Maine’s Ice Age Trail: Down East Map and Guide” Published; UMaine Event Oct. 2

Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571

ORONO — A new map and guide highlighting points in Hancock and Washington Counties that illustrate Maine’s geologic history will soon be available, and the University of Maine will host a Monday Oct. 2 event to celebrate its publication. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. at UMaine’s Buchanan Alumni House.

“Maine’s Ice Age Trail: Map and Guide” has been nearly six years in the making, and it will help users understand the evolution of Maine’s landscape over centuries. An organizing committee has worked since January 2001 to design the project and to obtain the local, state and federal support necessary to bring it to fruition.

Harold Borns, UMaine professor emeritus of earth sciences and the UMaine Climate Change Institute, has developed the scientific aspects of the project, which features a trail that a visitor can follow through Hancock County and Washington County. By following the trail and stopping at various designated points, all accessible from main roads, along the way, one can learn about the Ice Age, climate change in general and the record of the Ice Age in central Maine.

Organizers envision enhanced learning opportunities for Maine school students, and increased eco-tourism in the two counties as by-products of this effort.

Gov. John Baldacci, UMaine President Robert Kennedy, UMaine Prof. Paul Mayewski and Borns will all speak at the event. Subsequent celebrations are planned for Washington County and Hancock County, where committee members say many people and organizations have supported the project.