The Grand Lakes Region Women’s Canoe Trip & Native Plant Study is a unique and immersive experience led by Jennifer, a knowledgeable guide with a rich heritage rooted in Penobscot culture. With a history spanning 10,000 years, Jennifer imparts wisdom about native plants and their medicinal and edible uses; skills passed down through generations. As a master basket maker, talented beader, and a registered Maine guide, she is also a teacher of Penobscot culture, history, and preservation.
Our journey will take us through beautiful lakes such as Sysladobsis, Pocumcus, West Grand, Bottle, and Junior. As we paddle through this backcountry, participants will learn about the edible and medicinal uses of plants native to this area. The unique ecosystem of sandy beaches, interconnecting lakes, and the surrounding mountains contribute to an unforgettable exploration.
The trip is designed for those who wish to connect deeply with nature while exploring and learning about the rich history and culture of the Penobscot people. An added attraction following the canoe trip is a stay at Weatherby’s sporting camp and the Grand Lake Stream Festival, offering a weekend filled with crafts and music. This adventure provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the fascinating world of native plants and their traditional uses, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Lakes Region.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Two guides
- All the food and gear on the lakes trip.
- Shuttle to put in and take out spots from Grand Lake Stream.
- Transport to and from Orono.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Accommodations in Orono.
- Meals in town.
Meet Your Guides
Polly, Master Maine Guide
Polly spent 10 years living a semi-subsistence lifestyle in the bush of the Yukon territory. During this 10-year period, besides hunting moose and caribou for her meat, she spent a significant amount of time foraging for wild edibles. Polly was awarded the Legendary Maine Guide award in Maine in 2022, a prestigious award given to one Maine guide per year.
Jennifer, Wabanaki Guide
Jennifer is a knowledgeable and passionate guide eager to share her expertise on Penobscot culture, history, and preservation with participants. With a rich cultural heritage spanning over 10,000 years, she is well-versed in the traditional uses of native plants and their medicinal properties. Jennifer is also a master basket maker and practices the traditional skills of decorative beadwork.
As the Director of the Penobscot Cultural Museum on Indian Island, she is a very important keeper of Penobscot’s cultural heritage. She’s also a registered Maine guide, meaning she’s well-equipped to lead the group on this remarkable journey through a number of different north woods ecosystems.
Lakes and Locations
The Grand Lakes Region Women’s Canoe Trip & Native Plant Study takes participants on a journey through a series of interconnected lakes, each offering its own unique charm and natural beauty.
Sysladobsis: Known for its pristine waters and abundant wildlife, Sysladobsis Lake is an idyllic location for paddling and observing nature.
Pocumcus: This secluded lake offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to truly connect with their surroundings. We may camp on this lake where the loons will sing you to sleep at night.
West Grand: As one of the largest lakes in the region, West Grand Lake is known for its bald eagle sightings.
Bottle: Bottle Lake is where we end our trip at the public boat landing. It can sometimes be quite busy because of the large number of campsites around it.
Junior: Junior Lake is a beautiful lake with many islands. Some people seem to enjoy getting lost on it.
Native Plant Study
The Grand Lakes Region Women’s Canoe Trip & Native Plant Study offers participants an engaging opportunity to explore the world of native plants, guided by Jennifer’s extensive knowledge of the Penobscot’s traditional uses of these plants.
Diverse Plant Species: As participants paddle through the interconnected lakes, they will encounter various native plants, many of which have edible and/or medicinal uses.
Edible and Medicinal Uses: Under Jennifer’s guidance, participants will learn how the Penobscot people have used native plants for sustenance, healing, and well-being for thousands of years.
Preserving Traditional Knowledge: The Native Plant Study emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and practices, inspiring respect for the environment and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Hands-on Learning: Through interactive activities such as foraging, plant identification, creating simple herbal remedies, and preparing various teas from native plants, participants can apply their newfound knowledge, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection with the environment.
The Native Plant Study component of the Grand Lakes Region Women’s Canoe Trip offers a unique way to explore the area’s natural heritage while deepening participants’ understanding of the traditional practices and cultural values of the Penobscot people.
For trip itinerary, click here
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