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

#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 events@maineaudubon.org. 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

'Magical' #NatureReserve in #UK that inspired #BronteSisters named 'wonder of the world'

The first of its kind nature reserve in #WestYorkshire has been named one of the 'wonders of the world' to visit in 2026 and it's a traveller's paradise.

by Parul Sharma, 24 Jan 2026

"A stunning nature reserve, whose landscape famously inspired the Brontë sisters, is being touted as a must-see for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
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"This pioneering nature reserve in West Yorkshire has been making waves after recently being named one of the wonders of the world to visit in 2026 by esteemed international travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveller.

"The picturesque reserve was established in May 2025 as part of King Charles' initiative of 25 National Nature Reserves (#NNRs), designed to conserve wildlife and celebrate UK landscapes by providing enhanced protection to the unique topography within these designated areas.

"Covering 3,148 acres (1,274 hectares) - roughly double the size of Ilkley Moor - the reserve connects eight natural sites within the Bradford and #SouthPennines area, including the famous #Penistone Country Park in #Haworth, once home to the #Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne."

Read more:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/uk-ireland/magical-nature-reserve-uk-inspired-36584252

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #BeInspiredByNature #Conservation #ConserveNature #NatureReservesUK #Nature #JaneEyre #WutheringHeights

#Maine - #FrenchmanBayConservancy permanently marks largest conservation effort by acquiring #HeadwaterBluffs

By Sierra Dubois
Published: Jan. 15, 2026 at 12:35 PM EST|Updated: Jan. 15, 2026 at 2:17 PM EST

HANCOCK, Maine (WABI) - "The Frenchman Bay Conservancy based out of Hancock has been conserving Maine lands for 38 years.

"They’ve worked to conserve more than 25,000 acres to ensure beautiful parts of our state stay that way.

Now, they’ve expanded that conservancy with a historic move.

"Austin Schuver, the director of land protection at the Frenchman Bay Conservancy, has seen firsthand what protecting the lands, waters, and ecosystems of Maine can do.

"Not just for people to enjoy the outdoors in undeveloped land but for the wildlife to be just that, wild and free.

"Leaders in the organization have worked for over 10 years to acquire Headwater Bluffs, and now, the 5,793 acre property is permanently protected.

"It’s the largest single conservation effort in the conservancy’s history.

“ 'It’s in between the Amherst community mountain forest and Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge, so there’s a huge block of over 40,000 acres of conserved lands that this property is now a part of,” said Schuver.

"That 40,000 acre block of forest and wetlands is great for moose and bear and other wildlife to enjoy their natural habitat, but Schuver said it’s for the people of Maine as well.

" 'It’s a really critical time to make sure we have these large blocks of habitat, not only for the wildlife to use but for people to go hunting and to go fishing,' said Schuver.

" 'There’s rock climbing on the property. There’s all sorts of opportunities to get engaged with these landscapes, and we want to make sure those landscapes are there for not only us but future generations, too.'

"Leaders at the conservancy hope this move shows residents how important it is to take advantage of the natural resources in the Pine Tree State.

"It’s a unique gift that not everyone has access to, which is why they’re working to preserve, embrace, and show the deep connection humanity shares with nature."

Learn more:
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/15/frenchman-bay-conservancy-permanently-marks-largest-conservation-effort-by-acquiring-headwater-bluffs/

#SolarPunkSunday #LandConservation #SpendTimeInNature #Conservation

#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

#SantaClaraCA - #NeighborhoodNaturalists (Event 3 of 3)

Saturday, January 24, 2026
11:00AM – 12:30PM
#GilroyLibrary

A BEGINNER'S NATURAL HISTORY COURSE

"Curious about the natural world in your own backyard? This educational program will introduce participants to the natural history of Santa Clara County with an emphasis on the local region's geology, native plants, and common wildlife. You will hear each week from guest speakers and scientists about the natural history that our parks preserve. We will meet together over three sessions and will email prompts for self-guided nature investigations prior to each week's session. The program is followed by a self-paced neighborhood service project to be completed following the course. Receive free swag and a completion certificate for attending at least two classes. Classes will be Saturday, January 10, 17, and 24 at 11am."

FMI - https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/6912721104e183f660381743

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NativePlants #Parks #Wildlife #NaturalHistory

Tagging for an early #SolarPunkSunday...

#QuogueNY - Light the Winter Night #TrailWalk at #QuogueWildlifeRefuge

January 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

"Reservations available for adults only between 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM, and for all ages 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM

Join QWR for this magical winter evening walk. Come to the Refuge for a self-guided, peaceful stroll through the gently lit forest trails.

A program for adults and families. $15 per person, $10 for kids 12 and under. Bring a reusable mug and enjoy a complimentary warm beverage. Please purchase tickets on the wildlife refuge’s website."

FMI -
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/light-the-winter-night-trail-walk-at-quogue-wildlife-refuge-2/

#NatureWalks #NYState #NightTrailWalking #SpendTimeInNature

#WellsME - #WednesdayWalk at the #WellsReserveAtLaudholm

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Explore nature through observation and a creative lens.

"The natural world has long been a source of respite, creativity, and wonder. Join #NormaFox, certified interpretive guide and #WellsReserve docent and ranger, for a series of walks to explore nature through artistic lenses and different seasons.

Wednesday walks run bi-weekly through April. A variety of trails and topics will be incorporated so repeat participation is most welcome. Join us for one or for all!

Please arrive prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.

The distance and duration of this guided walk will vary depending on the chosen trail. Approximately 1 mile and 1.5 hours. This walk is geared towards adults, but ages 12 and older are welcome."

Cost: Free, though Reservations Required

Please call Caryn at (207) 646-1555 x 110 or email caryn@wellsnerr.org to reserve your space.

FMI:
https://wellsreserve.org/event/80126/wednesday-walk

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #Laudholm #NatureWalks #SpendTimeInNature

#VirtualEvent - Best Crops for #SchoolGardens & Orchards

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm

"January is a key time for dreaming up a bountiful garden space! Join #SeedStLouis staff for a virtual presentation on our top recommendations for edible school and youth garden spaces. This presentation will detail various options for vegetables, perennials, and orchard plants that consider safety, youth interest, curriculum connections, the academic calendar, attainable maintenance, and reliable crop varieties accessible through Seed St. Louis."

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5817653854468/WN_pj2m8kB5QHm9S6EUc1H5kA#/registration

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaintLouis #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #SchoolGarden #SchoolOrchards #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime