In “Walden” Henry David Thoreau wrote, “We can never get enough of nature.” In Maine, we are lucky that we get to enjoy all four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Sometimes, we get a little of each season in a single day.

Right now, though, everyone’s eager to get outside and soak up the summer sun. Whether it’s a daytrip to Kennebunk Pond for canoeing and fishing or a walk to Biddeford Pool, Maine has so much to offer this time of year. We can make memories with our friends and families that last a lifetime. Among the many possibilities are trips to Maine’s state parks. Even though it’s only June, my son has already been to Sebec Lake, Lake St. George, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, Peaks-Kenny and more. I can’t think of a better activity for people of any age than to take a day and go explore.

That’s why I was thrilled to see Gov. Janet Mills announce a $50 million initiative through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to rebuild infrastructure at Maine’s state parks. While Acadia National Park has been seeing 3 million (or more) visitors per year, more people are visiting our state parks, too. In fact, in 2021 Maine’s 48 state parks and historic sites welcomed 3.3 million visitors, which is almost as many visitors as those who went to Acadia – as well as more than twice the population of our state.

It’s clear, then, that we need to make sure that our parks can be maintained and operated for these many guests. There are roads and trails that need to be taken care of, for example, as well as facilities and shelters that need to be repaired. All of this is worth it, not just for making the parks and sites accessible and pleasant for all but also for generating more than $100 million in revenue for Maine’s economy.

Now you must be thinking about going and visiting one of our state parks or historic sites. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry has a great online tool, which you can use to search for state parks near you and your family. To access the tool, just go to www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/, and then click on “Find Parks and Lands” on the left side of your screen. The department also has suggestions for hiking trails, including trails that are kid friendly, and for walking Maine’s beaches. If you have a smartphone, the app AllTrails has many trails and maps that you can download or follow, too. You can read reviews and check the difficulty rating for a trail before you go to the trailhead.

Before you grab your kids and pack your lunches, please make sure that you are prepared. High exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause cancer, so wear long sleeves and sunscreen – especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In Maine, we also have ticks. If you haven’t ordered a free tick ID card and tick remover, then I’d recommend visiting the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Disease Surveillance website. Once there, you can request free educational and informational materials on ticks, Lyme disease and more.

A strong insect repellent will protect you, too. Lastly, staying hydrated is critical when you spend a lot of time outside. Limit coffee and soda intake on days when you’ll be in the sun, and drink plenty of sports drinks, water and electrolytes so that you feel healthy and strong – and avoid heat exhaustion or, in worst-case scenarios, heat stroke. This is probably the mom in me, but everyone have fun and stay safe!

Happy Summer!

Susan Deschambault represents Senate District 32, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman. She can be reached at Susan.Deschambault@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.

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