Events and Programs
Naturalist Workshop Series: Nature Writing
Join Maine Master Naturalist Andrea Lani as we take our notebooks outdoors and seek inspiration in the natural world.
Exploring the trail along the river, we'll engage in exercises designed to hone our observation skills and sharpen all of our senses. We’ll then observe an element of the natural world closely, working our way from description to metaphor, from metaphor to memory, and from memory to emotion. Through this process, we'll each generate a short poem or vignette and come away with a practice for close observation and writing that can be used anywhere.
Riverbrook Preserve is situated on the bank of the Medomak River, and includes over a mile of freshwater river frontage. About 40 acres of fields are located on the eastern portion of the property. The preserve contains a deer wintering area and provides excellent habitat for a number of forest species. Deer winter in an area that is marked by heavy tree cover to protect the deer from deep snows. Rare species of plants are found in the many wetlands and along the river edge. There is also an old mill site and signs of beaver life on Meadow Brook.
We’ll be outside the whole time, so dress for the weather. We suggest wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing water. Please bring a journal or notebook and pencil or pen. You may also want a sit pad or small, portable camp chair.
Andrea Lani is the author of Uphill Both Ways: Hiking toward Happiness on the Colorado Trail. As a Maine Master Naturalist, she teaches nature writing and nature journaling workshops around Maine. Be sure to dress for the weather, including periods of sitting still outdoors, and consider bringing an insulated pad to sit on.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
afterschool mountain bike ride
Take to the trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center on this afterschool 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.
Please wear sneakers and bring water in a well-fitting backpack. We will provide you with a mountain bike and helmet unless you prefer to ride your own bike and/or bring your own helmet. The group will meet at the Welcome Center at 3 pm and return to the Welcome Center before 4:30 pm. Parents are welcome to check out a bike to ride independently, hike the trails, or leave and return after the program. This program will run rain or shine.
This program is free, but registration is required.
Wednesday Wander
Join Maine Master Naturalist volunteers Jane Harrison and Kit Pfeiffer for a morning walk through mixed woods and along the Sheepscot River to discover the flora and fauna that make the Salmon Preserve their home. Come ready to spot and learn about late summer migrating birds, spore-ripened ferns, fall fungi or whatever captures your attention. Serendipity is the name of the game!
Whitefield Salmon Preserve consists of two connecting trails, one along the Sheepscot River and the other along the West Branch of the Sheepscot River. This preserve proves 4,000 feet of prime Atlantic salmon rearing and spawning habitat. Look along the water's edge and you might see beavers, frogs, turtles or osprey and bald eagles fishing along the river.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
While there is no age limit for this program, children under 18 should be accompanies by an adult.
Naturalist Workshop Series-Nature Journaling: Story Mapping
Join Maine Master Naturalist Andrea Lani as we explore Hidden Valley Nature Center and create story maps that depict our journey.
Our illustrated story maps will depict the route we travel, interesting features we encounter, and events that occur along the way. We'll hike from the parking lot, around Crossbill Loop, and along Warbler Way, creating our story maps as we go. By noticing and recording the sights, sounds, and moments that draw our attention, we'll sharpen our observation skills and deepen our connection to the natural world. When we arrive at the barn, we'll spend some time at the picnic tables refining our maps, adding details and color, and sharing our creations.
The program will end at noon at the Bezon Barn, so please factor in an extra five to ten minutes to walk back to the parking lot. We’ll be outside the whole time, so dress for the weather, be prepared for ticks and bugs, and bring snacks and water. Please bring a journal or paper and clipboard and pencil or pen. The instructor will provide colored pencils and basic watercolors.
Open to all ages, participants under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Andrea Lani is the author of Uphill Both Ways: Hiking toward Happiness on the Colorado Trail. As a Maine Master Naturalist, she teaches nature writing and nature journaling workshops around Maine. Be sure to dress for the weather, including periods of sitting still outdoors, and consider bringing an insulated pad to sit on.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Full Moon Hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center
Join us for a full moon hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Harvest Moon. Discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat as we hike and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.
