2025 Jane’s Walk Event
Heart of Ellsworth is proud to partner with area organizations and community members each year to produce Jane’s Walk. This year’s event will take place on the first Saturday, May 3rd. We are thrilled to have six walks happening in Ellsworth organized by community members and area organizations alike!
Join us for a walk – or for all six! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
What is Jane’s Walk?
Community activist Jane Jacobs inspired this global free, volunteer-led walking conversations festival. Jane’s Walks combines the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. The annual Jane’s Walk festival takes place in more than 200 cities and towns around the globe. Visit MainePreservation.org to see all the Jane’s Walks in Maine.
Exploring Woodlawn: A Walk Through History
Date & Time: 8 - 9:30 am
Starting Location: Woodlawn, lower parking lot
Join Woodlawn’s Education Director, Kelly Lunt, and her co-walk leader, Roz Rea, for a guided walk around the historic Woodlawn estate. As you explore the scenic grounds, you’ll learn about the rich history, architectural features, and stories behind this cherished Ellsworth landmark.
Participants will start the walk along part of the trail system to view the ancestral Black Family tomb. This part of the walk will be along a natural forest path. Participants will then learn about the history of Woodlawn’s buildings, landscapes, and past residents, to gain a deeper appreciation for its role in the community. The walk will be about 1 mile in length on both even and uneven surfaces.
Pedal Through Ellsworth: A Guided Bike Ride with Paul Markosian
Date & Time: 10 - 11 am
Starting Location: 190 Main Street
Join Paul Markosian, owner of Flexit Café, for a guided bike ride through Ellsworth! An experienced cyclist who has biked in New York City, across the East Coast, and in South Africa, Paul will lead participants on a five-mile loop, starting and ending at the Farmer’s Market at 10:00 AM.
The ride will begin with a quick bike check, followed by a scenic route through Shore Road and a local trail, with stops to discuss key landmarks along the way. Participants will pass by and learn about notable sites such as the Ellsworth Pump Station and Ellsworth High School, while also picking up tips and tricks for riding safely in populated areas.
This family-friendly ride is limited to 12 participants. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must be comfortable biking and bring their own bicycle and helmet. Please note that we will cross Route 1A, and safety precautions will be taken.
Pre-registration required. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Ellsworth on two wheels!
History Detectives: Uncovering Ellsworth’s Past Along the River!
Date & Time: 12 PM
Starting Location: River Walk North Trail Head at the Ellsworth Public Library
Calling all young explorers and history detectives! Join Jennifer Sala, Chair of the Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission and board member of the Ellsworth Historical Society, for a fun and interactive walk along the river trail behind the Ellsworth Public Library.
On this kid-friendly adventure, participants will sleuth out hidden clues from the past. Along the way, young historians will learn how to "read" the landscape, uncover traces of Ellsworth’s past like slag, and get a super simple introduction to archaeology.
This walk is all about curiosity and discovery, perfect for kids who love mysteries, digging into history, or just exploring the outdoors. Put on your detective hats, bring your sharpest observation skills, and get ready to uncover the secrets of Ellsworth’s past!
Bricks & Beams: Exploring the Changing History of Three Storied Streets in Downtown Ellsworth
Date & Time: 1 PM
Starting Location: The Old Jail, 40 State Street
Step into the past as we explore the evolving landscapes of Church, High, and Pine Streets, uncovering how Ellsworth’s downtown has transformed over time. Using historic maps and photos, we’ll compare today’s streetscapes with their appearances from the 1880s to the 1940s, revealing layers of history hidden in plain sight.
Through the lens of cultural geography, we’ll examine how businesses, residences, and public spaces have shifted in response to economic booms, fires, changes in transportation, and the evolving needs of the community. As we walk, we’ll discuss how past generations shaped these streets—and how their choices continue to influence the city’s character today.
One key stop will be the former site of the Unitarian Church at the corner of High and Main Streets. When the building was demolished (for reasons we’ll explore), it set off a ripple effect in local preservation efforts—one that still impacts Ellsworth’s approach to historic conservation today.
The tour begins in Ellsworth’s historic district, proceeding down Church Street, where we’ll use maps and photos to compare past and present streetscapes. Crossing Main Street, we’ll walk along the section of High Street where 19th-century structures remain, then turn onto Pine Street, concluding at a local food and drink hub on Hancock Street.
Participants may park at City Hall and use the public restrooms at the library before the tour begins. While we will pause at various points to examine photos and maps, there will be no formal rest stops until the final stop. The tour is expected to take 60–75 minutes.
Greener Streets, Brighter Future: A Jane’s Walk on Creative Urban Renewal
Date & Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Starting Location: Meet at Franklin Parklet
Join Tabatha White & Michael Otzwirk for a walking conversation about urban renewal, green infrastructure, and future revitalization projects in Downtown Ellsworth. Tabatha is an Ellsworth City Councilor, member of the Arbor Commission, and Heart of Ellsworth Board and Design committee member, and Michael is the City of Ellsworth’s Community Tree Steward and member of Heart of Ellsworth’s Design committee. Together, they will take participants on a guided walk to explore underutilized spaces and areas with opportunities for enhancement, discussing ways to bring new life to the city through thoughtful design and sustainability initiatives.
Participants will learn about green infrastructure—including trees, rain gardens, and sustainable streetscapes—and discuss potential future projects that could improve both the function and beauty of downtown. Whether you're interested in urban design, community development, or simply want to help shape the future of Ellsworth, this walk is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and share ideas.
If you're curious about getting involved in Heart of Ellsworth’s Design Committee, this is the perfect chance to see firsthand how community-driven planning can create a more vibrant and resilient city!
Details:
Open to all community members
Walking tour through key downtown areas
Engaging discussion on urban renewal, design opportunities, and green infrastructure
Come walk, observe, and imagine the possibilities for a greener, more vibrant Ellsworth!
Seaweed & Main Street: A Flavorful Jane’s Walk Through Ellsworth
Date & Time: 3:45 - 5:45 PM
Starting Location: 16 State Street
Join Heart of Ellsworth for a walking tour celebrating the unique connection between downtown businesses and Maine’s thriving seaweed industry. This Jane’s Walk coincides with Maine Seaweed Week, a statewide festival highlighting Maine’s seaweed harvest and its many uses in food, wellness, and sustainability.
Participants will visit local businesses showcasing seaweed-inspired products, from dulse-infused beer to kelp-based skincare and other innovative offerings. Along the way, business owners will share their insights, and participants will have the chance to sample select products.
The walk will also touch on the health benefits of seaweed and its growing role in Maine’s economy, offering a fresh perspective on this nutrient-rich, sustainable resource. Whether you're a seaweed enthusiast or simply curious about its impact, this walk will provide a fun and flavorful way to explore Ellsworth’s downtown!
Suggested for participants aged 21+ or with a parent guardian. Samples will include alcoholic beverages.
