Maine Audubon

Did you know that fish depend on healthy forest habitats in addition to birds? At this workshop we will cover the global importance of Maine's forests for both breeding birds and native fish, give you an opportunity to conduct a 'handy habitat assessment' in the field, and highlight the importance of protecting shoreland habitat with big old trees and lots of shade. Open to foresters, forest landowners, loggers, and other interested folks! Wear good walking shoes and bring water, snacks, and you

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Young children and their grown-ups are invited to spend an hour exploring nature together through stories, songs, art, and play. Each week will include outdoor adventures designed to foster a connection to nature, encourage stewardship and produce an introduction to group learning settings. This program is planned with ages 2-5 in mind. Wednesday mornings September 16-Nov 4 9:30-10:30 am or 10:45-11:45 am $105 member/$140 nonmembers Drop-ins may be available upon request. Please email

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Goldenrods, asters, and more! Explore the fall wildflowers of the meadows at Fields Pond, and learn about how meadows are important habitats for bugs, birds, and other Maine wildlife! Free members/ $8 nonmembers Note: this is part of Natural Communities and Seasonal Change series. Following the October 13 webinar, Meadows: Diversity in the Open Landscape Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommod

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join us for a weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm, led by Maine Audubon's Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox and others. Meet in the parking lot, in front of the Visitor Center, where we'll begin a slow walk around the property to look and listen for birds using Gilsland's diverse habitats. Free, no registration required. The walk typically covers between 1 to 2 miles (1.5 - 3 km). Waterproof shoes are recommended as the paths can be damp with dew in the mornings and icy when frozen. Please bring y

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Apr 11, 2026

Join the Fields Pond Audubon Center Homeschool Naturalists for an exciting, hands-on adventure as we dive into a new autumnal subject each session. Join us this fall to make lasting connections with fellow homeschoolers—all while having a blast outdoors. Designed for children ages 6-14, this engaging series will start as a whole mixed age group, then break into age based investigation teams to dive deeper into that week's theme! Each session combines outdoor exploration, guided hiking, and

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Following the Natural Communities webinar on October 13, visit Gilsland Farm Audubon Center to observe meadows after peak bloom, when abundant seeds and stems support migrating birds, small mammals, and a huge diversity of insects. Learn how to identify keystone plants like goldenrods and asters, as well as introduced species that threaten the ecological role of these open landscapes. Free for Members, $8 for Nonmembers October 15 - 5:30-6:30 pm Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusiv

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Are you getting the sneaking suspicion that birds are incredible? Or have you known and want a way to learn more? On these beginner walks, we'll observe birds in the woods, meadows, marsh, and at the feeders at Gilsland Farm. Our naturalist will answer questions and make identification less overwhelming to new birders. Binoculars (and tips for using them) will be available. Tuesday evenings 5:30-7 pm: 9/1 Tuesday mornings 8-9:30 am: 9/29, 10/27, 11/24 Friday mornings 8-9:30 am: 9/25, 10

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Help us manage invasive species at Gilsland Farm using mechanical techniques. Get some exercise and maybe learn a few identification and management techniques while helping preserve the native habitats present at Gilsland Farm. All are welcome; expect a quarter-mile walk on uneven terrain. Work will be outside, so please dress appropriately. Tools will be provided. Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require acc

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Spend a day immersed in native plants, habitat gardening, and creative exploration at Maine Audubon's Native Plants Education Center. These monthly programs combine hands-on learning with opportunities to connect more deeply with the plants and ecosystems that sustain Maine's wildlife. $25 Member/$30 Nonmember Sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions on the same day and receive $10 off the total cost! Morning workshops focus on practical seasonal skills such as seed collection, p

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join us at Riverton Trolley Park to help restore riparian and forest habitat near the Presumpscot River, where dozens of large dead ash trees were recently removed. We will be planting small shrubs and trees on the riverbank and in the forest understory. We will meet in the parking lot and walk .25 miles to the river. We will be off trail in the woods to do this planting. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, and bring a full water bottle, garden gloves and your favorite small shovel if you have them.

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

In this field experience you’ll learn to collect native seeds from a variety of species actively producing seed. We’ll discuss seed collection techniques and timing for some popular species that produce seed at other times of year, and we’ll think about how to collect seed ethically, without causing harm. Throughout the program you’ll have the opportunity to collect seeds yourself and at the end you’ll go home with some seeds of your own! This program is weather dependent. $5 members/$12 nonm

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join local artist Kristin F. Simmons as she demonstrates watercolor techniques and shows how to create a composition inspired by Maine native plants. Beginner and intermediate levels welcome. No experience needed. All materials are provided. Just show up ready to slow down, look closely, and let nature do what it does best. $40 Members/$50 Nonmembers Spend a day immersed in native plants, habitat gardening, and creative exploration at Maine Audubon's Native Plants Education Center. Thes