Meet at the Welcome Center at HVNC; hikers should wear seasonal appropriate clothing. Please bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Your guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.
Weather date: October 6
This is a free event, but registration is required and space is limited.
afterschool mountain bike ride
Take to the trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center on this afterschool 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.
Please wear sneakers and bring water in a well-fitting backpack. We will provide you with a mountain bike and helmet unless you prefer to ride your own bike and/or bring your own helmet. The group will meet at the Welcome Center at 3 pm and return to the Welcome Center before 4:30 pm. Parents are welcome to check out a bike to ride independently, hike the trails, or leave and return after the program. This program will run rain or shine.
This program is free, but registration is required.
GoosePecker Trekker
Join Midcoast Conservancy friends, board, and staff for a morning hike in the Sheepscot Headwaters in Montville, followed by lunch from the grill, potluck options, and beverages.
Depending on the group size and skill abilities, we may offer 2 hikes on the day—one shorter and one longer—both with a spectacular opportunity to gain an appreciation for this area. The hike starts at 10:00 AM. Participants will hear about the conservation vision for the region, including our recently completed acquisition, and ongoing collaborative work with neighboring Sebasticook Regional Land Trust.
The headwaters of the Sheepscot River includes areas with beautiful mature forest, wetlands, and forested wetlands. More than 1700 acres of nearly contiguous protected land contribute to the health of this important river. The Sheepscot is important for brook trout and many ocean-run fish species including the endangered Atlantic salmon. The Sheepscot is one of only eight rivers in the U.S. identified as critical habitat for the endangered Atlantic salmon.
If you’re not up for a hike but want to share in the day, you are welcome to join us for lunch at noon. Potluck side dishes are welcome; hot dogs, veggie dogs and beans will be provided.
There will be a port-a-potty available.
This is a free event, but we ask that you register below to let us know you are coming.
North Head Hike and Pizza at HVNC
Join Midcoast Conservancy for a hike at HVNC; a unique opportunity as part of our Naturalist Workshop Series!
There are 25 miles of trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center, which means there are always new places to check out. On this hike we will follow the Bowl Loop trail up to North Head where towering cliffs, covered in folios and crustose lichens, drop off in opposing directions. On the way we will pass between giant rocks, perfect for adventurous bouldering, and along a narrow trail frequently by more deer than people. In total this hike will be about 2.5 miles long taken at a slow pace that allows us time for curiosity.
After the hike, join us for pizzas in the brick bake oven shared around a fire at the Bezon Barn. What better way to celebrate fall!
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Naturalist Workshop Series
Join Midcoast Conservancy for ecology exploration at one of our 25 diverse preserves!
Search for animal tracks in the snow, learn about invasive species and tree diseases, or improve your plant identification skills. Venture to the pond to check out a beaver lodge and talk about the amazing adaptations of this busy builder. Bring your binoculars to focus on birds and learn to identify those you spy. Examine mosses and lichens of all kinds on rocks, trees, and the forest floor. Delve into the role mushrooms play in the balance of the forest, how they grow, and what kinds flourish locally. Venture to a vernal pool to explore what lies beneath the surface and the importance of these seasonal wetlands. Find a quiet spot under a special tree to sketch the bark or write the feelings of the forest.
Naturalist Workshops are held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month and offer a different topic to be explored in depth, led by a naturalist but guided by the interests of the group.
These programs take place at preserves across our service area, from the Sheepscot headwaters to the shores of the Medomak and Hidden Valley Nature Center. Register now, and keep your eye out for updated program descriptions each month.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Naturalist Workshop Series
Join Midcoast Conservancy for ecology exploration at one of our 25 diverse preserves!
Search for animal tracks in the snow, learn about invasive species and tree diseases, or improve your plant identification skills. Venture to the pond to check out a beaver lodge and talk about the amazing adaptations of this busy builder. Bring your binoculars to focus on birds and learn to identify those you spy. Examine mosses and lichens of all kinds on rocks, trees, and the forest floor. Delve into the role mushrooms play in the balance of the forest, how they grow, and what kinds flourish locally. Venture to a vernal pool to explore what lies beneath the surface and the importance of these seasonal wetlands. Find a quiet spot under a special tree to sketch the bark or write the feelings of the forest.
