Free Day at #MaineStateParks for #LibraryCard Holders on April 25, 2026

April 14, 2026

Augusta, Maine - "April 19-25, 2026 is #NationalLibraryWeek, and thanks to a proclamation by Governor #JanetMills, it is also officially #MaineLibraryMonth. To mark the occasion, the #MaineStateLibrary and Maine State Parks are partnering to offer a special day of free admission to participating state parks.

"On Saturday, April 25, simply show your Maine library card at the entrance of any participating Maine state park and enjoy a day outdoors at no cost.

" 'This collaboration is a perfect way to highlight the value of libraries and the exceptional outdoor values of Maine's State Parks,' said Andy Cutko, #MaineDACF Bureau of Parks and Lands Director. 'Libraries open your mind to the world of literature, and on April 25, your library card is also a ticket to the #outdoors.'

" 'Maine State Library is delighted to partner with Maine State Parks for Maine Library Month,' said Lori Stockman, Maine State Librarian. 'With spring upon us, providing free admission to many Maine State Parks on April 25th is a natural extension of the types of services and resources that our public libraries provide regularly to their communities.'

"Visitors are encouraged to bring a favorite book, find a shady spot, and enjoy some quiet reading time surrounded by Maines natural beauty. Whether it's a novel at #CrescentBeachStatePark, poetry under a pine at #LamoineStatePark, or a field guide on a trail atop #BradburyMountainStatePark, the day is a celebration of learning, relaxation, and connection.

"Don't have a library card yet? Stop by your local library to sign up - its free, and it opens the door to countless opportunities, from books and digital resources to programs and events.

Find your nearest library. To explore Maine State Parks, including maps and locations, visit parksandlands.com.

"Free admission applies to day-use at Maine's Maine State Parks and Historic Sites on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. until closing.

"The free admission does not apply to:

Acadia National Park
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Baxter State Park
Maine Wildlife Park
Peacock Beach
Scarborough Beach
Swan Island
Penobscot River Corridor
Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect"

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/news/index.shtml?id=13346801

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries #MaineStateParks #SpendTimeInNature #EarthDay2026

#CamdenME - RSVP to Join #PlantSpecies Documentation on April 22 at #CamdenHillsState Park

Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 280 Belfast Road, Camden, ME 04843
State Park: Camden Hills
Event Type: #NatureExploration, #NatureWorkshop / #PlantIdentificationTraining

"Pre-register to join in on an educational morning of plant inventorying at Camden Hills State Park. Kerry Hardy, a local plant enthusiast, will lead a hike with park staff to document and take GPS coordinates of the park's unique plant species. Included in the inventory will be #BrownAsh and other #ash species, #Spruce, #MaidenhairFern, #YellowViolets, #Mayflowers, also called #TrailingArbutus, and spring ephemerals.

Limited to 30 people and free to registered participants. Pre-register by emailing [email protected] and please put "April 22 plant inventory RSVP" in the subject line.

Can't make April 22? A second inventory session is being planned for May 27 at 9:00 AM. Email Charlene with "May 27 plant inventory RSVP" in the subject line if you want to attend this session.

Cost: Free to pre-registered participants."

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13345462

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineStateParks #MaineDACF #SpendTimeInNature #CitizenScience #MaineEvents

#FeathersOverFreeport On May 16 - Save the Date!

"Feathers Over Freeport, a birding festival for all ages, will be held on Saturday, May 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal, and on Sunday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.

The event includes #birdwatching for all ages and activities for children.

More details coming soon at the Feathers Over Freeport webpage [linked below]."

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/feathers_over_freeport.shtml

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature
#MaineEvents #PownalME #FreeportME #WolfesNeckWoods #BradburyMountainStatePark #MaineStateParks #Birdwatching

#Maine - #Hawkwatch on Bradbury Mountain: Daily through May 15

"Watch the spring migration of hawks from the top of #BradburyMountain beginning March 15, from 9 AM to 5 PM daily through May 15. Hawk Counters will share the joys of hawk watching as they make their observations and record species information. #HawkCounter Zane Baker is returning for his record 7th season! The Hawkwatch was initiated by Jeannette and Derek Lovitch in 2007 to quantify the extent and duration of the northbound raptor flight over Bradbury Mountain State Park. Daily counts of all raptor and vulture species are posted at the summit, submitted to the Hawk Migration Association of North America, and posted to the BIRDHAWK Listserv. For a quick but steep hike take the Summit Trail. For a 1-mile gentle ascent to the summit take the Northern Loop Trail." - Chris Silsbee, Manager of Bradbury Mt. State Park

Trail map:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/docs/maps/bradburymountaintrailmapwest.pdf

Hawkwatch website:
https://www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/bradbury-mountain-hawkwatch

Hawkcount website:
https://www.hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?r=on&rsite=616&go=Go+to+site

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #MaineEvents #PownalME #BradburyMountainStatePark #MaineStateParks #Birdwatching

#LibertyME - #WinterFunDay at #LakeSaintGeorge #StatePark

Division / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Lake St. George State Park, 278 Belfast Augusta Road (ME Route 3), Liberty
State Park: Lake St George
Event Type: Special Event

"Join us for hot cocoa, a warming fire, a #nature and #wildlife display table, #SnowSculpture making and games, and gear loans from the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer. #IceFishing traps and bait will be available for kids to use to fish. A section of the lake will be shoveled for ice skaters. Please bring your own #skates if you have them. A very limited supply will be available from the gear trailer. Gear loans are free with the Special event park admission. NOTE - the gear trailer will also be available from February 12-20 and February 22 & 23 for equipment loans; regular park entry rates apply."

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 589-4255
Cost: Free gear use with paid Special Event admission: Ages 12 & older = $1.50, Under 12 and over 65 = Free.

