Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Blue Moon. Discover a new way of being outside, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses.

Hike the 1 mile to the pond and our canoes. With a little luck, the full moon will be rising on the far shore as we paddle along the shore to the North end of Little Dyer Pond.

The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls, loons and beaver tail slaps, chat as we paddle, and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.

Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing; it’s always a good idea to bring layers (a windbreaker or fleece are great options). Try to avoid both cotton and denim as they do not keep you warm once wet and do not dry quickly. Make sure you have sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and bring your own water bottle. We should be on the water no longer than an hour and a half, and land at the same location we launched from.

All equipment is provided. Be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp. This program is likely to run at least 2.5 hours.

All are welcome! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Rain date: June 1

This is a free program, but space is limited and registration is required.

Refund Policy.

Own a mountain bike and ready to hit the trails this spring? Then join us on this after school mountain bike ride.

Sarah Plummer, local yoga and outdoor adventure instructor from Maine Outdoor Yoga, will lead this group ride along the trails at HVNC. Participants will learn the basics of mountain biking on this fun and challenging beginner to intermediate ride.   

Make sure your bike is trail ready, tires inflated, brakes in working condition and able to navigate trail riding. Please bring a helmet, wear sneakers and bring water in a well fitted backpack. 

The group will meet at the Welcome Center at 3:30 PM and return before 5:00 PM. Parents are welcome to join the ride if they have their own bike, bike on your own, or enjoy a walk while the kids ride.

This ride will happen rain or shine.

While this is a free event, we appreciate your registration which is essential for our planning.

Join us for this opportunity to learn about, and hopefully watch, fireflies with Maine Master Naturalist Laurie Holland.

This program will begin with a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation that delves into the details. We’ll look at which species of fireflies live in Maine, their mating behavior, and lifecycle. Laurie will explain the science behind the magic of their bioluminescent glow. Explore where fireflies and firefly larva are likely to be found. And cover threats to their survival, conservation efforts, and how to welcome fireflies to your yard.

After the presentation, and a period for questions and curiosities, the group will head outside. Participants will share firefly experiences, talk about how the habitat at Hidden Valley supports them, watch flashes looking for the distinctive "J" pattern of Photinus pyralis (why they're called "big dipper"), and just quietly enjoy the magic. 

Laurie is a Maine Master Naturalist who loves to share her curiosity about the natural world with others. Born and raised in Maine, she developed a deep love and reverence for nature as a child exploring the forest behind her house. Coursework in biology combined with literature gave her an appreciation for the writings and art of naturalists, which she often incorporates into her presentations. She has a special interest in dragonflies, pollinators, amphibians, and keystone species like beavers. All of nature is connected and she hopes to help people become part of this connection through experiences in the natural world. She volunteers as an on-site naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club's lodges in Greenville, Maine, and leads walks for various land trusts, as well as gardening, beekeeping, and hiking in her spare time.  

All are welcome! Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

While this is a free event, we appreciate your registration which is essential for our planning.

Join master book binding craftsman Celine Marie Lombardi for a morning of journal making.

These unique journals will be designed for use in the field collecting native seeds with space to record your finds. Participants will cut, fold, and sew their journals with professional quality materials under the helpful guidance of Celine. Once complete these books will be ready for a summer of seed collecting and botanical observations.

No prior skills required, just a desire to be creative and learn a few book binding techniques. Walk away with a finished (or nearly done) book you can cherish and fill. 

Program Fee: $30.00 per person to cover materials and support our continued public programming.
Participants must be 13 or older and should be accompanied by an adult.

Refund Policy.

Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Buck Moon. Discover a new way of being outside, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses.

Hike the 1 mile to the pond and our canoes. With a little luck, the full moon will be rising on the far shore as we paddle along the shore to the North end of Little Dyer Pond.

The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls, loons and beaver tail slaps, chat as we paddle, and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.

Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing; it’s always a good idea to bring layers (a windbreaker or fleece are great options). Try to avoid both cotton and denim as they do not keep you warm once wet and do not dry quickly. Make sure you have sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and bring your own water bottle. We should be on the water no longer than an hour and a half, and land at the same location we launched from.

All equipment is provided. Be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp. This program is likely to run at least 2.5 hours.

All are welcome! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Rain date: July 30

This is a free program, but space is limited and registration is required.

Refund Policy.