Naturalist Workshops are held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month and offer a different topic to be explored in depth, led by a naturalist but guided by the interests of the group.
These programs take place at preserves across our service area, from the Sheepscot headwaters to the shores of the Medomak and Hidden Valley Nature Center. Register now, and keep your eye out for updated program descriptions each month.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Naturalist Workshop Series
Join Midcoast Conservancy for ecology exploration at one of our 25 diverse preserves!
Search for animal tracks in the snow, learn about invasive species and tree diseases, or improve your plant identification skills. Venture to the pond to check out a beaver lodge and talk about the amazing adaptations of this busy builder. Bring your binoculars to focus on birds and learn to identify those you spy. Examine mosses and lichens of all kinds on rocks, trees, and the forest floor. Delve into the role mushrooms play in the balance of the forest, how they grow, and what kinds flourish locally. Venture to a vernal pool to explore what lies beneath the surface and the importance of these seasonal wetlands. Find a quiet spot under a special tree to sketch the bark or write the feelings of the forest.
Naturalist Workshops are held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month and offer a different topic to be explored in depth, led by a naturalist but guided by the interests of the group.
These programs take place at preserves across our service area, from the Sheepscot headwaters to the shores of the Medomak and Hidden Valley Nature Center. Register now, and keep your eye out for updated program descriptions each month.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Naturalist Workshop Series
Join Midcoast Conservancy for ecology exploration at one of our 25 diverse preserves!
Search for animal tracks in the snow, learn about invasive species and tree diseases, or improve your plant identification skills. Venture to the pond to check out a beaver lodge and talk about the amazing adaptations of this busy builder. Bring your binoculars to focus on birds and learn to identify those you spy. Examine mosses and lichens of all kinds on rocks, trees, and the forest floor. Delve into the role mushrooms play in the balance of the forest, how they grow, and what kinds flourish locally. Venture to a vernal pool to explore what lies beneath the surface and the importance of these seasonal wetlands. Find a quiet spot under a special tree to sketch the bark or write the feelings of the forest.
Naturalist Workshops are held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month and offer a different topic to be explored in depth, led by a naturalist but guided by the interests of the group.
These programs take place at preserves across our service area, from the Sheepscot headwaters to the shores of the Medomak and Hidden Valley Nature Center. Register now, and keep your eye out for updated program descriptions each month.
For questions, please reach out to Zoe Thomas at zoe@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Full Moon Paddle
***Please note, this event has been postponed to Sunday, September 7, due to predicted weather on the original date. All participants have been informed via email to the address provided at the time of registration.***
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Corn 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.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Rain date: September 7
This is a free program, but registration is required.
Naturalist Workshop Series: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)
Join Midcoast Conservancy for a walk and talk about the invasive insect Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) at Geele Preserve in Waldoboro led by Isobel Curtis, Director of Stewardship.
The talk will include history, identification, and management strategies for HWA. The walk will explore first-hand the signs and symptoms of HWA and the important role of Hemlock trees in Maine's ecology.
Midcoast Conservancy recently partnered with the Town of Waldoboro on a Project Canopy grant and received funding to release biocontrol beetles at Geele Preserve and 2 other locations in Waldoboro. This is part of a regional strategy to manage Hemlock Woolly Adelgid populations and give Maine's Hemlock trees a chance.
Come learn all about these efforts!
If you are unable to attend this walk and talk, we will be holding an earlier one Wednesday, August 27th from 10:00 - 12:00 PM at the Waldoboro Town Forest.
For questions, please reach out to Isobel at isobel@midcoastconservancy.org.
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
Wednesday Wander: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)
Join Midcoast Conservancy for a walk and talk about the invasive insect Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) at the Waldoboro Town Forest led by Isobel Curtis, Director of Stewardship .
