People and their pups get ready for a fall canicross race at Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway, Maine  WFLT photo files.

NORWAY — As the vibrant foliage of autumn begins to blanket the western Maine landscape, there’s no better time to embrace the great outdoors and nourish both body and soul. This fall, Western Foothills Land Trust is offering a variety of wonderful opportunities to prioritize our well-being. Amidst the crisp, invigorating air and the rustle of leaves underfoot, their preserves provide natural landscapes that beckon us to explore and connect with the earth. Whether it’s hiking along the trails, exploring nature with your children, or meeting up with friends for their weekly walks, there is something for every age and ability. So, gear up, step outside, and let nature guide you toward a healthier, happier you this autumn.

All programs are free unless otherwise noted but RSVP is required. Links to sign up for fee programs can be found at www.wfltmaine.org/programs, to RSVP,        email info@wfltmaine.org or call their office at 207-739-2124.

October
Sun, October 1 / 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Trail Work Day at Hawk Mountain Hawk Mountain Road, Waterford.
Join us for a morning of trail work and trail marking. Wear sturdy shoes, bring work-gloves, and water. Free. Registration required.

Sat, October  1 /9-11 a.m./ Gentle Flow Yoga + Hike Shepard’s Farm Preserve, 121 Crockett Ridge Road, Norway.
Join instructor Kat Larsen E-RYT5000 for this unique program. Wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring a mat. Donations Welcome. Registration required. Rain date 10/15.

Sun, October 15 / 10 a.m.-12 p.m. / Fall Canicross Race, Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.

Enjoy the beauty of fall in Maine while dashing through the forest with your pups! $15/team. Register at www.runsignup.com.

Thurs, October 19 /6 p.m. / Nomad Trail Series: Headlamp Edition. Farm to Town Trailhead, 22 Water Street, Norway.
Last race of the series. Register $10 in advance / $15 on site: www.runsignup.com.

Sun, October 22 / 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. /Smith Bridge Preserve Opening Foliage Walk, Smith Bridge Preserve, 577 Allen Hill Rd, Oxford.
Explore the history of the land and people at our newest preserve as we explore the White Pine Loop Trail. Free. Registration required.

Thursday, October 26 / 3-5 p.m. / Neighborhood Pumpkin Party. Alan Day Community Garden, 15 Whitman Street, Norway.
Celebrate the harvest with pumpkin decorating, games, and friends. Free. Registration required.

Friday, October 27 / 2-5 p.m. / Downtown Norway Trick-or-Treating
Enjoy Downtown Norway’s traditional Main Street Halloween Celebration. Stop by the WFLT table outside of Fare Share Co Op for a spooky surprise. Free.

Wednesdays in October / 9:30-11 a.m. / Weekly Nordic Walk. Farm to Town Trailhead, 22 Water Street, Norway.
Join us for Nordic walking on the new Farm to Town Trail. Nordic walking is a total-body version of walking that can be done using specially designed walking poles. The activity is performed with walking poles similar to ski poles. Free. Registration required. Email info@wfltmaine.org if you need poles.

Fridays in October / 9:30-10:30 a.m. / Mindful Yoga at Roberts Farm Preserve. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.
Led by Kat Larsen E-RYT500. Gentle flow yoga by the woodstove. Bring water, mats are available. Space is first come, first served. Donations welcome.

November
Fri, November 3 /7-9/ Exploring the Night Sky. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd Norway.
Join volunteers from the Twitchell Observatory to view Jupiter & Saturn. Conditions permitting. Free. Registration required.

Sunday, November 5 / 10 a.m.-12 p.m. / Noyes Mountain Hike. Noyes Mountain Preserve, 182 Richardson Hollow Rd, Greenwood.

Hike up an incredible series of stone steps to the summit of Noyes Mountain. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and snacks. Free. Registration required.

Sunday, Nov 19 / 9 a.m.- Noon / Dryland Biathlon, Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd Norway
3x1k and 3x2k race options. Target practice begins at 9:30AM, race starts at 11AM. We provide air rifles. $15 in advance, $20 on-site. Youth $10.

Friday, Nov 24 /10 a.m./ Pollinator Garden Seeding Session. Shepard’s Farm Preserve, 121 Crockett Ridge Rd, Norway.
Help us seed the new pollinator garden area to prepare it for spring blossoms. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and bring water. Free. Registration required.

Saturday, Nov 25 / 11 a.m. / Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Main Street Norway. Get into the holiday spirit at this annual holiday event! Come see the WFLT Pisten Bully Groomer make its debut on Main Street!

Wednesdays in November/ 9:30-11 a.m. / Weekly Nordic Walk. Farm to Town Trailhead, 22 Water Street, Norway.
Join us for Nordic walking on the new Farm to Town Trail. Nordic walking is a total-body version of walking that can be done using specially designed walking poles. The activity is performed with walking poles similar to ski poles. Free. Registration required. Email info@wfltmaine.org if you need poles.

Fridays in Nov / 9:30-10:30 a.m. / Mindful Yoga at Roberts Farm Preserve. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.
Led by Kat Larsen E-RYT500. Gentle flow yoga by the woodstove. Bring your mat and water. Some mats
are available for use. Donations welcome.

December
FRI DEC 1 & 8 / 9:30-10:30 AM / Mindful Yoga at Roberts Farm Preserve. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.
Led by Kat Larsen E-RYT500. Gentle flow yoga in the field. Bring your mat & water. Donations welcome.

Saturday, December 2 / 10-11:30 a.m. / Walk the Humble Way. Virgil Parris Forest, 352 Sodom Road, Buckfield.
Enjoy the newest trail at Virgil Parris before the snow flies! Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Free. Registration required.

Wednesday, December 20 /5:30 p.m./ Winter Solstice Lantern Walk. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.

Celebrate the eve of winter on this illuminated walk. Bring a headlamp or lantern, and enjoy hot cider at the warming hut post walk. Free. Registration required.

Saturday, December 30/ 10-4 / Anticipated Opening of the Roberts Farm Warming Hut and Ski & Snowshoe Shed. Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Rd, Norway.
Weather dependent. Think snow!

Western Foothills Land Trust is dedicated to conserving and protecting native ecosystems, farm and forestlands, watersheds, and scenic landscapes for the benefit of wild and human communities in western Maine. The Trust was founded in 1987 and protects 8,400 acres of land by ownership or easement in the greater Oxford Hills and manages over 34 miles of recreational trails on seven preserves, including Roberts Farm in Norway. The Trust relies upon the generosity and skills of volunteers to oversee their preserves and to help manage trails. To learn more about getting involved or donating, contact info@wfltmaine.org or visit www.wfltmaine.org.