Fields Pond Audubon Center

Maine Audubon acquired 192 acres by bequest from the estate of the late Katherine Curran in 1994.

The Curran family kept cows, harvested ice from the pond in winter, and cut wood from the forest. Their gift of land included 1600 feet of lakeshore, a stream and ravine, several wetlands, fields, forest, and a 22-acre island in Fields Pond.

In the Winter of 1998, Maine Audubon opened the L. Robert Rolde Nature Center, which was designed by "environmentally friendly" architects.

Public Programs and Courses

September | October | November | December

Special Programs

Home School Programs | Girl Scout Programs

Volunteer Opportunities

The Center provides a variety of guided and self-guided walks and canoe tours, exhibits, a Nature trail, and canoe rentals. All guided programs are led by trained naturalists. Walking and canoe tours and specially designed programs are available forgroups at a discounted price.

Unless otherwise specified, programs are held at the Audubon Center. For outdoor events, we hope for good weather, usually go in light precipitation, and cancel in severe weather. If you need to cancel a program reservation, please call at least three days ahead of the scheduled event to assure a refund.

September Programs

Programs for Children

Family Walk in Nature
Saturday, September 20, 1-2:30pm
Leader: Holly Twining
Cost: Parents free. Children $4. No registration necessary.

Bring the family to explore nature on the grounds of Fields Pond. Parents and children will enjoy the exercise and fresh air, as well as learning the science and poetry of nature. A creative indoor project will be offered after the walk.

Nature Time for Children: Fall Session
For Children Ages 2 to 4 with parent
Every other Thursday 11-noon, September 25 – December 18
Leaders: Holly Twining, Tina Roberts
Cost: Parents free. $24 for series for children of members and $28 for children of non-members. Pre-registration required for series. 989-2591 or htwining@maineaudubon.org

Join us for a nature-based program with stories, creative play, hands-on activities, or a nature/art project. Parents participate in the program. Be prepared to be outside for a portion of each program.

Programs for Adults

Photo Journey of the Galapagos Islands
Tuesday, September 16, 7pm
Presenter: Karen Francoeur
Cost: $5 member; $6 non-member
Travel with Master Maine Sea Kayak Guide, Karen Francoeur of Castine Kayak Adventures International, kayaking, hiking and snorkeling among the Enchanted Islands of the Galapagos. It was here, that Darwin first formulated his theory of evolution due to the unique species that lived only on these isolated islands off the coast of Ecuador. Karen will enlighten you with photos and video clips of the unique and endemic species above and below the water and discuss what is being done to protect them.

Seventh Annual Penobscot Valley Chapter Auction
Friday, September 19, 6:00p.m.
Chairperson: Carey Nason
Auctioneer: Bob Duchesne
Cost: Free. To donate items please call 989-2591.

This is THE opportunity to grab great bargains on whale watches, extraordinary accommodations, fine dining, nature tours, books, art, holiday gifts, birdhouses, and much more. Preview begins at 6p.m.; auctioning begins at 6:30. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages served. All proceeds support environmental education and programs of the Fields Pond Audubon Center and the Penobscot Valley Chapter.

The Ecology of Gardening with Native Plants
Tuesday, September 23, 7pm
Presenter: Julie Beckford, Rebel Hill Farm
Cost: $5 members, $6 non-members

Slowly the knowledge is spreading that native plants are not only easy to grow, but also essential for wildlife. Julie Beckford of Rebel Hill Farm specializes in native and organic field grown perennials. She will emphasize the connections between the plants people choose to grow and the surrounding natural environment. Plenty of time will be offered for Julie to answer questions after her presentation.

The Wonders of Lichen: An Introductory Class in Identification
Saturday, September 27, 10am-4pm
Instructor: Jim Hinds, co-author of "The Macrolichens of New England"
Cost: $40 members, $45 non-members. Advance registration is required. 989-2591 or email htwining@maineaudubon.org.

Come to Fields Pond to enjoy a full day of lichen study. The class will include both indoor and outdoor identification of numerous intriguing species. Jim Hinds is a scientist and a naturalist who has studied lichens for years. If the weather holds, we'll canoe out to Fields Pond island for outdoor exploration. Please bring a bag lunch.

