We are pleased to join with six neighboring land conservation organizations in Southern Maine to continue a regional collaboration that brings together land conservation, outdoor exploration, and the voices of contemporary Indigenous authors.

The Indigenous Tales on the Trails project brings together York Land Trust, Kennebunk Land Trust, Great Works Regional Land Trust, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kittery Land Trust, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, and Arundel Conservation Trust.

The project, which launched last summer, features beautifully illustrated children’s books by Indigenous authors displayed along publicly accessible walking trails, inviting families to experience a story one page at a time while exploring the outdoors. Titles include: Little People of the Dawn by Minquansis Sapiel, Who Am I? by Julie Buchholtz, and The Canoe Maker by Jean Flahive and Donald Soctomah.

Following the success of its first round, Tales on the Trails is returning with previous titles and a new collection of books, including several new titles that offer children and families opportunities to learn from Indigenous authors and artists about culture, family, nature, and relationships with the land.

The newest collection was made possible with funding from the Maine Community Foundation (MCF) and includes: The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, Kunu's Basket by Lee DeCora Francis, Thanks to the Animals by Allen J. Sockabasin, and Mama's Song by Julie Buchholtz.

Currently featured at the Wells Reserve on the Saw-Whet Owl Trail:

Mama's Song by Julie Buchholtz
New for 2026, Julie Buchholtz's Mama's Song introduces young readers to the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers and the Anishinaabe concept of mino-bimaadiziwin, or living in harmony with nature and following the teachings passed down by ancestors.

Through the voice of a mother singing to her child, the book explores wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility and truth. Illustrations by Faryn Hughes bring the teachings to life through animal figures and the natural world. Mama's Song was published by Sleeping Bear Press in February 2026 and is Buchholtz's second book.

Indigenous Tales on the Trails is designed to encourage families to do more than simply read a book. Visitors are invited to walk, explore, and experience the natural world while encountering stories rooted in Indigenous cultures and relationships with the land.

The books featured in the trails can also be purchased to take home. The last sign on the trail includes an author's bio and information to purchase the book. Many of the books can also be found through libraries and independent booksellers, making it easy for families to continue exploring these stories after their visit to the trails.

Tales on the Trail will continue to rotate among participating organizations throughout the year. This allows communities throughout Southern Maine to experience different books and hear from a range of Indigenous authors and storytellers.

This project is an opportunity to begin building relationships, amplify Indigenous voices, and help visitors understand the deep and continuing relationships between Wabanaki peoples and the land and waters of Maine. The participating organizations hope Indigenous Tales on the Trails will become an opportunity for families to discover new places, explore local trails, and learn from Indigenous authors whose stories offer different ways of understanding family, community, culture and the natural world.

Visitors are also encouraged to continue learning through organizations including Wabanaki REACH, the Abbe Museum, and the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship.

Check event pages of the other participating land organizations to learn more about Indigenous Tales on the Trails.