The talk will include history, identification, and management strategies for HWA. On the walk we will explore first-hand the signs and symptoms of HWA and the important role of Hemlock trees in Maine's ecology.
Midcoast Conservancy recently partnered with the Town of Waldoboro on a Project Canopy grant and received funding to release biocontrol beetles at the Town Forest and 2 other locations in Waldoboro. This is part of a regional strategy to manage Hemlock Woolly Adelgid populations and give Maine's Hemlock trees a chance.
Come for a walk and learn all about these efforts!
If you are unable to attend this walk and talk, we will be holding another one Friday, September 5th, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Geele Preserve in Waldoboro.
Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
While there is no age limit for this program, children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
For questions, please reach out to Isobel at isobel@midcoastconservancy.org or call 207-389-5163.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Naturalist Workshop Series-Ferns, Flowers, and Ephemeral Fruits
Join naturalist Hidy Ellis for a plant investigation at Goose River Peace Corps Preserve.
This lovely spot offers incredible plant life from a variety of fern species to hobblebush and spring ephemerals now in fruit. Especially exciting is the lobelia cardinalis, or cardinal flower, which should be in full bloom. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn your summer plants.
The group will meet at the trail head kiosk and begin walking at 10:00AM. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. You may also wish to bring bug repellant.
This is a free program, but registration is required.
Full Moon Paddle
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Sturgeon 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 out into the still, open, 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.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Rain date: August 10
This is a free program, but registration is required.
Registration
Naturalist Workshop Series-Fields, Forests, and Ferns
Join Maine Master Naturalists Samaa Abdurraqib and Shana Stewart Deeds for an informative nature walk led by knowledgeable naturalists but guided by the curiosity and questions of participants.
The group will follow the White and Red trails, hiking about 1.5 miles along fields, through mixed deciduous and towering hemlock forests, and down to the Sheepscot River. Turning inward at the river we will find our own special spots to journal, writing or drawing what inspires us along this picturesque section of woods and water. Please bring your own journaling supplies.
Please meet at the Bass Falls Preserve parking lot kiosk at 10:00AM and prepare to be out until just before noon. We suggest wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing water, bug spray, binoculars and of course your journal. Mosquitos, deer flies and ticks can be annoying so consider wearing long pants.
This program will take place rain or shine so be prepared for any weather conditions.
Wednesday Wander
Join Maine Master Naturalists Samaa Abdurraqib and Elizabeth Walker at Geele Preserve to explore the ecology of the saltmarsh. Look for the characteristic zonation found in marshes, identify common plants and animals, and discuss their unique adaptations for living in this dynamic habitat.
Geele Preserve offers beautiful trails along the shore of the Eastern Branch of Broad Cove, on the Medomak River. Salt marshes and mudflats line the shore, providing homes to many species of animals and plants. Rich in birdlife, some species live here year round while others, such as the great blue heron, visit seasonally. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this unique preserve with two highly knowledgeable guides.
This is an all-ages event— interested children are welcome with adult supervision.
Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Full Moon Paddle
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 out into the still, open, 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.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is likely to run at least 2.5 hours.
Rain date: July 11
This is a free program, but registration is required.
Registration
Naturalist Workshop Series - Understanding Trees
Join naturalist Susan Cottle for a walk and learn workshop on trees at West Branch Preserve in Somerville!
Gain a better understanding of the integral role trees play in the ecology of a forest. Learn to identify coniferous and deciduous varieties by their leaf and needle structures, branching forms, and unique bark. Spend the morning immersed in the forest gaining new perspective on the trees we are surrounded by in Maine.
West Branch Preserve includes steeply sloping terrain as well as flat and wide trails along the West Branch Stream where cascading pools of water flow through a hemlock-lined ravine to the beaver dams and meadows at the base of Haskell Hill. Protecting this land helps ensure a lengthy section of the West Branch of the Davis Stream remains clean & cool for spawning fish and helps keep the waters of Damariscotta Lake cleaner.
This is an all-ages event— interested children are welcome with adult supervision.
