The Maine Wildlife Park is located on Route 26 in Gray. All programs listed below will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 657-4977, ext. 0, or go to www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Saturday, July 2
Watch Our Wildlife Have Dinner
Visitors always want to know what the park’s wildlife eats and when they eat it. Hourly feeding times, starting at 10 a.m., will be posted. Watch bears, big cats, eagles, foxes, small mammals, coyote and moose munch on their lunch.

Saturday, July 9
Wind Over Wings
This nonprofit educational service features magnificent birds unable to survive in their natural environment that have overcome extraordinary obstacles in their lives. Each bird is an individual and each has a story. Meet and photograph a kestrel, saw whet owl, great horned owl and red tailed hawk and learn their individual stories.

Saturday, July 16
Bugs – Now & Then
Join Jon Wallace, retired science teacher, to explore the world of “bugs.” Observe some live bugs and their shed skins (exoskeletons); study pictures of some of their Maine relatives; see fossils of bugs/arthropods from 550 million years ago to the Ice Age, and finish by looking at a bug’s worst nightmare, insectivorous plants.

Saturday, July 23
Radical Reactions with Mad Science
11 a.m.-noon
Are you ready for some crazy chemistry? Mad Science will release a genie from a bottle, spew massive columns of foam using a catalyst, cause combustion to occur with no flame, watch a gummy bear dive to its doom in a chemical reaction and more! Education can be entertaining.

Saturday, July 30
New England Mineral Association
Learn about minerals and gemstones found in different localities in Maine with hands on educations stations & knowledgeable people to help answer questions. A great way to get started in this rewarding hobby.

Saturday, Aug. 6
Chainsaw Wildlife Artists
Four local Maine chainsaw carvers – Ron Carlson, Tim Pickett, Dan Burns and Andrew Logan will use chainsaws to create eagles, bears and more. Watch a block of wood become a work of art. A variety of carvings will be on exhibit and for sale. Bring cameras and  your earplugs!

Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug.  14
9:30 a.m.
Tribal representatives from Maine, New England and around the country will be at the park for two full days with native dancers, drummers, craft vendors, singers and traditional food booths. New activities, food, music and Grand Entry will take place both days. An exciting opportunity to learn more about Native American culture & heritage. All day, rain or shine.

Saturday, Aug. 20
Life of the Honeybee
Learn about the industrious life of the honey bee and the role of the beekeeper. Parts of the bee hive and beekeeping equipment will be on display and experienced beekeepers will be available to answer your questions. A variety of delicious native Maine honey and other natural products from the hive will be on sale.

Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27
Enchanted Forests
Bring the kids to visit a human-sized fairy house, meet and have your photos taken with some “real” fairies and then work with all natural materials to create miniature fairy habitats to take home. This is a great activity for all kids, young and old.

Thursday, Sept. 1
Open House and Garden Tour
5-8 p.m.
Stroll around the park after hours to enjoy the park’s gardens and wildlife. Volunteers maintain all of the park’s flower baskets, barrels and gardens, which should be in full bloom now. Then, meet the Gems of Route 26 including Shaker Village, Poland Spring Resort, Preservation Park, Maine State Building and McLaughlin Garden. There will be free admission from 5-8 p.m. only.

Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27
Wildlife Enrichment Day
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
“Enrichments” are items that provide mental and physical stimulation to captive wildlife to encourage natural behaviors, activity and play. Starting at 10 a.m., then every hour on the hour until 3 p.m., watch a different species receive a new enrichment and enjoy the fun they’ll have with it.

Saturday, Sept. 10
Rick Charette Concert
11 a.m.-noon
Singer and songwriter Rick Charette’s performances blend original contemporary pop music and lyrics with imaginative activities that generate all kinds of audience participation. Many songs performed will be about Maine’s wild animals. Rick will sign autographs and sell CDs after the show. Rain or shine.

Sunday, Sept. 11
National Grandparents Day
National Grandparents Day was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Free admission for grandparents accompanied by their grandchildren; regular entrance fees for all other family members.

Saturday, Sept. 24
Nortwoods Law Day/Fish & Wildlife Day
9:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Meet some of the Maine Game Wardens of the Animal Planet TV show “NorthWoods Law.” Several of this season’s wardens, some with their canines, will be on hand to sign autographs and have their photos taken with fans. A variety of Fish and Wildlife exhibits and displays will be staffed by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife personnel.

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