By Sen. Stacey Guerin

Hello friends, this is Senator Stacey Guerin, coming to you from Glenburn in beautiful Penobscot County. I have the honor of representing the citizens of Senate District 4, which includes all of Piscataquis County and 11 communities in Penobscot County.

Like so many other Mainers, summer brings me a special kind of joy and peace. After the long winter months and the unpredictable days of spring, there’s nothing quite like stepping outside into the warmth of a Maine summer day. It’s something we look forward to: That first dip in the lake, the laughter around a backyard grill, the quiet mornings when the mist is still rising off the water.

Summer in Maine is more than just a season. It’s a feeling. It’s bare feet in the grass, the hum of crickets at night and the sight of children chasing fireflies. It’s the scent of pine in the woods and the sea salt in the air. It’s all these little things that remind me how blessed we are to call this beautiful state our home.

One of the best ways to soak it all in is by visiting our incredible state parks. Whether you’re hiking the ridges of Mt. Katahdin, swimming in the clear waters of Moosehead Lake, or camping under the stars at Peak’s Kenny, Maine’s state parks are places where memories are made. They give us the space to reconnect with God’s creation, with each other and with ourselves.

But these parks are more than just scenic getaways. They’re part of our heritage and our identity. They connect generations: grandparents sharing stories by the fire, kids learning to fish or skipping stones at the shoreline and neighbors gathering at a picnic table to share a meal. In today’s busy world, these places offer something rare: peace, quiet and perspective.

And just like anything worth preserving, they depend on all of us. When we take care of our parks, by picking up after ourselves, respecting the wildlife and staying on the marked trails, we help ensure they remain beautiful and accessible for everyone. The dedicated teams who maintain these spaces work hard every day; and we owe them our appreciation and cooperation.

So, this summer I encourage every Mainer to take the time to get outside. Explore a trail you’ve never walked. Visit a park you’ve always meant to see. Pack the cooler, grab the sunscreen and make a day of it. Or better yet, pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars, where the only sounds are loons on the lake and the rustle of wind in the trees.

That’s the Maine I know and love — and the Maine I want to protect for generations to come.

Thank you for listening. I’m Senator Stacey Guerin, wishing you and your family a safe, peaceful and joy-filled summer.

Sen. Stacey Guerin represents District 4, which includes all of Piscataquis County and 11 communities in Penobscot County. She is the Senate Republican Lead for the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.