#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

#RocklandME - #NatureBackpacks for outdoor fun and learning available to check out from #RocklandPublicLibrary

Sun, 03/20/2022

ROCKLAND — "Rockland Public Library announces a new item now available for circulation: #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorerBackpacks.

'Check out a backpack and a world of wildlife will open up for you and your family,' said the Library, in a news release.

Each pack has a custom-made user’s guide that walks you through each item in the backpack and provides #activities, #games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for families on how to enjoy #nature, nature journal templates, simple activity ideas, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with #wildlife.

'Now, your outdoor time can become a science-based experience that fosters #EnvironmentalLiteracy,' said RPL.

Available to Rockland Library cardholders only.

The backpacks have seasonal themes and right now, three are available to borrow

Birds Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Binoculars
- Birds of Maine checklist
- Bird photo cards
- Colored pencils
- Lapboard and paper
- User’s guide

Wildlife Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Tracks rubber stamps
- Colored pencils
- Magnifying glass and specimen box
- Lapboard and paper
- User’s guide

Plants Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Sorting sheet
- Colored pencils
- Magnifying glass and specimen box."

Source:
https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/nature-backpacks-outdoor-fun-and-learning-available-check-out-rockland-public-library/158220

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #AdventureBackpacks #LibrariesRule! #MaineLibraries #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

#VirtualEvent - #Maine #NativePlants Short Course

Wednesdays, 6 pm

February 25: "Top Plants and Tools for Picking Them — We will introduce our favorite native plants for your home, as well as the various resources we use to choose them. We will also address where to find these plants."

FMI:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/native-plants-short-course/

#SolarPunkSunday #VirtualEvents #MaineNativePlants #MaineAudubon #SpendTimeInNature

#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

#HoldenME - #Ecological #GardenDesign Workshop

Saturday, February 21, 9 am-12:30 pm
Fields Pond Audubon Center

"Join #MaineAudubon for a hands-on workshop exploring how to design beautiful, functional gardens that support #Maine #NativeWildlife. Led by #NativePlant expert Andrew Tufts, this half-day session will introduce ecological design principles, guide you through site analysis, and help you sketch a habitat-friendly garden plan for your own space. Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike!

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."

$45 member, $55 nonmember
Space is limited; pre-registration required.

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/ecological-garden-design-feb21/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #HabitatFriendlyGardens #Gardening #GardeningWorkshops #GardenPlanning #EcologicalGardens
#GardeningClasses #GardeningForPollinators

#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

#HoldenME - Feathers & Feeders: Backyard Bird Photography for Beginners at Fields Pond

"Join us at the Nature Center for a morning avian photoshoot. Professional photographer L’aura Bradford will provide tips for bird photography, including: lens choice, camera settings, composition, photographing birds in flight, perches, feeder setup, and ethics of backyard bird photography. Please bring whatever camera you have (yes, cell phone cameras too). Group size is limited, pre-registration is required.

Saturdays 1/10, 1/24, 2/14, 2/28, 10-11 am

$12 member, $15 nonmember

L’aura Bradford is a nature photographer, educator, and Registered Maine Guide with more than a decade of experience behind the lens."

FMi and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/feathers-feeders-backyard-bird/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NaturePhotography #BirdPhotography #MaineAudubon