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October Programs

Programs for Children

Children’s Drawing Class
This class will introduce children to nature drawing by recognizing basic shapes as the building blocks to creating artistic forms found in nature. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.
Bring your favorite art supplies and enjoy our group of budding artists in discovering the natural world around us. Taught by Carolyn Wallace-Zani of Main Street Studio. Ages 4-10

Saturdays, October 4, November 8, December 13,
1:30-2:30 p.m.

$10 member, $12 nonmember (one adult/one child)

Family Walks in Nature

Bring the family to explore nature on the grounds of Fields Pond.
Parents and children will enjoy the exercise and fresh air, as well as learning the science and poetry of nature. Holly Twining leads a creative indoor project and walk.

Saturdays, October 18, and November 15
1-2:30 p.m.

Free/parents, $4/children

Programs for Adults

Art Lessons for Adults:
Drawing from Nature
Learn drawing techniques to capture the essence of the local fauna and flora species with pencil on paper. Bring a pencil, sketch pad, eraser, and enthusiasm for this class taught by Carolyn Wallace-Zani of Main Street Studio.

Saturdays, October 4, November 8, December 13,
11 a.m.-noon

$10/member per lesson, $12/nonmember per lesson

Identifying Maine Mushrooms: An Introduction In the field and classroom, Greg Marley will help participants discover the wonders of wild mushrooms. He will focus on the skills it takes to identify mushroom species and weave in information about medicinal mushrooms, cooking tips (we’ll try some samples in the kitchen), collection basics and ethics, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring in examples for identification. Please bring a bag lunch.

Sunday, October 5 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

$40/member, $45/nonmember; advance
registration and payment required

Photographing the Great Gray Owl
Finding a great gray owl in Maine is most likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Will you be ready to take that one special picture when the bird comes your way? Explore the experiences of amateur photographer Laurie Rich and share her laughs, mishaps and successes.

Tuesday, October 7, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

Book group: Animal, Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

With characteristic poetry and pluck, Barbara Kingsolver sweeps readers along on her journey away from the industrial-food pipeline to a rural life in which her family vows to buy only food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Their search yields surprising discoveries about turkey sex life and overly zealous zucchini plants, en route to a food culture that’s better for everyone. Discussion held at Dirigo Pines in Orono, call 866-3400 for directions.
Orono

Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m.

Free

Volunteer Appreciation Gathering
Join the staff of Fields Pond to give thanks to all the center volunteers for their great work. There will be plenty of socializing, light refreshments, and a short walk to enjoy the property. Family member are more than welcome to join. Please call to let us know you’re coming.

Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m.

Free

Color Me Birdy: The Story Behind Plumage Color
Ever wonder why birds are the color they are? Unravel the mystery with Dr. Brian Olsen, a wildlife biologist at the University of Maine. This colorful slide show marks the first in a series of new programs put on by the Penobscot Valley Chapter at locations around the Greater Bangor area. Please note the new time and location of the Bangor Public Library, Bangor

Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.

Backyard Biology
Wildlife biologist Jerry Longcore will take you on a tour of backyards where he has lived to reveal the diversity of birds, butterflies, and bugs just waiting to be noticed. With words and pictures he will uncover just how fascinating the biological world really is.

Thursday, October 23, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

Tree and Plant Tour in Orono
Nichole Mercier from the University of Maine will lead participants on a walk through Orono to focus on identifying urban trees.
Discussion will include natural history, silviculture, and ecology.
Plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. Bring binoculars or hand lenses if you have them. Meet at the Orono town parking lot behind Pat’s Pizza and the Bear Brew Pub, Orono

Saturday, October 25, 1-3 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

South Africa with Earthwatch
Ginger A. Graves will talk about the beauty and wonder she encountered in the bush on her first Earthwatch expedition in South Africa. Based at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, a classic Bushveld landscape just east of the Pilanesberg massif, the expedition was tasked with aiding scientists in their study of the brown hyena. She learned much about land and wildlife management in South Africa while fulfilling a childhood dream of seeing lions and elephants in the wild.

