Those wanting to join the walk are asked to gather at 8 p.m. Sunday behind the back of the Southern Maine Health Care facility at 1 Medical Center Drive in Biddeford.
No flashlights or pets are allowed and participants are asked to leave electronics behind in the car. Sturdy footwear is recommended and participants may want to bring a light jacket since temperatures outside can drop quickly in the evening.
Best of all, the walk is free and open to the public.
“I’ve done this before and it’s quite a lot of fun,” said Maureen Okibajawe of Saco. “Last time I saw some spectacular butterflies and flowers and the sunset was gorgeous.”
Okibajawe said that she’s not much of a jogger and prefers a more leisurely pace like the Full Moon Walk to fully experience being outdoors and getting in some exercise.
“My son has asked if he can join me this year on the walk and I think it’s really a great activity for children,” she said. “It gets him outside for a change and we’re looking forward to walking together along the trail. As a parent, it’s a great conversation starter about birds, insects, trees and nature in general.”
Organizers say the walk is a perfect way to meet neighbors and make new friends, enjoy a stroll and observe seldom-viewed sights along the Eastern Trail under moonlight. Participants will be able to observe a variety of unusual Maine flora and creatures in their natural settings.
Another of these Full Moon Walks will be held at 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the same location in Biddeford for those unable to attend Sunday’s event.
The Eastern Trail is a 30 percent complete vision of a 65-mile recreation/transportation greenway connecting Casco Bay at Bug Light in South Portland with Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The world-class, 10-foot wide trail is enjoyed daily by thousands of users for hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, walking, biking, birding, nature study and many other healthy activities.
In Biddeford, the trail passes over the Maine Turnpike as part of a 6.2-mile greenway section connecting the city with Arundel and Kennebunk.
The walk on Sunday evening is expected to take between 60 to 90 minutes and all ages are welcome.
The event will be led by Biologist/Eastern Trail Trustee Joe Yuhas.
For more information, call 283-4487 or send an email to [email protected].
— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 326, or by email at [email protected].
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