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A Milestone for the Valley: AWWF Announces Youth on the Allagash Expansion

Youth on the Allagash, AWWF, YOTA

ST. JOHN VALLEY — For over nine years, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation has been dedicated to connecting Maine’s youth with the legendary Allagash Wilderness. Today, we are proud to announce our most ambitious chapter yet: the 2026 YOTA Expansion.

In June 2026, the AWWF will launch its first-ever district-wide expedition, ensuring that every eighth-grade student in the St. John Valley has the opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and transformative power of the Allagash River.

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session

We invite parents, students, and community members to join us for an hour-long virtual informational session to learn more about this landmark program. We will discuss the trip itinerary, safety protocols, and the educational goals of this fully-funded wilderness experience.

  • When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

  • Time: 7 PM

  • Where: Virtually via Zoom

  • Link: Join the Meeting Here

  • Meeting ID: 939 9486 0286 | Passcode: 690585

About the 2026 Expedition

Led by the expert guides of the Chewonki Center for Environmental Education, students will embark on a three-day journey (June 2–4) through the heart of the North Maine Woods. This program is more than a camping trip; it is an outdoor classroom where students master canoeing skills, explore Maine’s logging and cultural history, and build the resilience and teamwork skills that define a future generation of stewards.

“This expansion is a culmination of a decade of partnership and vision,” says Daniel Dinsmore, AWWF Executive Director. “We are thrilled to work with the Valley Unified schools to make the Allagash experience a fundamental part of growing up in the St. John Valley.”

  • Questions? Please reach out to Executive Director Daniel Dinsmore at ddinsmore@awwf.org.

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