Events & Programs
- Thursday Morning Bird Walk
Please join us for our weekly bird walk at Gilsland Farm. In addition to our feathered friends, we’ll be on the lookout for other plants and animals. All ages and abilities are welcome. You only need your curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Learn more - Family Fun
Join us for one hour of playful activity designed to encourage fun, self-discovery,
confidence and a growing understanding of the natural world.Accompanying adults and siblings under two of registered children are welcome at no charge.
- Curious Cubs
Have fun playing and exploring as we celebrate wildlife throughout the seasons, and investigate the mysteries beyond the orchard at our Gilsland Farm sanctuary. We’ll provide a snack and enjoy picnic lunches together from home.
- Family Fun
Join us for one hour of playful activity designed to encourage fun, self-discovery,
confidence and a growing understanding of the natural world.Accompanying adults and siblings under two of registered children are welcome at no charge.
- Nature Time: Spring Session
Nature in spring is a wonderful, mysterious time as life begins to emerge from the cold. Parents with children ages 2 to 4, come to our springtime nature-based program with stories, movement, art projects and an outdoor adventure. Parents take part too. Prepare to venture outside and be nature detectives for a part of each program.
Learn more - Salt Marsh Nature Explorations
In this 1 1/2 hour interactive exploration, students have the opportunity for hands-on learning about the adaptations of plants and animals unique to the salt marsh. Participants will have a chance to catch and release fish, look through algae to find small organisms feeding there, and test the unique characteristics of the marsh mud in comparison to the upland soil.
Learn more - Salt Marsh by Canoe
This 1 1/2 hour program provides a special opportunity for students to explore the salt marsh. During this unique paddle adventure participants become a part of the dynamic Dunstan River habitat, observing its inhabitants in their natural setting. We will see crabs, fish, feeding birds, edible plants and more!
Learn more - Neighborhood Bird Walks – Bangor Area (May)
Unless otherwise indicated, all walks are from 7:00 – 8:30 AM. Rubber boots or waterproof shoes are recommended due to wet grass and occasional muddy conditions. In consideration of wildlife and fellow birders, no pets please on the bird walks.
- Fields Pond Yoga
Come to the nature center to stretch, energize and relax. This weekly yoga class is open to all levels. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous views from the windows.
Leader: Holly Twining, Maine Audubon naturalist, certified yoga instructor
- August
- Full Moon Canoe Tour
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. We may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water.
Arrive no later than 6:30
Advanced Registration Necessary. Call (207) 883-5100
- Awesome Adventures
In this five day session, campers will learn about and explore animal habitat on the sanctuary. We’ll play nature games based on the everyday adventures of animals like red-tailed hawks and groundhogs.
- Full Moon Canoe Tour
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. We may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water.
Arrive no later than 6:30
Advanced Registration Necessary. Call (207) 883-5100
- Nature Art via the Marsh
Through various art forms we will discover some of the secrets of the marsh. Children will explore the marsh and then participate on a craft activity. All sessions are different. - Full Moon Canoe Tour
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. We may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water.
Arrive no later than 6:30
Advanced Registration Necessary. Call (207) 883-5100.
- Moonlight Canoeing
Float along the lake shore, as waning day becomes moonlit night. Loons, eagles, and bats may grace your trip.
Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent one of ours.
- Weekend at Gulf Hagas: The Grand Canyon of Maine
Gulf Hagas © Gary Roberts
Located in the mountains of central Maine, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Pleasant River. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, this area is part of the Appalachian Mountain Trail. Camping, hiking, and great nature with two Maine Registered Guides.
Learn more - Scarborough Marsh Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza
Join us for fun on our last full weekend and help the center out! We will have an end of the season sale in the store, door prizes, a used book sale, crafts for the kids, a bake sale on Saturday, a yard sale on Sunday and much more.
- September
- Mushroom Workshop
The natural history of mushrooms and their role in ecosystems will be the focus of this day’s outing. We will search for, find and really discover the world of fungus, with discoveries at every turn through the Gilsland Farm property, discussing every fungus we encounter. An optional mushroom slide show will be presented during lunch (please bring food if you plan on staying).
- Bar Harbor Pelagic Trip
Maine Audubon’s annual fall pelagic trip out of Bar Harbor has long been a must-do outing for the region’s birders. The trip is so eagerly anticipated because of a great boat, great camaraderie, and, of course, great sightings of birds and marine mammals!
Learn more - Full Moon Canoe Tour
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. We may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water.
Arrive no later than 6:00
Advanced Registration Necessary. Call (207) 883-5100
- Bald Eagles of Merrymeeting Bay
When Maine Audubon first began running this trip in 1969, sighting one or two eagles was all that could be expected. Since then, the bald eagle population has rebounded from the devastating effects of pesticide poisoning, and during last year’s trip we observed 38 eagles!
Learn more
Featured
Maine Audubon Speaker Series – Film: Scavenger Hunt: An Unlikely Union
- May 22 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Location: Gilsland Farm
