#NatureExplorerBackpacks

"#MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer Backpacks are designed to encourage children and families to explore the outdoors together while learning about wildlife and habitat. Each backpack includes authentic scientific tools and resources, along with a custom-made user’s guide that walks the borrower through each item in the backpack and provides activities, games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for spending time outdoors with children, seasonal exploration prompts, nature journal templates, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with wildlife.

We currently offer:

- Library packs for public library patrons to borrow and use in their communities (see a list of participating libraries below)
- #GilslandFarm packs for sanctuary visitors to check out for a small fee to use on-site
- A set of student packs at #FieldsPond to help educators facilitate field work and nature-based STEM learning with their classes

For more information, or to purchase Nature Explorer Backpacks for your library, please contact Molly Woodring at [email protected].

Library List

Albion Public Library, Albion
Bangor Public Library, Bangor
Berwick Public Library, Berwick
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay
Bremen Library, Bremen
Brewer Public Library, Brewer
Buck Memorial Library, Bucksport
Cary Memorial Library, Houlton
Casco Public Library, Casco
Chase Emerson Library, Deer Isle
Dyer Library, Saco
Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
Fort Fairfield Public Library, Fort Fairfield
Harrison Village Library, Harrison
Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library, Greene
Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston
Liberty Library, Liberty
McArthur Public Library, Biddeford,
Millinocket Memorial Library, Millinocket
Norridgewock Public Library, Norridgewock
Old Town Public Library, Old Town
Orono Public Library, Orono
Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
Readfield Community Library, Readfield
Rockland Public Library, Rockland
Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough
Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan
Springvale Public Library, Springvale
Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth
Thomaston Public Library, Thomaston
Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
Vassalboro Public Library, Vassalboro
Veteran’s Memorial Library, Patten
Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook
Waterboro Public Library, Waterboro
Windham Public Library, Windham
Winterport Memorial Library, Winterport
Zadoc Long Free Library, Buckfield

Nature Explorer Backpacks are made possible by the Stephen & Tabitha King, and the Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundations."

Source:
https://maineaudubon.org/education/early-childhood/nature-explorer-backpacks/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule! #AdventureBackpacks #BorrowingBeyondBooks #BorrowDontBuy #AdventureBackpacks #WildlifeBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #Birding #PlantIdentification #NatureBasedLearning

#FalmouthME - #GilslandFarm #BirdWalk

Thursday, Feb 26 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am

"Join us for a weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm, led by #MaineAudubon’s Staff Naturalist #DougHitchcox 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 your binoculars, but we do have extra pairs if you need them, just ask Doug when you arrive.

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

FMI:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/gilsland-farm-bird-walks-w2026/

A list of recent sightings from Gilsland Farm can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L251783

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #SpendTimeInNature #Birdwatching #NatureWalk #WinterWalks

#Online and #InPerson - #FalmouthME and #HoldenME

Winter Tracking – Online Program
Thursday, February 26, 6:30-8 pm

"This online program [held on February 26] will cover the basics of winter tracking, including prints, scat, and other signs of wildlife. Following this program, there will be companion walks at both our Gilsland Farm and Fields Pond centers on Saturday, February 28. Please register separately for online and in-person programs."

Saturday, February 28, 10:30 am-12:30 pm: Winter Tracking at #GilslandFarm

Saturday, February 28, 11:30 am-1 pm: Winter Tracking at #FieldsPond

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

Events are free [donations accepted], but pre-registration is required.

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/winter-tracking-online/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #VirtualEvents #Wildlife #AnimalTracking #SpendTimeInNature #MaineAudubon

#FalmouthME - Indoor/ Outdoor Beginner #Birding at #GilslandFarm

Last occurrence of this session will be on February 21, 2026!

"We’ll spend the first hour of this program watching birds at the feeder from the warmth of our Discovery Center. Then we’ll head out and explore the trails. Our naturalist will answer questions and make identification less overwhelming to new birders. Feel free to come for either or both portions of this program. Binoculars (and instructions) will be provided."

Gilsland Farm
9:30 am-11:30 am
Third Saturday of the month

Pre-registration required!

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/indoor-outdoor-beginner-birding-at-gilsland-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineAudubon
#Birdwatching #SpendTimeInNature #BeginnerBirding #WinterWildlife

#FalmouthME - #GilslandFarm #BirdWalk

Date: Jan 29 2026
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am

"Join us for a weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm, led by Maine Audubon’s Staff Naturalist #DougHitchcox 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 your binoculars, but we do have extra pairs if you need them, just ask Doug when you arrive. A list of recent sightings from Gilsland Farm can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L251783

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

https://maineaudubon.org/events/gilsland-farm-bird-walks-w2026/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineAudubon #Birdwatching #SpendTimeInNature

#GilslandFarm Bird Walk

No bird walks on December 25 or January 1. We’ll see you on January 8, 2026!

"Join us for a weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm, led by #MaineAudubon’s Staff #Naturalist #DougHitchcox 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 your binoculars, but we do have extra pairs if you need them, just ask Doug when you arrive.

