A list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Plant pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.

LLBean Original Backpack $36.95

Forest Trees of Maine - Maine Forest Service $15.00

Pocket Naturalist Guide: New England Trees & Wildflowers $7.95

Take-Along Guide: Berries, Nuts, and Seeds $7.95

Wooden dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50

Specimen box with magnifying lid $4.50

Sorting Sheet $2.00

Paint Chips [for color identification]

Lapboard $2.00

Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
- Crayons (8)
$7.00

Additional items contained in the Audubon Plant packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)

User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Plants
- Read: Plants
- Take Action: Plants
- Activity Idea: Color Hunt
- Activity Idea: Bark and Leaf Rubbings
- Illustrated Glossary of Leaf Shapes
- Nature Journaling Template
- Blank paper
- Survey

Link to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yMls_QNHpxOOqdckJwZge1IeE3Vv3rtE?usp=drive_link

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature
#SpendTimeOutdoors #PlantIdentification #LearningThroughNature
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

So, here is a list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Birding pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.

LLBean Original Backpack $36.95

Look up! Birdwatching in Your Own Backyard - Annette LeBlanc Cate $15.99

Sibley East by David Sibley $19.95

Birds of Maine by Stan Tekiela $13.95

Tasco Essentials 8x42 binoculars (w/case) $50.00

Wooden dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50

Audubon bird call $8.95

Bird photo cards $2.00

Nest photo cards $1.00

Lapboard $2.00

Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
$7.00

Additional items contained in the Audubon Birding packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)

User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Birds
- Read: Birds
- Take Action: Birds
- Activity Ideas: Bird Photo Cards
- Activity Idea: Build a Nest
- Nature Journaling Template
- Birds of Maine Checklist
- Blank paper
- Survey

Link to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gxjXyK86ZrDtt2qetiBXfQqSAiVuSABE?usp=drive_link

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Wildlife #LearningThroughNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

So, here is a list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Wildlife pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.

LLBean Original Backpack $36.95

Falcon Guide to Scats and Tracks of the Northeast - James C. Halfpenny, PhD., Jim Bruchac, Todd Telander $12.95

Kaufman Guide to New England - Kenn & Kimberly Kaufman $22.00

Pocket Naturalist Guide: Maine Wildlife - Kavanagh/Leung $7.95

Pocket Naturalist Guide: Bugs and Slugs - Kavanagh/Leung $7.95

Wooden Dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50

Specimen Box with magnifying lid $4.50

Plastic Trowel $4.00

Plastic container with lid

Animal Track Rubber Stamps (w/inkpad, 18 stamps) $19.99

Lapboard $2.00

Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
$7.00

Additional items contained in the Audubon packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)

User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Wildlife
- Read: Wildlife
- Take Action: Wildlife
- Activity Idea: Make a Pitfall Trap
- Activity Idea: Animal Track Rubber Stamps
- Nature Journaling Template
- Maine Animal Tracks
- Blank paper
- Survey

Link to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ld3J8D3l1ADwHl2j1BH-INvzZ63Lnkj7?usp=drive_link

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Wildlife #LearningThroughNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#FalmouthME - #FamilyFun at #GilslandFarm – Early Spring Session

"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 activities and adventures designed to foster a connection to nature, encourage #stewardship, and provide an introduction to group learning settings."

Weekly on Wednesdays
March 4 to April 15 (7 weeks)
9:30-10:30 am OR 10:45-11:45 am
$96/member child, $120/nonmember child

Ages 2-5, siblings under 2 free

Advanced registration is encouraged!

Drop ins may be available upon request. Please email [email protected] by 5:00 the day before the program to check availability.

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/family-fun-at-gilsland-farm-spr26/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineAudubon #MaineEvents #NatureBasedLearning #SpendTimeInNature #LessScreenTimeMoreGreenTime

#FalmouthME - #PollinatorParade 2026

Registration opens at noon on April 16.

"Help #MaineAudubon and #BirthRoots celebrate and call attention to the vital importance of our #pollinators by dressing up as a #bee, #butterfly, #ladybug, #hummingbird, #bat, or other favorite woodland friend for this fun family festival and children’s parade!"

Saturday, May 16
10 am–12:30 pm (parking opens at 9:30)

Pre-registration required.

FMI:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/pollinator-parade-2026/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #ChildrensEvents

#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