Thursday, October 30, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

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November Programs

Eagles, Damselflies, and Sturgeon, Oh My!
Enjoy a walk and ramble along the Penobscot River as we explore what river restoration will mean to fish, wildlife and human communities through writing exercises and field observations. Leader Cheryl Daigle is the community liaison and outreach coordinator for the Penobscot River Restoration Trust and her writing appears in Orion magazine and numerous conservation related publications in New England.

Location: Veazie Salmon Club

Saturday, November 1, 1-4 p.m.

$15/member, $18/nonmember

Downeast Island Boat Trip
Join us for a day among the archipelago islands of Downeast Maine, where we’ll help Norm Famous and Bruce Barker count all the newly arrived wintering ducks, grebes, gulls, loons, and razorbills. We’ll land on the largest island for lunch. To carpool, meet at Fields Pond Audubon Center at 6:15 a.m. Boat leaves from Schoppee Point Boat Launch near Roque Bluffs State Park at 8:30 am. Don’t wait to sign up— space is limited.
Roque Bluffs

Sunday, November 2 (rain date November 9) 8:30 a.m.

$30/member, $35/nonmember

Advance registration and payment required

Bird Species at Risk

Dr. Jeff Wells, who grew up in Bangor, is the senior scientist for the Boreal Songbird Initiative. During his time at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and as Audubon‘s national conservation director, Wells earned a reputation as one of the nation’s leading bird experts and conservation biologists. He will discuss the status of the ivory- billed woodpecker, which he searched for in Arkansas in 2005. He will also discuss Maine birds from his new book, the Birder’s Handbook of Conservation.

Thursday, November 6, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $7/nonmember

Land of Giant Pandas and Cranes
The giant panda is a very rare mammal in the wild and the forests in the Qinling Mountains in central China hold the largest remaining population of them in the world. Pat Moynahan trekked there for 10 days, scaling dense bamboo hillsides and slogging through rain in an attempt to see this mysterious bear. After this adventure she birded the Tibetan Plateau and China’s East Coast for cranes. Come learn the success of these adventures.

Wednesday, November 12, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $7/nonmember

Book Discussion Group: What Are People For?
By Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry conveys a deep concern for the American economic system and the gluttonous consumer. Never preachy, he talks to the reader as one would talk to a next-door neighbor. Berry speaks with sadness of the greedy consumption of this country’s natural resources and the grim consequences if practices do not change drastically. These essays offer rays of hope in an otherwise bleak forecast of America’s future. Meet at Dirigo Pines in Orono; call 866-3400 for directions.

Orono

Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m.

Free

Churchill Travelogue
A group of Audubon friends organized a trip to Churchill, not for polar bears, but to see the tundra, birds, and mammals there. They were thrilled with what they saw—ptarmigans (white grouse species that live in the Arctic), beluga whales, Arctic hares, nesting redpolls and sandpipers. Join Judy Markowsky, Bob and Sandi Duchesne, Al and Nancy Larson, and Michele McCormick for their photographic travelogue.

Tuesday, November 18, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $7/nonmember

Survival in the Forest
Tom Copeland of Copeland Hill will lead a walk and demonstrate many techniques of survival in the Maine woods. He will teach what is edible, how to make a shelter, build a fire, and more.

Sunday, November 23, 2 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

Advance registration required

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December Programs

Nature Travels in Tanzania and Uganda
In early 2008, Ron and Lee Davis visited Uganda and Tanzania to observe and photograph wildlife in a region with unparalleled diversity of birds and mammals. See photographs of mountain gorillas, lithe leopards, extraordinary shoebills, and more while hearing the exciting stories behind them.

Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m.

$5/member, $6/nonmember

Double Discount Day, Penobscot Valley Chapter Dinner
Members of Maine Audubon are invited to do some holiday shopping with a 20 percent discount at a Maine Audubon Nature Store! (Sorry, this does not include optics, art, or consignments.) Free refreshments and free gift wrapping, too. Consider staying for a delicious, free dinner put on by the officers of the Penobscot Valley Chapter at 6 p.m. After the dinner, share your nature highlights of the year.

Friday, December 5, 1-6 p.m., shopping.

6 p.m. dining

Please register for dinner.

Photography Workshop

Get some great tips on choosing photographic equipment, how to pick a photographic destination, photographic technique, and post production strategies. Andy will present his photos, share his history with photography, and discuss what led him to focus on birds. This workshop is for anyone with an interest in birding - from beginner to serious photographer.

Sunday, December 7

1-3:00 p.m.

Andy Anderson

Cost: $5/member, $7/nonmember. Advance registration is required.

Special Programs

Fall 2008 Home-school Programs

The nature center will be offering the following 2 hour programs this fall. Advance registration is required for each program. Please call the center at (207) 989-2591 to register or request information.

Ages 6-10

Secrets of the Forest Nature Walk

Thursday, Sept. 25

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. $4/person

Experience the Maine forests in autumn. Search for signs of animals, shake hands with trees, learn how nature recycles materials. This outdoor adventure will happen “rain or shine.”

Plants in Autumn

Thursday, Oct. 23

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

$8/member, $10/nonmember

Students explore simple plants such as molds and mosses and then graduate to seed producing plants and trees. The session ends with a nature walk to locate and identify a selection of native plants, seeds and trees.

Maine Animals

Thursday, Nov. 20

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

$8/member, $10/nonmember

Students scour the nature center for examples of Maine animals; have fun demonstrating how they move; and examine the importance of habitat, food chains, and special adaptations. A nature walk to count how many different animals can be seen or heard ends the class.

Ages 11-16

Secrets of the Forest Nature Walk

Thursday, Sept. 25

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. $4/person

Experience the Maine forests in autumn. Search for signs of animals, shake hands with trees, learn how nature recycles materials. This outdoor adventure will happen “rain or shine.”

Nature and Computers

Wednesdays, Oct. 22 & Nov. 5

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

$16/member, $20/nonmember

On Oct.22 students will collect data from the forest, field, stream or pond. Nov. 5, students will use computer programs to analyze and present their data. Computers will be provided by Maine Audubon. Computer programs that may be used include Excel, Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, and Word.

Geocaching with Compasses and GPS

Thursday, Dec. 4

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

$8/member, $10/nonmember

Learn the basics of high-tech treasure hunting! Using the internet, GPS units, map and compass skills, students uncover hidden treasure while exploring outdoors.

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Fall 2008 Girl Scout Programs

The following Girl Scout badges are being offered at Fields Pond Audubon Center. Contact the Girl Scouts of Maine council office at 1-800-464-3858 for information and registration.

SECRETS OF THE FOREST NATURE WALK

Sun. Sept. 28, 2008 1:00 – 3:00 pm

fee: $4.00 per person taking the walk

This nature walk covers several components of the Outdoor Adventurer Try It and the Earth Connections and Your Outdoor Surroundings badges. Juniors may also find material and inspiration for the Outdoor Creativity badge components.

PLANTS -- BROWNIES TRY ITS

Sun. Oct. 12, 2008 1:30 – 4:00 pm fees: $10/ scout; adults no charge

Brownies will enjoy unraveling some of the mysteries of plants.

WILDLIFE – JUNIORS

Sun. Nov. 9, 2008 1:30 – 4:00 pm fees: $10/ scout; adults no charge

Juniors will test their patience and creative skills as they observe nature to complete this badge.

ANIMALS – BROWNIES TRY ITS

Sun. Dec. 14, 2008 1:30 – 4:00 pm fees: $10/ scout; adults no charge

Brownies will have fun imitating how animals move and sound as they earn this Try-It.

FROSTY FUN -- JUNIORS

Sun. Jan. 11, 2009 1:30 – 4:00 pm fees: $10/ scout; adults no charge

As long as there is snow and/or ice girls will be able to complete this badge.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Choose something you'd enjoy doing, then please call Judy Markowsky at 207-989-2591 or e-mail jmarkowsky@maineaudubon.org  

Volunteers are needed to:

To volunteer for any of these tasks, please call Judy Markowsky at 207-989-2591 or e-mail jmarkowsky@maineaudubon.org  Your help counts in our community!

Nature Explorations

   Walking and canoe tours and specially designed programs are available for groups at a discounted price.  Open to groups of all ages including school classes, community groups, families, and Scout troops, all guided programs are led by trained naturalists and introduce participants to the environment around them. Teachers receive a packet including pre- and post-trip activities, natural history information, and resources.  Please contact us for more information.

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