 Windorf Circle in Brunswick is a magical northern forest with trails galore. You will find pleasant easy walks that are well signed and blazed. Maps are posted at the trail junctions and can also be found online at Maine Trail Finder.
There are trilliums and indian cucumber root, deer and squirrels. Benches are available along the way to rest and reflect. The ground and much of the walkway is carpeted in pine needles. There are openings and fields to brighten the way, including a community garden and a labyrinth to walk.
The Labyrinth was a joint project of the Land Trust and the First Parish Church of Brunswick. It is beautifully made of inlaid granite and may take up to an hour to walk in and out. To get there from Jade leave the playground heading into the woods, cross the culvert, follow the open way until coming to the trail and signs. After the junction of Thornton Oaks and the Main Loop turn left on the Garden Trail which is blazed with yellow rectangles painted on the trees. A maze is designed to boggle and confuse so that only those who can decipher the clues can find their way; but a labyrinth is constructed to provide time and space for meditation and prayer so that one becomes clear in mind and spirit.
The trails are part of the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust trail system at Crystal Springs Farm. No bikes, motorized vehicles, fires or camping are allowed. A picnic shelter is located at Jade next to the playground. Dogs must be on leash, and cleaned up after so bring doggy bags.
Bring your bug dope. A natural bug repellent that is recommended by the CDC as an alternative to DEET is oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. This natural oil, which comes from the lemon eucalyptus tree, can last up to 2 hours. Several studies have found this natural bug repellent as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. It may also work well against ticks too. Beware that oil of lemon eucalyptus may be poisonous if ingested in high quantities. According to the CDC it should not be used on kids under 3. Geranium oil works almost as well and is marketed with carrier oils as an effective repellent. Peppermint and citronella have not been shown as effective in studies. Avon skin so soft works, but only for about 30 minutes.
This trail system is a great outing for those seeking relief from the noise and rush of daily life. Remember to snap pictures with your phone of the map and the signs at the trail junctions so you can find your way there and back again.
Come explore the trails with us!
Join Cleo Wolf, L.Ac for this mindfulness based practice. Meet at Jade Integrated Health in Brunswick and take a short stroll through the woods to the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Labyrinth. Forest Bathing is for all activity levels. Participants should feel comfortable walking on nature trails and standing for intermediate periods of time, chairs can be provided upon require.
Time: 4:00-5:30pm
Date: June 11th, July 9th, August 13th and September 10th
Investment: $10 Suggested Donation (proceeds will be donated to BTLT)
Brunswick Location: 12 Windorf Circle, Brunswick, ME 04011