#WellsME - Springtime #ForestForay

Friday, May 8, 2026, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Explore the signs of late spring with Maine Master Naturalist Eileen Willard!

Reservations Required

To reserve your space, please email [email protected] or call (207) 646-1555 x116.

Pricing

- Members: $8.00
- Non-Members: $10.00

"Join us to explore seasonal signs of late spring with trees and shrubs leafing out and flowering. All activity in plants and animals speeds up with increases in sunlight intensity. We will examine some of the important interactions that benefit plants and animals with seasonal spring changes, as well as hints for tree identification.

This program will be led by experienced Reserve docent, naturalist and nature writer Eileen Willard, who spent 15 years as a University of New Hampshire lab instructor in dendrology (study of trees) and in 2022 completed her Maine Master Naturalist certification. Ages 12 and up."

FMI and to register:
https://wellsreserve.org/event/87129/springtime-forest-foray

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #TreeIdentification #NatureBasedLearning #WellsReserveAtLaudholm #MaineEvents

#HoldenME - #StreamExplorers Workshop at #FieldsPond

April 25 from 10:00 am-12 pm

Location: 216 Fields Pond Rd. Holden, ME

Free, registration required.

"Do you want to volunteer your time to care for your local streams? Do you want to learn more about the critters that live in the water? Come and practice your sampling methods and #macroinvertebrate identification skills at this in-person training workshop. Learn how to sample a stream for science and identify the organisms you find, to help professional scientists monitor water quality. Marsh and Stream Explorers is our community science project featuring #AquaticInsects and what they can tell us about #WildlifeHabitat and #WaterQuality. Educational resources for classroom teachers will be available."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/stream-explorers-fields-pond/

#SolarPunkSunday #CitizenScience
#NatureBasedLearning #StreamExplorers #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange #CitizenScientists #ObservingNature

#WestbrookME - Marsh and Stream Explorers Field Training in Westbrook

April 25 from 9:30 am-12 pm

Location: #MillBrookPreserve, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Westbrook

Free, registration required.

"Curious about what critters live in your local streams and freshwater marshes? Come join #MaineAudubon and #MaineDEP for a fun morning of catching and identifying #macroinvertebrates at Mill Brook Preserve! Get hands-on training and learn how you can contribute to an important community science project that acts as a screening tool for Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) water quality assessments. Be prepared to wade into shallow water as you net and handle macroinvertebrates!

"Marsh and Stream Explorers is a water quality monitoring project that trains volunteers to survey streams and freshwater marshes for large #AquaticInsects (macroinvertebrates) which are sensitive to environmental stressors and can be indicators of #wetland health. After this training session, you’ll have the tools to choose and survey your own stream or freshwater marsh and contribute invaluable data to Maine’s water quality monitoring efforts. If you’re interested in getting outdoors, learning something new, and protecting your local #watershed, this community science project is for you!

"We will meet at the parking area for the Northern Trailhead and go on a short walk from there. Wear clothes and shoes you’re comfortable walking in and potentially getting wet, waders or muckboots are encouraged and some may be provided."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/marsh-and-stream-explorers-field-training-in-westbrook/

#SolarPunkSunday #CitizenScience
#NatureBasedLearning #MarshExplorers #StreamExplorers #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange #CitizenScientists #ObservingNature

#Webinar - #Marsh and #Stream Explorers: A Treasure Hunt to Find Healthy Freshwater #Habitats in #Maine

Apr 22 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

"Curious about what critters live in your local streams and freshwater marshes? Come learn about Maine Marsh and Stream Explorers, a collaborative #CommunityScience project between #MaineAudubon and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (#MEDEP). This program trains volunteers to survey for #macroinvertebrates, or large #AquaticInsects, in streams and freshwater #marshes statewide. With many macroinvertebrates sensitive to temperature, #pollutants, and other environmental stressors, their presence or absence serve as an important indicator of overall wetland health. This data then becomes an invaluable screening tool for #MaineDEP to prioritize where more-indepth water quality assessments should be conducted.

"In this webinar you’ll learn about what the Marsh and Stream Explorers project has accomplished and its impact on water quality monitoring statewide. We’ll look at our overall results, share our successes, and talk about future goals of the project. If you’re interested in getting outdoors, learning something new, and protecting your local watershed, this community science project is for you! Come learn more about how you can get involved. In-person field training for survey techniques to follow."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/marsh-and-stream-explorers-a-treasure-hunt-to-find-healthy-freshwater-habitats-in-maine/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineAudubon #OnlineEvents #CitizenScience #NatureBasedLearning #MarshExplorers #StreamExplorers #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange #CitizenScientists #ObservingNature

#WellsME - #EarthDay Celebration

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:00am – 2:00pm
#WellsReserve at #Laudholm

Reservations Not Required
Cost: Free

"Join us for a beach clean-up, visit from a humpback whale, seed planting and more in celebration of beautiful planet Earth.

Scheduled Activities:

8:30-10am: Just added! Bird Walk with York County #Audubon

Meet at the Gazebo and join for a walk to see some of the newly arrived early migrants! We’ll meet at 8:30am at the gazebo beside the main house. Please bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll have some pairs to lend if you don’t.

10am-12pm: Beach Clean-up

Walk the half mile down to Laudholm Beach to help pick up litter. Be an active Earth steward! We will meet at the gazebo just outside the Visitor Center to walk to the beach as a group.

12-2pm: Engaging Earth Activities

- #Pollinator Scavenger Hunt
- #SeedPlanting with Maine Master Gardeners
- Leaf Printing
- Earth Pledges

1-2pm: Within the Whale

Celebrate Earth Day by stepping inside one of the ocean’s most important animals! Join Within the Whale for an immersive experience where participants explore the inside of a life-size inflatable humpback whale and discover how whales support healthy oceans and a thriving planet. Through hands-on learning and engaging activities, you’ll learn how the survival of whales is connected to Earth’s ecosystems, and what we can all do to protect them. Perfect for curious learners of all ages who want to deepen their connection to our blue planet this Earth Day."

https://wellsreserve.org/event/83311/earth-day-celebration

#SolarPunkSunday #EarthDay2026 #MaineEvents #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #BeachCleanups

#Florida - #Birding #Backpacks

"Explore the Nature Coast and the native birds of Citrus County with a Birding Backpack from your Citrus Library. These Birding Backpacks contain everything you need to identify birds native to Florida and North America.

What are Birding Backpacks

The Nature Coast is home to many kinds of birds. Citrus County alone is home to at least 330 bird species. This is over one-fourth of the birds that have been seen in the United States!

It only makes sense that the Citrus County Audubon Society would want to share their love of this “Birder’s Paradise” with others.

These Birding Backpacks, assembled by the Citrus County Library system, include materials provided by the Citrus County Audubon Society, Max Schulman, Tom Craig, and the Citrus County Library system.

Each Birding Backpack contains:

1 pair binoculars
1 book Birds of Florida field guide
1 pamphlet Birds of Central Florida : a guide to common & notable species
1 pamphlet Florida Birds : a folding pocket guide to familiar species."

Learn more:
https://www.citruslibraries.org/services-resources/birding-backpacks/

#SolarPunkSunday #ExploreNature #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBackpacks #SpendTimeOutdoors #BirdingBackpack #NatureBasedLearning #LearningThroughNature #LibrariesRule! #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#Wyoming - #Birding #AdventureBackpacks – Inspiring the next generation of #birders!

"Would you and your family love to go on a birding adventure right in your own community? Or possibly in a neighboring county?

You need an Birding Adventure Backpack!

- Laramie County Public Library – #CheyenneWY
- Laramie County Library System – #BurnsBranch
- Laramie County Library System – #PineBluffsBranch

and now in Torrington & Guernsey too!

Goshen County Library – #TorringtonWY
Guernsey Branch Library – #GuernseyWY

Check out these awesome birding backpacks! Everything you and your family needs to spot those elusive #warblers, #flycatchers, and waterfowl in our lovely #parks and #WildlifeRefuges.

Need more information on WHERE to bird? Check out 'Birding our Region/Locations' on the Audubon website. Near and far, Laramie, Platte, and Goshen Counties have lovely birding locations to visit.

Special thanks to our Education Team and our wonderful libraries throughout our Chapter region. They welcomed us with 'open wings' … Now GET OUT AND BIRD WYOMING! Adventure awaits!"

Learn more:
https://cheyenneaudubon.org/education-conservation-2/

#SolarPunkSunday #ExploreNature #Wildlife #LaramieCounty #Audubon #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBackpacks #SpendTimeOutdoors #Birding #NatureBasedLearning #LearningThroughNature #LibrariesRule! #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#Maryland - #Library #Backpacks

"Thanks to support from the Nora Roberts Foundation, there are #NatureExplorer backpacks at all of the local libraries in the Eastern Panhandle, at some libraries nearby in Maryland, and at the nature center at #CacaponStatePark. They are available for checkout with your library card!

The packs provide families with all the tools they need to get their children outside exploring #nature. Each pack contains a variety of #books, #FieldGuides, supplies and #ActivityIdeas centered on different themes. Backpacks themes include #Birds, #Reptiles and #Amphibians, #BackyardHabitats, #Mammals, #Insects, and Winter."

Learn more:
https://www.potomacaudubon.org/education/all-ages/library-backpacks/

#SolarPunkSunday #ExploreNature #Wildlife #PotomacValley #PotomacValleyAudubonSociety #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBackpacks #SpendTimeOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #LearningThroughNature #LibrariesRule! #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#AlfredME - Alfred #ElementarySchool #NatureHike

0.8mi Length
36ft Elevation gain
0.5–1hr Estimated time, Out & back

"This short trail starts in the parking lot of the elementary school. There is an #OutdoorClassroom, #VernalPonds, and #swale. Small bridges have been built over wet areas. There are small signs with information about the natural environment. Although there are blue blazes on trees, the trail is not easy to follow as it gets further from the school."

FMI:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/alfred-elementary-school-nature-hike

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #NatureHikes #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime #NatureBasedLearning

How to Create a #PollinatorGarden with Children: Fun Family Activities to Attract Pollinators and Foster a #LoveForNature

by Chloe Wilson, February 12, 2025·

Excerpt: "Another fantastic idea is to create a 'pollinator parade.' Have your children dress up as their favorite pollinators, and then march around the garden! They can flap their arms like butterflies or buzz like bees. This playful activity not only entertains but also helps them remember the importance of these creatures.

"You can incorporate storytelling activities by making up tales about the flowers and the pollinators that visit them. Kids can act out these stories, which fosters their imagination and creativity. This can be a wonderful bonding experience for the whole family.

"Don’t forget about seasonal activities. In spring, you can plant seeds together. In summer, observe which flowers attract the most bees. In fall, collect seeds from your flowers to plant next year. This creates a year-round learning experience that keeps kids engaged in nature."

Read more:
https://www.kidsandthegarden.com/articles/pollinator-garden-kids-activities/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeOutdoors #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #KidsActivities #GardeningForPollinators #Storytelling #Nature