From nature-based play, to growing native plants, to spotting birds in your backyard, a new three-part series of virtual workshops will help Springvale and Sanford community members use birding and wildlife gardens as springboards for outdoor exploration.
Maine Audubon and Springvale Library have partnered to develop these free live webinars. Registration and information can be found at maineaudubon1.wpengine.com/events. The first event on the importance of outdoor play kicks off the monthly series.
August 13, 6 to 7 pm: Neighborhood Nature for Play and Learning
Maine Audubon’s Early Childhood Education Program Manager Molly Woodring will discuss how exploring “nearby nature” can promote independent play, strengthen relationships, and foster connection to nature, with a focus on strategies and resources for different developmental stages.
September 10, 6 to 7 pm: “Bringing Nature Home” in Springvale
Maine Audubon’s Director of Education Eric Topper will talk about the plants, practices, and perks of restoring ecology in our gardens, yards, and communities. The program will focus on Maine Audubon’s intended work and collaboration in Springvale, and will include an opportunity for several of our partners to share and discuss their goals and plans to grow native plants and create a stewardship plan for the library grounds.
October 8, 6 to 7 pm: Birds of Springvale and York County
Join Maine Audubon’s Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox for a live webinar about the birds that call Springvale and York County home. We will discuss natural history, identification, threats to, and ways to help these birds.
Maine Audubon has been working with the leadership and staff at Springvale Public Library to develop and launch several programs to engage library members and visitors in birding and habitat restoration. Thanks to this partnership, the library is now equipped with family exploration packs for patrons to borrow and family-friendly birding checklists.
In the photo above, Molly Woodring, Maine Audubon Early Childhood Education Program Manager, (left) and Lesley Unger, Library Director, Springvale Public Library, show off the Maine Audubon Nature Explorer Backpacks now available for patrons to borrow.