Wednesday Wander
Join naturalist Susan Cottle for a fern walk at Stetser Preserve in Jefferson. Learn about these vascular spore producing plants as you follow the trail along an unnamed perennial stream to a small pond. Gain confidence in identifying multiple varieties of ferns, how they reproduce, where they like to grow, and how to tell them apart. There's a lot to appreciate about ferns.
The Stetser Preserve is a wooded upland forest particularly rich in wildlife diversity because it is located within a 7,000-acre tract of roadless habitat. The trails wind through hilly woods and old logging trails and include a short spur trail that leads to a view of the property's beautiful pond.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
While there is no age limit for this program, children under 18 should be accompanies by an adult.
Naturalist Workshop Series- Solstice Paddle
Celebrate summer solstice with a paddle on Little Dyer Pond at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Walk the 1.4 miles down to the pond, stopping to check out the beaver dam and lodge on Haybale Pond. At the waterfront, learn some basic canoe skills before launching into the pond. As a group we will paddle around Little Dyer Pond checking out beaver works, animal habitats and no name island. What better way to celebrate the longest day of the year then on the water!
All experience levels and ages are welcome. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes for the walk to the pond and bring sandals or water shoes that you don’t mind getting wet for the paddle. Be prepared for all weather, bugs and sun. If you own a personal floatation devise please bring it, as well as water and snacks.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Full Moon Paddle
Feel the glow!
Meet your leaders at the Welcome Center 10 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. Hike the 1 mile to the pond and our canoes. With a little luck, the full moon will be rising on the far shore and we’ll paddle the pond, exploring the wetlands, beaver lodges, and shoreline looking for beaver and otter activity, and listening for loons and owls calling.
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 launch from.
All equipment is provided.
Be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is required. This program is likely to run at least 2.5 hours.
Rain date: June 12
Registration
Naturalist Workshop Series - Bog Exploration
Join us for a Bog Exploration at Hidden Valley Nature Center!
Join us for this exploration of Hidden Valley Nature Center’s kettle bog. Formed by the glaciers retreating from Maine, this unique feature on the landscape is home to a diversity of plants and animals including carnivorous plants, birds of prey, and white tailed deer. Learn about this special ecosystem, and what makes this wetland unique and sensitive!
Please meet outside at the Welcome Center promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants should bring a water bottle, snack if you choose, insect protection, and sturdy walking shoes or boots (depending on recent weather, you might want footwear for muddy trails to the bog.)
And don’t forget to bring your own curiosity and nature detective skills!
afterschool mountain bike ride
Take to the trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center on this afterschool 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.
Please wear sneakers and bring water in a well-fitting backpack. We will provide you with a mountain bike and helmet unless you prefer to ride your own bike and/or bring your own helmet. The group will meet at the Welcome Center at 3 pm and return to the Welcome Center before 4:30 pm. Parents are welcome to check out a bike to ride independently, hike the trails, or leave and return after the program. This program will run rain or shine.
Wednesday Wander
Join naturalist Susan Cottle for a walk of spring discovery along the Sheepscot River at Palermo Preserve. May brings a myriad of changes to the woods including the blooming of spring ephemeral wildflowers, new growth on trees, and emerging ferns, mosses, and lichens.
The group will venture down through the forest to the river, observing the wonders of spring progressing in the forest and the natural features of the river that support one of the most important stretches of salmon habitat in the Sheepscot River watershed. The undercut banks, overhanging vegetation, and submerged logs and rocks in the river create sheltered pools which provide resting places for salmon as they travel to and from their spawning grounds.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
While there is no age limit for this program, children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
afterschool mountain bike ride
Take to the trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center on this afterschool 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. Kids 8-14-years old will learn the basics of mountain biking on this fun and challenging beginner to intermediate ride.
Please wear sneakers and bring water in a well-fitting backpack. We will provide you with a mountain bike and helmet unless you prefer to ride your own bike and/or bring your own helmet. The group will meet at the Welcome Center at 3 pm and return to the Welcome Center before 4:30 pm. Parents are welcome to check out a bike to ride independently, hike the trails, or leave and return after the program. This program will run rain or shine.
