Photo Treks is a five-day place-based photography expedition. The program combines environmental education, digital photography and exploration with youth mentoring. Students spent four nights at Unity College, visited Maine’s Paper & Heritage Museum in Livermore Falls, and toured a former paper mill in Jay. Students also viewed a presentation by the Androscoggin River Alliance to learn about the environmental impact of the pulp and paper mill industry. Students then toured an operating mill, Great Northern Paper, in East Millinocket to learn from the company’s perspective about the pros and cons of its impact on small communities. By showing both sides of the issue, the Trekkers students were able to make up their own minds about what they think and feel regarding the many environmental and economic issues that were discussed during the expedition.
