Exploration Challenge 2023
A favorite activity to do with friends or family, our Summer Exploration Challenge is back!
For the 2023 Exploration Challenge, nine of Kent's protected properties, plus Kent Village, are reimagined as islands belonging to a place called "Everland." The idea is to form a team and visit each "island" in search of:
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Twenty different tree species, whose names are needed to solve a letter scramble.
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Eight creatures, some real and some imagined.
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The names of seven local conservation heroes.
When you find the things above, and when you solve the scramble, email solutions to KLT. Please also take photos of your team in action and send photos to info@kentlandtrust.org
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The quest will also lead you to a party at the end of the summer, where prizes will be awarded.
For full team instructions and to sign up, click "Team Instructions" below. For the Everland story, a map, and the clues, click on "The Quest" button below.
The Story of Everland and the Nine Islands Quest
In the Northwest Boundary Waters where the Great South Current flows
Nine islands lie in nearly undisturbed repose
In a place called Everland,
Where on these islands nine (and more, some say)
Enchantments cast by local elders slow the march of time,
Keep marauding ships at bay
And safeguard all the islands harbor.
Though man still treads the tranquil islands lightly
In farmers’ fields and narrow pathways, mostly,
Nature has regained the upper hand here, restoring balance to the land and
Giving refuge to Earth’s creatures, small and great, in all their glory.
But that, my friends, is only half the story.
You see, the archipelago of which I speak is in duress
Because the islands’ magic will not last unless the elders can engender
Their wizardry and wisdom in each new generation of defenders.
I present, therefore, an island quest, as follows:
Conscript a worthy crew and, starting on the nearby Village Isle,
Set forth on an adventure that will teach of:
Everland, in ages old;
Eight of its beasts and seven of the islands’ heroes;
The names and places of a score of forest treasures;
Where to gather, in late summer, with other salty nature lovers
To tell tall tales and celebrate each other;
And, after steadfast searching and upon profound reflection,
How one and all can aid in Everland’s protection!
So join up with your friends and neighbors,
Round up your mate and sons and daughters,
And set sail on a quest involving clues and maps and codes and creatures!
I should mention -- there will be hiking. I hope that will be to your liking!
If so, bring your wits and pack your boots and otherwise equip your band
To venture forth in Everland!
The Kent Trails book referenced in the Guide has recently been revised! The new edition is available for sale at Sportsmen's Connection and House of Books.