LEWISTON — The YWCA Central Maine Positive Ethnic and Cultural Exchange Women’s Walking Group has returned for the spring season. PEACE is open to all women in the community. The first walk of 2017 will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 18, on the Franklin Pasture trails behind the YWCA.

The group will walk a 1.4-mile loop, led by YWCA Community Outreach Specialist Taysir Jama. The trails are well-kept, safe, private and provide views of Lewiston.

PEACE is a YWCA initiative working to build community among women while emphasizing cross cultural exchange. PEACE began in fall of 2016 with the Women’s Walking Group and during the winter the group held twice monthly indoor gatherings. The program fosters friendships through social gatherings, health and wellness programming, art workshops and issue-based dialogue in a women-only space.

The Women’s Walking Group is open to all women and offers community, conversation, and some end- of-the-day exercise in the woods. There are sneakers remaining from the fall session and participants are welcome to take a pair. The YWCA will share opportunities for further adventures with the group throughout the summer, including hikes throughout Androscoggin County.

PEACE meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month at the YWCA, and summer events will include opportunities for walking, workshops and celebrations.

The YWCA Central Maine Positive Ethnic and Cultural Exchange Women’s Walking Group will hold its first walk of 2017 at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 18, on the Franklin Pasture trails behind the YWCA.