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

https://maineaudubon.org/events/gilsland-farm-bird-walks-w2026/

A list of recent sightings from Gilsland Farm can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L251783

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents
#Birdwatching #Birding #SpendTimeInNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#MaineAudubon - Indoor/ Outdoor Beginner #Birding at #GilslandFarm

"We’ll spend the first hour of this program watching birds at the feeder from the warmth of our Discovery Center. Then we’ll head out and explore the trails. Our naturalist will answer questions and make identification less overwhelming to new birders. Feel free to come for either or both portions of this program. Binoculars (and instructions) will be provided."

Gilsland Farm
9:30 am-11:30 am
Third Saturday of the month (12/20 postponed to 1/3, 1/17, 2/21)

"Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

FMI - https://maineaudubon.org/events/indoor-outdoor-beginner-birding-at-gilsland-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #BirdWatching #Nature #SpendTimeInNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

TOMORROW! Sunday, December 21st! At #MaineAudubon at #GilslandFarm in #FalmouthME

"Celebrate the #WinterSolstice at Gilsland Farm with our annual family-friendly storytime and lantern walk. We’ll start with free play and lantern decorating before gathering outside for a storytime with hot beverages and blankets. At 4 pm, we’ll walk to the top of the West Meadow and wave goodbye to the sun as it sets on the shortest day of the year. This event is best suited for families with children ages 3-10, but all are welcome! Siblings under 3 are free.

$9 per child member /$15 per child nonmember

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

Dec 21 2025
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

More Info:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/winter-solstice-storytime-lantern-walk-at-gilsland-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #SpendTimeInNature #WinterSolstice #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#MaineAudubon #GilslandFarm

Amazing Adaptations - For students entering Grades 1-4

August 22 - 26, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

Note: There is no transportation at this time.

Program Description: "Campers will spend their days engaged in hands-on #science, open-ended exploration and discovery, and activities designed to foster #stewardship and build connection to the #natural world—all while developing friendships, #BuildingCommunity, and having fun!"

"School-based programs are by invitation only. Schools will send out an invitation letter for students invited to attend their school-based programs."

https://sites.google.com/portlandschools.org/summerschool/community-partner-programs/maine-audobon-gilsland-farm?authuser=0

https://sites.google.com/portlandschools.org/summerschool/community-partner-programs/maine-audobon-gilsland-farm?authuser=0

#SolarPunkSunday #PortlandMaineSchools #CitizenScience #ScienceLearning #NatureBasedLearning #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#FalmouthMaine! Saturday, May 10th! Pollinator Parade Celebrates 10 Years!

by Molly Woodring, May 7, 2025

"Local families, including pollinator enthusiasts of all ages, will gather at #MaineAudubon’s #GilslandFarm on Saturday, May 10, 10 am to 1 pm, for the 10th annual Pollinator Parade and Picnic, to honor the winged species essential to our #ecosystems.

"Since 2015, Birth Roots and Maine Audubon have partnered to raise awareness about the vulnerability of the pollinator species that are critical to ecosystem health and our food systems, and the ways that people can support pollinator habitat. Many pollinator populations are in decline, and Pollinator Parade addresses this serious concern with a dose of family-friendly whimsy: families dressed as Monarch Butterflies can play and celebrate together, and then take home a milkweed plant that will support the real Monarchs due to arrive in Maine later this summer. That’s hundreds of new native plants spread across the landscape and even more photos shared that feature adorable costumes and a call to action, all before naptime.

"The event is inspired by festivals that honor the Monarch’s arrival in Mexico each fall, at the southern tip of the 3,000 mile migration that butterflies have completed annually for an estimated 20,000 years. The colorful parade, which starts at 11:30 am, invites young children, parents, and grandparents to embody a myriad of beautiful bugs, birds, and flowers—while calling attention to the urgent need for habitat protection and restoration.

" 'The #PollinatorParade is more than a picnic, parade, or dance party—it’s a call to action,' says Leah Deragon, Birth Roots’ co-founder and Director of Mission and Impact. 'We hope to capture the public’s imagination and inspire hearts and minds to take steps toward preserving pollinators for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.'

"Organizers aim to generate more substantive conversations about policies and the everyday actions people can take to care for pollinators—from planting #NativeSpecies and pollinator-friendly gardening, to reducing #pesticide use.

"This festival is one of hundreds like it nationwide, a growing movement since the late ‘90s to recognize and prioritize the role pollinators play to sustain all life.

"The Pollinator Parade is a ticketed event to buffer the impact on the Gilsland Farm #wildlife sanctuary during soft springtime soil. Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is located at 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth." [See below for registration link]

Source: https://maineaudubon.org/news/pollinator-parade-celebrates-10-years/

Registration link: http://www.hisawyer.com/birth-roots/schedules/activity-set/1386337

More info: https://maineaudubon.org/events/pollinator-parade-tenth-anniversary/

#MaineEvents #BeeHuggah #Nature #GardeningForPollinators #Pollinators