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13341363

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature
#MaineEvents #IceSkating #IceFishing
#MaineStateParks #TakeItOutside #GearLoans

#CapeElizabethME - #TwoLights #WinterFunDay

Ski & Snowshoe Trailer Equipment Loans on February 21 & 22 at Two Lights State Park

Division / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: February 21, 2026 - February 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Two Lights State Park, off Route 77 on Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth.
State Park: Two Lights
Event Type: Special Event

"Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe Trailer on site for free equipment loans of xc-skis, boots, poles and snowshoes.

Gear use is free with paid park admission!

Don't have gear or don't want to
haul it to the park? Then join us at
the park during the Ski & Snow-
shoe Trailer days. Equipment is
available for youth and adults. It is
a great way to get out and explore
the park during the winter!"

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 799-5871
Cost: Park Admission: Adult Maine Resident = $5. Adult Non-resident = $7. Senior Non-resident = $2. Children 5-11 years old = $1. Maine Seniors 65+ and children under 5 get in free."

FMI:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13341372

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature
#MaineEvents #NatureWalks #MaineStateParks #CrossCountrySki
#SnowShoeing #TakeItOutside

#CamdenME - #WinterFunDay at #CamdenHillsStatePark

Division / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 280 Belfast Road, Camden
State Park: Camden Hills
Event Type: #NatureExploration, Special Event

"The Maine State Park Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be loaning cross-country ski and #snowshoes, free with Special Event Park Admission, for youth and adults. Activities include a mammal tracking display, winter camping display, and a warming fire and hut. NOTE: the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will also be at the park from 2/26 through 3/6 and 3/8 & 9. Regular Park Admission applies on these dates.

Cost: Special event park admission rate: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50. All others free."

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=12261994

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #MaineEvents #NatureWalks #MaineStateParks #AnimalTracking #CrossCountrySki #WinterWildlife #TakeItOutside

#PolandME - #WinterFunDay with #Ski & #Snowshoe Trailer Equipment Loans at #RangePond State Park

Date: February 14, 2026 - February 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Range Pond State Park, 26 State Park Road (Off Empire Road), Poland ME 040274
State Park: Range Pond
Event Type: Special Event

"Join us on February 14 & 15 for the Winter Fun Visitor Appreciation Days during school vacation week. The Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be loaning #CrossCountrySki and snowshoeing gear, free with paid Special Event admission. Learn to ice fish - it's a free #IceFishing weekend - and clean and take your trout home. And there will be a mammal tracks and pelt display, kids winter wildlife hunt with prizes, a warming fire, and free snacks and hot drinks while they last."

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 998-4104
Cost: Special Event Admission: Ages 12 & older = $1.50; under 12 and 65 and older are free.

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13341367

Link to flyer [pdf]:
https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=13341367&an=1

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineStateParks #MaineEvents #AnimalProducts #SpendTimeInNature #Snowshoeing #WildlifeTracking

Press release from the #MaineDACF - Thinking About #Camping at #MaineStateParks?

Reservations Open Monday

"The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) is encouraging campers to begin planning now for the 2026 Maine State Parks camping season, with reservations opening Monday, February 2, and demand expected to be high for many destinations.

"Whether visitors are seasoned campers or first-time adventurers, Maine #StateParks offer a wide range of #campgrounds, #GroupSites, and picnic shelters across the state’s most scenic landscapes.

Maine State Park Campground Reservations open at 9:00 a.m. EST on the following dates:

- Monday, February 2, 2026, #LilyBayStatePark and #SebagoLakeStatePark (Storm date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, if the Maine State Government is closed)
- Monday, February 2, 2026 Group camping and picnic shelter reservations By phone only — contact the park directly
- Thursday, February 5, 2026 All other Maine State Park campgrounds (Storm date: Friday, February 6, 2026)
- Online reservations will continue through September 5, 2026

Visit the BPL Maine State Parks camping webpage for reservations, park information, and planning resources. Campers are encouraged to review the reservation tips and FAQs before booking.

Group Camping Opportunities

Maine State Parks provide ideal settings for group camping, family reunions, youth programs, and organizational outings. Group campsites are designed for seven or more people and must be reserved in advance.

Group campsites are available for:

- Registered campers and their invited guests
- Organizations, scout and youth groups
- Large family and multi-family camping trips

Group camping reservations:

- Open at 9:00 a.m. EST on February 2, 2026
- By phone only — group campers must contact the park directly
- Online reservations and the Camping Call Center do not process group site bookings

BPL also assists with planning larger events such as camporees, youth gatherings, and organized group outings. Event organizers should contact the park directly for guidance.

Plan Ahead
With many campgrounds filling up quickly each season, BPL encourages visitors to plan early, explore alternative parks and dates, and take advantage of Maine’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities statewide."

Source:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/4068612

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Camping #CampingInMaine

#FirstDay Hikes at Select #MaineStateParks with Guided and Self-guided Options

"Maine State Park First Day Hikes, part of the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors, are a combination of led and self-guided hikes, as well as virtual visits to help you kick off 2026.

Join in on the fun and start out your New Year within the beauty and solace of a Maine State Park. Program listings are provided below. You can also download materials for self-guided hikes and view the virtual visits at BPL's First Day Hike page.

Program Listings - Join Us on January 1, 2026:

#CamdenHills State Park, #CamdenME
#HolbrookIsland State Park, #BrooksvilleME
#SebagoLake State Park - Campground side of park, #NaplesME
#TwoLights State Park, #CapeElizabethME

Enjoy the free park entry and program for First Day Hikers!"

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/first-day-hikes.shtml

#MaineParks #NatureEvents #NatureHikes #NewYearsHikes #SpendTimeInNature
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime #MaineEvents #SolarPunkSunday