Full Moon Paddle
Feel the glow!
Meet your leaders at the Welcome Center 10 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. Hike the 1 mile to the pond and our canoes. With a little luck, the full moon will be rising on the far shore and we’ll paddle the pond, exploring the wetlands, beaver lodges, and shoreline looking for beaver and otter activity, and listening for loons and owls calling.
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 launch from.
All equipment is provided.
Be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is required. This program is likely to run at least 2.5 hours.
Rain date: May 13
Registration
Naturalist Workshop Series: vernal pools
Yay! It’s Vernal Pool season!
Of all the interesting ways to observe the advance of spring, vernal pools are one of the most fascinating. A vernal pool is a temporary woodland pond or small body of water, often overlooked, which plays a central role in the life cycle of many amphibians and turtles and the organisms that rely on them. They have important implications and impacts on local wildlife, outdoor recreation, and forestry operations. We invite anyone to come and learn why vernal pools are so important to protecting Maine’s woodlands.
Participants will learn about the species of frog, turtle, and salamander that rely on vernal pools; learn to identify and count egg masses; and learn about the complex dynamics that make vernal pools so fascinating.
This is an all-ages event—children are welcome with adult supervision. During the event, we will walk approximately 1.5 miles on forest trails, pausing to visit a number of vernal pools.
Wednesday Wander
Yay! It’s Vernal Pool season!
Grab a friend and join us for a walk at Maguire Preserve to visit a Significant Vernal Pool valued for its high counts of Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander egg masses. Of all the interesting ways to observe the advance of spring, vernal pools are one of the most fascinating. A vernal pool is a temporary woodland pond or small body of water, often overlooked, which plays a central role in the life cycle of many amphibians and the organisms that rely on them. These woodland pools have important implications and impacts on local wildlife, outdoor recreation, and forestry operations. We invite anyone to join Maine Master Naturalists Kit Pfeiffer and Jane Harrison on this walk to discover the magic of Maguire Preserve and its woodland vernal pool.
Wear good hiking shoes or rubber boots and be prepared for mud. Polarized sunglasses are suggested for viewing life below the surface of the water. You may wish to bring water and a snack.
Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Well-behaved pets that get along with others are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
While there is no age limit for this program, children under 18 should be accompanies by an adult.
Full Moon Hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center
Join us for a full moon hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Pink Moon. Discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat as we hike and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.
Meet at the Welcome Center at HVNC; hikers should wear warm clothes and be prepared for mud. Please bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Your guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.
Weather date: April 13
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
Naturalist Workshop Series: poetry is for the birds
Birds have long been a source of inspiration to poets around the world. With April marking the beginning of bird migration season in Maine, what better time to explore our feathered friends through poetry of our own? Join us for this nature poetry workshop at Hidden Valley Nature Center. We'll walk the trails at HVNC, looking and listening for birds. Led by Maine Master Naturalist and author Andrea Lani, the group will talk about birds as symbols, metaphors, and poetic subjects in their own right. Participants will gain inspiration from examples of bird poetry and use the ideas and images they’ve gathered to create poems of their own.
Andrea Lani is the author of Uphill Both Ways: Hiking toward Happiness on the Colorado Trail. As a Maine Master Naturalist, she teaches nature writing and nature journaling workshops around Maine. Be sure to dress for the weather, including periods of sitting still outdoors, and consider bringing an insulated pad to sit on.
Full Moon Hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center
Join us for a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Sap Moon. Discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat as we hike and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.
Meet at the Welcome Center at HVNC; hikers should wear warm clothes and boots. If there is snow on the ground microspikes or small snowshoes are recommended. Need a pair? Reach out and we can gear you up. Please bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Your guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.
Weather date: February 13
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
Full Moon Hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center
Join us for a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Snow Moon. Discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to our other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat as we hike and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.
Meet at the Welcome Center at HVNC; hikers should wear warm clothes and boots. If there is snow on the ground microspikes or small snowshoes are recommended. Need a pair? Reach out and we can gear you up. Please bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Your guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.
Weather date: February 13
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration