Tree identification and herbariums workshop, 1 to 3 p.m. today, Merryspring Nature Center, Camden. Learn about trees, plants and wildflowers. Free, family-friendly activities are designed for ages 5 to 12 but are open to all. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of rain, activities will be moved indoors. For more information, call 236-2239 or visit www.merryspring.org.
Acadia Night Sky Festival, Bar Harbor, through Monday, a community celebration to promote the protection and enjoyment of Down East’s stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through education, science and the arts. For more information and a list of activities, visit AcadiaNightSkyFestival.com.
Additional Photos
Wildlife presentation, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Topsham Public Library. Join the Cathance River Education Alliance and Kristin Lamb of the York Center for Wildlife for an introduction to Maine’s creatures of the night, including live animals. Free. FMI: 449-8605.
“Mother Nature’s Child” film showing, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Watts Hall, Thomaston, sponsored by Georges River Land Trust and Herring Gut Learning Center. Camilla Rockwell’s 2010 film tells stories of programs that offer an antidote to “nature deficit disorder.” A panel discussion after the film will focus on what we can do in our communities to bring nature back into the lives of children. FMI: Call 594-5166 or visit www.grlt.org.
Apple Day at Maine Audubon, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, festivities at Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, celebrate Maine wildlife. Wildlife exhibits, nature scavenger hunt, children’s activities, live music, storytelling and food. For more information, call 781-2330 or visit www.maineaudubon.org.
Kennebec River paddle, with the Vassalboro Conservation Commission, from Seven Mile Stream to Augusta, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. All are invited to explore this beautiful section of the river. Bring a canoe or kayak, or team up with someone else. Shuttling available. To register or for more information, go to www.vassalboro.net.
Community Bike Ride in Yarmouth to celebrate Livestrong Day and raise awareness of people living with cancer. 10 a.m. Saturday. Check in at the Log Cabin, 196 Main St., starting at 9:30 a.m. All riding abilities welcome. Cyclists may choose from 12- or 23-mile rides and are encouraged to wear yellow. There is no registration fee, but donations to the Lance Armstrong Foundation are encouraged. Refreshments will be served after the ride. Please register in advance by emailing Yarmouthlivestrongday@gmail. com or call Maura at 841-3327 or Deb at 846-0955.
Beach Raid, 5K race on Gooch’s and Mother’s Beaches in Kennebunk, 9 a.m. Saturday. Participants will charge through natural and manmade obstacles and boot camp-style exercise stations. After the event, Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub will host a party for participants and their friends and family. $30. To register, go to www.beachraid.com.
Star Gazing Party, Saturday, Great Pond Mountain Wildlands in Orland as part of the statewide Maine Starlight Festival. The South Gate on Route 1 (south of the Route 176 intersection) will open at 7 p.m. Bring blanket or light chair, warm clothing, binoculars, telescopes or other astronomical gear. Telescopes will be available. There will be no rain/cloud date. Check for weather cancellations at www.greatpondtrust.org, email info@greatpondtrust.org or call 469-2008.
National Public Lands Day volunteer event, 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday, hosted by Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, to help create wildlife habitat in Kittery. The plan is to plant more than 500 native shrubs to aid the survival of the New England cottontail, migratory birds and butterflies. Volunteers will receive a free entry into any federal public land area with entrance fees. If you are interested in helping, please contact Leo Maheu at 646-9226 or at Leo_Maheu@fws.gov.
Looking Ahead
Fall Open House, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson. Oct. 2. Learn about fly fishing, including creating flies, and test your skills in Little Dyer Pond. All equipment and materials will be provided. There will be other activities for kids and families, including forestry games and a nature walk. FMI: Call 586-6752 or visit www.hvnc.org.
Evening with Bill Irwin, author of “Blind Courage” and the only blind person ever to complete the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail, 7 p.m. Oct. 7, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland. Free and open to the public. A reception will follow Irwin’s slide show and talk. FMI: Call the church at 772-7421 until 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
York County Audubon field trip, 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 16, to the Sanford Sewage Treatment Plant, 192 Gavel Road, Sanford. Meet Andrew Aldrich at the plant office and look for migrating waterfowl, warblers and others. FMI: Call 698-4461.
Farm to Farm Ultra Run, Oct. 16, starts at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport. Race 50 miles, 50 kilometers or 25 kilometers to raise awareness of conservation and local foods. FMI: Call 865-4469, ext. 107, or visit www.farmtofarmultrarun.com.
Autumn Exploration Camp, 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 15 and 16, Merryspring Nature Center, Camden. Nature discovery activities designed for children ages 6 to 12. $25 for park members and $30 for non-members. Register by Oct. 12. FMI: Call 236-2239 or visit www.merryspring.org.
Dick Weeman Memorial Scholarship Gun Bash, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23, Elks Club, Waterville. Sponsored by the Maine chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation. Raffles, games and silent auction to raise funds for scholarships for students pursuing outdoors professions. FMI: Chris Weeks at 465- 2112 or 692-3300.
Ongoing
Mid-Coast Audubon Birdseed Sale, orders must be received by Oct. 20, email sschubel@tidewater.com or call 380-1370. FMI: Visit www.midcoastaudubon.org.
Guided trail walks at Inland Woods/Pine Ridge trails in Waterville. 8 a.m. Mondays through October. Free; all welcome. Meet at trailhead behind Inland Hospital, 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive. FMI: www.kmtrails.org or 861-3292.
Discovery Trek series, Portland Trails. Guided walks are free to Portland Trails members; $5 suggested donation for non-members. Register by emailing info@trails.org or calling 775-2411. FMI: www.trails.org.
The Kennebec Land Trust Outing Club offers events for active adults age 21 and older. Excursions are free for trust members or $5 for nonmembers. For a schedule, go to www.tklt.org. Call 377-2848 or email Theresa Kerchner at tkerchner@tklt.org to register.
Weekly Bird Walk, 7 a.m. Thursdays at Gilsland Farm, off Route 1, Falmouth; $5 for Maine Audubon members, $8 for nonmembers. Bring binoculars and a field guide and meet in the visitor center parking lot. FMI: Call 781-2330, ext. 209.
Casco Bay Bicycle Club hosts several weekly road bike rides and special one-time rides. Members and nonmembers are welcome. FMI: www.cascobaybicycleclub.org.
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