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

October is peak timing for waterfowl moving through The County, and among the thousands of Canada Geese we’ll try picking out a rarity! Join Doug Hitchcox and Bill Sheehan for a morning of caravaning to various fields and ponds to comb through the ducks and geese, and any other interesting birds we find along the way. Some of these stops may be along the sides of roads, rather than areas with designated parking lots, so we’ll ask people to carpool and condense the number of vehicles driving a

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Louis Giller from North Spore will provide an introduction to the mycological world of Maine, with a focus on edible mushrooms. The class will cover basic biology and foraging practices, then we’ll head into the forest and scan for mushrooms. The first half hour or so of class will be devoted to covering basic fungal biology and life cycle, mushroom myths/truths, and foraging practices. From there, we’ll head into the forest and scan for mushrooms, discussing our finds as we go. The species w

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

October is peak timing for waterfowl moving through The County, and among the thousands of Canada Geese we’ll try picking out a rarity! Join Doug Hitchcox and Bill Sheehan for a morning of caravaning to various fields and ponds to comb through the ducks and geese, and any other interesting birds we find along the way. Some of these stops may be along the sides of roads, rather than areas with designated parking lots, so we’ll ask people to carpool and condense the number of vehicles driving a

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Step into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with us as we turn Maine Audubon at Fields Pond into a 230 acre science laboratory! This 6-week afterschool club will spark curiosity, nurture a love for the outdoors, and help discover how we can protect our planet—all while having tons of fall fun! This club combines outdoor exploration, guided hiking, and nature based experiments to deepen your students' connection with the natural world. Sign up your 2nd-5th grader today! While this

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Explore Gilsland Farm with our Field Naturalist. We’ll stop for birds, bugs, fungi, plants, and anything else that piques our curiosity. These walks are for those folks who make terrible hiking partners. You’re in good company here! Participants will have opportunities to contribute observations to ongoing community science projects through iNaturalist. Binoculars and hand lenses will be available to borrow. 8-9:30 am Every other Wednesday FREE, *Registration requested* (registrants wil

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Date: Wednesday, 21 October Time: 8-10 am Free, no registration necessary Location: Back Cove, Portland - meet at the Back Cove Trail Parking Lot, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BXKBsxi4kCxCnpoz8 Join naturalist Doug Hitchcox for an accessible birding event at Back Cove, one of Portland’s best birding spots! Mid October is a great time to watch ducks and geese arriving for the winter, look for lingering sparrows, or start getting acquainted with the gulls that frequent this area. We’ll be s

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Young children and their grown-ups are invited to spend an hour exploring nature together through stories, songs, art, and play. Each week will include outdoor adventures designed to foster a connection to nature, encourage stewardship and produce an introduction to group learning settings. This program is planned with ages 2-5 in mind. Wednesday mornings September 16-Nov 4 9:30-10:30 am or 10:45-11:45 am $105 member/$140 nonmembers Drop-ins may be available upon request. Please email

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join us every other week in fall for a shorter family program, aimed for learners age 4-7. This program can be an addition to Family Fun, or a standalone for folks who have aged out of the program. We’ll gather for storytime and an activity before walking to a free play spot where families can stay and play. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all children who will actively engage in the program. Wednesday afternoons, every other week September 23, October 7, October

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join us for a weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm, led by Maine Audubon's Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox and others. Meet in the parking lot, in front of the Visitor Center, where we'll begin a slow walk around the property to look and listen for birds using Gilsland's diverse habitats. Free, no registration required. The walk typically covers between 1 to 2 miles (1.5 - 3 km). Waterproof shoes are recommended as the paths can be damp with dew in the mornings and icy when frozen. Please bring y

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Apr 11, 2026

Join us for a two-day, field based CoastWise workshop for road professionals where we’ll share the CoastWise Approach to achieving ecological resilience and climate- ready road crossings in tidal environments. CoastWise is a training program and resource for anyone with responsibility for planning and building road crossings in tidal wetland areas. Modeled after the statewide Stream Smart program for non-tidal crossings, CoastWise supports coastal Maine communities in building safe road crossing

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Join Maine Audubon on October 22 at 6 pm to learn about the impacts of rodenticides and the non-chemical rodent control options available for homeowners. This webinar will feature a panel of experts who will share their expertise and perspective on this issue followed by a Q&A session. This program will be recorded and made available to registrants.

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

Come join Maine Audubon’s Land Steward for a morning of sanctuary maintenance at Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary in West Bath. Volunteers will help improve the trails and have a unique opportunity to engage with the landscape. Volunteers should be willing to hike several miles, while carrying timber materials across uneven tread surfaces. Participants should feel comfortable using hand tools such as folding saws, loppers, pole saws, shovels, rock bars, and rakes. Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary 681

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026

These are relaxed beginner birding programs that travel along flat routes with frequent stops. There will be seats available along the route. September programs will take place on gravel and grass paths around our Visitor Center, and focus on watching birds at the feeders. October and November programs will use the newly-constructed All Persons Trail through forest and meadow. There will be instructions for using binoculars (provided), and tips for birding by ear. Accessible bathrooms are locate

Source: maineaudubon.org · Last verified Sep 18, 2026