In 1988, Dave Getchell, Sr. founded the Maine Island Trail, America’s first recreational water trail. Today, the trail spans 375 miles and connects more than 200 islands and mainland sites for boaters to enjoy.
The Maine Island Trail is based on a stewardship model, and the islands are included in the trail on handshake agreements. The sites and waterways are maintained by hundreds of volunteers who participate in programs such as island cleanups. These events are so popular that they even have waitlists, and they allow new groups of people to spend time outdoors and on the water.
You can learn more about the Maine Island Trail and the volunteers who keep it pristine in this video.
