Discovering a Landscape
What makes a landscape? Is it the wind of a river, the wildlife that calls it home, or the sometimes-unseen connections between water, soil, and life?
This August, a group of curious young explorers set out to find the answers at Watershed Camp, hosted by Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) in partnership with Maine Outdoor School.
For one week, youth ages 10-13 gathered along the Orange River in Whiting, Maine—a place defined by miles of freshwater, marshland, and forest teeming with life.
In this weeklong camp session, campers delved into the wonders of the local Orange River watershed. Through activities like canoeing, hiking, hands-on exploration, nature games, and mindful journaling, the campers connected with the landscape in meaningful ways—hiking along shaded trails and paddling through sunlit waters.
On day one, the campers arrived at MCHT’s Rocky Lake Preserve, where they began with morning stretches, set their intentions for the week, and quickly bonded through team-building exercises. The afternoon was spent unraveling the mysteries of the water cycle and creating watershed models—a hands-on lesson that underscored the importance of a healthy environment.
As the days passed, the campers grew more confident in their outdoor skills, learning the 10 essentials for hiking and mastering leadership roles while paddling over five miles under the summer sun. The question, “What makes a landscape?” guided their exploration, leading them to discover the intricate balance between the abiotic, biotic, and cultural elements that shape our world. Their curiosity culminated in a macro-invertebrate survey, a science project that allowed them to investigate the health of the river on their own terms.
By midweek, the campers turned their focus to conservation and stewardship. Together, they worked with MCHT Steward Kyle Koch to restore a section of trail damaged by winter storms. Ideas were shared, hands got dirty, and by the end of the day, a new path had been blazed. For Camper Parker, this was the highlight of his week: “Fixing up the trail” became a moment of pride and accomplishment.
Watershed Camp was a week where landscapes were not just observed but understood, where nature became a classroom, and where young people discovered their role as stewards. Through their journey along the Orange River, they found that the heart of a landscape lies in the connection between all its parts—and in the hands of those who care for it.
Check out our slideshow below: