Events and Programs
Full Moon Hike and owl chat at Hidden Valley Nature Center
Join us for a full moon hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center.
Enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
This final full moon hike of the season will start a little differently. We will be welcoming a screech owl named Willow, brought to us by Dan Weekes, from Pollination Station in Alna. He will introduce Willow to hike participants and do a short talk about the owl before the hike begins. This will take place in front of the Welcome Center and last 15-20 minutes after which Dan will leave with Willow and the hike will proceed.
Hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your Maine Master Naturalist guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of several miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Weather date: Mar. 25th
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 a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
Meet at the gate at HVNC; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your Maine Master Naturalist guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of several miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Weather date: Feb. 24th
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
2024 Biathlon
Mark your calendar!
Midcoast Conservancy will host its annual Biathlon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate! This is a non competitive, fun atmosphere with the goal of getting people outside and introduced to the sport of biathlon.
There are races/categories for Nordic skiers, snowshoers and even fat bikers! Don't have your own gear but want to enter the race? Not to worry: Midcoast Conservancy will be renting skis, snowshoes and fat bikes to racers to use for the race and until 3PM on race day. The shooting range will be equipped with paintball guns. All paintball guns are provided by Midcoast Conservancy. Each racer will receive safety training on how to use the paintball gun.
Races will begin about 9 am and continue into the early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires, along with great food and warm drinks Spectators are encouraged. Please consider volunteering if you’re not planning to race; we can always use extra hands! Please leave your dog at home for this event.
Race categories are based on self-selected skill levels upon registration, and there is a special category for youth racers.
$20 for adults, $10 for anyone 18 and younger. Register now to guarantee your spot. We will be collecting payment on the day of the race. Space is limited- day-of registrations as space provides.
Bad weather make-up date: Feb. 10th
Register here!
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 a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
Meet at the gate at HVNC; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your Maine Master Naturalist guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of several miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Weather date: Jan. 25th
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
Youth Cross-Country Ski Clinic
__________________________________________
Midcoast Conservancy will be offering its multi-session winter Youth Cross-country Ski Clinic each Saturday, beginning January 6 through February 10, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.
The six session Youth Cross Country Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-14 is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain skills and confidence while enjoying HVNC’s trails. Instructors use creative, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week.
Cost is $70 for members and $80 for non-members. Review our refund policy here.
All attendees must complete the Skills Assessment and Liability Waiver through the following buttons, and register through the below form. Thank you!
rEGISTER HERE!
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 a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
Meet at the gate at HVNC; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your Maine Master Naturalist guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of several miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Weather date: Dec. 27th
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
GoosePecker Trekker
Join Midcoast Conservancy friends and staff for a hike in the Sheepscot Headwaters in Montville, followed by lunch from the grill and some local beer. Potluck side dishes are welcome; hot dogs, tofu pups and vegetarian mains and chips will be provided by us.
Feel free to skip the hike and join us for lunch at noon if that fits your schedule best. Two hikes are being offered; a two-mile hike led by former Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance Board member Bob Kohl and a three-mile hike led by Midcoast Conservancy Board member Buck O’Herin. Both hikes go through some beautiful mature forest, part of 1400-acres of contiguous protected land that is soon to become 1700 acres. Hear about the conservation vision for the region and collaborative work with neighboring Sebasticook Regional Land Trust. The event is free but please register!
Race Through the Woods—Cancelled
DUE TO VERY POOR TRAIL CONDITIONS AFTER THIS RAINY SUMMER, WE HAVE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO CANCEL THE RACE FOR SAFETY REASONS. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Join us for the 12th Annual Race Through The Woods trail race, sponsored by First National Bank, on Saturday, September 30 at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, Maine.
Racing starts at 9:00AM. Racers will have two course options to choose from: a 13 mile course or a shorter 5 mile distance. (Both share the course with same start time). This single loop course brings you over steep hills, through the woods, past beautiful ponds and has about 1,000 feet elevation.
Race fees are $40 for the 13, and $30 for the 5 miler. Prices for both races will increase by $5 AFTER AUGUST 1, 2023.
Long sleeve technical shirts will be available for purchase with registration, with a limited number available for purchase the day of. Prizes will be given to first place finishers (men and women) and in age categories. Prizes will include gift certificates donated by sponsors and PIE!
We will be pouring beer from Sheepscot Brewing and cider from Tin Top and plan on having some snack food for sale.
Registration IS REQUIRED through our friends at Race Entry and closes one week before race. Click the green button below to register!
This race is currently capped at 125 entrants, with a waitlist. There will be NO day of registration.
No refunds, no bib transfers. If you are unable to race, your registration fee will be considered a donation to Midcoast Conservancy.
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
We will meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. We will hike 1 mile tothe pond and our canoes. If we are lucky, 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. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
We will meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. We will hike 1 mile tothe pond and our canoes. If we are lucky, 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. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
We will meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. We will hike 1 mile tothe pond and our canoes. If we are lucky, 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. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Moon Paddle
THIS PADDLE HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO PREDICTED THUNDERSTORMS
If we are lucky 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 birds calling - loons, owls.
We will leave from the the Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) gate promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes before the official start time. We will hike 1 mile to the pond and our canoes.
Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing and it’s always a good idea to bring layers! (A windbreaker or fleece are great options.) Try to avoid both cotton and denim as the water can still be very cold. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
We will meet at the gate promptly 15 minutes before the official start time so that we can start walking promptly on schedule. We will hike 1 mile to the pond and our canoes. If we are lucky 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 birds calling - loons, owls.
Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing and it’s always a good idea to bring layers (a windbreaker or fleece are great options) Try to avoid both cotton and denim as the water can still be very cold. 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.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Spring Equinox Meditation Event
The spring equinox marks a transition from the long, dark nights of winter, towards the bright light of summer. With the changing daylight, what are we emerging from and what are we moving towards? Come for a stroll to reflect on seasonal shifts in the landscape, and in our lives.
This is an all-ages event that will include opportunities for silent reflection and lightly facilitated conversation. We will start with an opening circle, go on a mostly flat ~1.5 mile walk, pause to circle up once more, and hike the ~1.5 mile back to the cars. All parts of you are welcome here, and you are welcome exactly as you are!
Registration is FREE but we recommend a $5 donation if you are able. Review our refund policy here.
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 a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
Meet at the gate at HVNC; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your guide will lead the group to shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Registration
Snow Day Party!
In an effort to reach more folks, gain new memberships, and rent gear throughout the day, we have decided to convert this year's Biathlon to a Snow Day Party! Here is the deal:
From noon to 3 PM, the "Snow Day Party" will be open to all and will feature:
A chance to try out a paintball marker on our custom Biathlon target
Demo course
Woodfired Pizza/ Smores and Hot Chocolate by donation
Gear rentals and membership will be available to the public at the welcome center.
We're essentially removing the formal race categories and timing while maximizing the FUN and community engagement!
If you have already signed up to be a volunteer please keep your eye out for an email later this week with specific assignments/times.
All are welcome - no registration is required but donations are always appreciated!
CANCELLED - Adult Ski Clinic
***Unfortunately due to warm temperatures and rain, the adult ski clinic scheduled for Sunday, February 19 has been cancelled. Registrants should have received an email with refund and cancellation information. If you registered but did not receive an email, please contact us at info@midcoastconservancy.org.***
Midcoast Conservancy will offer two adult ski clinics this winter at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Sundays, February 12th and February 19th, from 9 am -12 pm . Veteran ski coaches will help boost students’ confidence and skill on skis. Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy Maine winters, and this clinic is designed to get participants skiing with confidence for the rest of the winter.
Throughout the session, coaches will cover the basics of safe skiing, from technique to trail etiquette. By the end of the morning confidence levels will be boosted and skiers will feel prepared to practice on their own all winter. Coaches will do their best to ensure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.
The clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $40 for non-members. Ski rentals are available at Hidden Valley for $15. Anyone signing up as a new member will enjoy free admission to the workshop and free rental gear for the day.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Review our refund policy here.
Registration
Registration for this event is currently closed.
Adult Ski Clinic
Midcoast Conservancy will offer two adult ski clinics this winter at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Sundays, February 12th and February 19th, from 9 am -12 pm . Veteran ski coaches will help boost students’ confidence and skill on skis. Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy Maine winters, and this clinic is designed to get participants skiing with confidence for the rest of the winter.
Throughout the session, coaches will cover the basics of safe skiing, from technique to trail etiquette. By the end of the morning confidence levels will be boosted and skiers will feel prepared to practice on their own all winter. Coaches will do their best to ensure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.
The clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $40 for non-members. Ski rentals are available at Hidden Valley for $15. Anyone signing up as a new member will enjoy free admission to the workshop and free rental gear for the day.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 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 a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.
Meet at the gate at HVNC; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Your Maine Master Naturalist guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of several miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. We will be out for 2 hours.. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow.
Registration is required and space is limited so sign up today!
Review our refund policy here.
Registration
Youth Cross-Country Ski Clinic
NOTE: Due to weather (specifically the lack of early season snow cover) we have shortened our youth ski clinic from a planned 6 week program to a 3 week program and adjusted pricing accordingly.
Registration is still open! __________________________________________
Midcoast Conservancy will be offering its multi-session winter Youth Cross-country Ski Clinic each Saturday, beginning January 21 through February 11, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.
The six session Youth Cross Country Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-14 is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain skills and confidence while enjoying HVNC’s trails. Instructors use creative, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week.
Covid-19 considerations will be observed. This program will be held 100% outdoors. Masks are welcome but not required.
Cost is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Review our refund policy here.
All attendees must complete the Skills Assessment and Liability Waiver through the following buttons, and register through the below form. Thank you!
Cross-Country Ski Clinic Registration
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
If we are lucky 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 birds calling - loons, owls.
We will leave from the the Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) gate promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes before the official start time. We will hike 1 mile to the pond and our canoes.
Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing and it’s always a good idea to bring layers! (A windbreaker or fleece are great options.) Try to avoid both cotton and denim as the water can still be very cold. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
GoosePecker Trekker
Join Midcoast Conservancy friends and staff for a hike in the Sheepscot Headwaters, at the Whitten Hill Preserve, followed by lunch from the grill and some Haystack Mountain beer. Potluck side dishes are welcome; meat and vegetarian mains and chips will be provided by us.
Two hikes are being offered; former SWLA Board member Bob Kohl will lead a two-mile hike and Midcoast Conservancy Board member Buck O’Herin will lead a three-mile hike. Learn about plans from Executive Director Pete Nichols to add to the 1,400 acres of contiguous, conserved land in the Sheepscot River headwaters and the collaborative work with neighboring Sebasticook Regional Land Trust.
Feel free to skip the hike and join us for lunch if that fits your schedule best.
Please let us know you can come! Registration is requested so we can plan accordingly.
Paddle the Midcoast - Clary Lake
***DUE TO HIGH WINDS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
Have you ever felt the tug of a lazy summer pond on a quiet evening? Many of you know that the Midcoast is full of special watery places tucked away in our coastal woodlands. Come join us as we kayak the hidden waterways of Midcoast Maine.
Your leader will meet you at the boat launch. Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing and it’s always a good idea to bring layers! We should be on the water no longer than an hour and a half and land at the same location we launched from.
We are happy to offer this paddle free of charge, but please note registration is required, and attendance is limited to 12 individuals. Please, no participants under the age of 12 (unless individual queries are made, and then leaders will evaluate on a case by case basis). All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Moon Paddle
Joins us on a full moon paddle on secluded Little Dyer Pond!
If we are lucky 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 birds calling - loons, owls.
We will leave from the the Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) gate promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes before the official start time. We will hike 1 mile to the pond and our canoes.
Make sure you are wearing water-proof or quick-dry clothing and it’s always a good idea to bring layers! (A windbreaker or fleece are great options.) Try to avoid both cotton and denim as the water can still be very cold. 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.
We will provide canoes, paddles, adult life jackets, and a limited number of child life jackets if needed (ages 3 and up). Please, be sure to bring bug repellent and a headlamp.
Registration is free but required, and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.