Nature Explorer Backpacks

Maine Audubon Nature Explorer Backpacks are designed to encourage children and families to explore the outdoors together while learning about wildlife and habitat. Each backpack includes authentic scientific tools and resources, along with a custom-made user’s guide that walks the borrower through each item in the backpack and provides activities, games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for spending time outdoors with children, seasonal exploration prompts, nature journal templates, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with wildlife. 

We currently offer:

  • Library packs for public library patrons to borrow and use in their communities (see a list of participating libraries below)
  • Gilsland Farm packs for sanctuary visitors to check out for a small fee to use on-site 
  • A set of student packs at Fields Pond to help educators facilitate field work and nature-based STEM learning with their classes

For more information, or to purchase Nature Explorer Backpacks for your library, please contact Molly Woodring at mwoodring@maineaudubon.org

Library List

  1. Albion Public Library, Albion
  2. Bangor Public Library, Bangor
  3. Berwick Public Library, Berwick
  4. Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay
  5. Bremen Library, Bremen
  6. Brewer Public Library, Brewer
  7. Buck Memorial Library, Bucksport
  8. Cary Memorial Library, Houlton
  9. Casco Public Library, Casco
  10. Chase Emerson Library, Deer Isle
  11. Dyer Library, Saco
  12. Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
  13. Fort Fairfield Public Library, Fort Fairfield
  14. Harrison Village Library, Harrison
  15. Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library, Greene
  16. Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston
  17. Liberty Library, Liberty
  18. McArthur Public Library, Biddeford,
  19. Millinocket Memorial Library, Millinocket
  20. Norridgewock Public Library, Norridgewock
  21. Old Town Public Library, Old Town
  22. Orono Public Library, Orono
  23. Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
  24. Readfield Community Library, Readfield
  25. Rockland Public Library, Rockland
  26. Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough
  27. Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
  28. Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan
  29. Springvale Public Library, Springvale
  30. Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth
  31. Thomaston Public Library, Thomaston
  32. Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
  33. Vassalboro Public Library, Vassalboro
  34. Veteran’s Memorial Library, Patten
  35. Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook
  36. Waterboro Public Library, Waterboro
  37. Windham Public Library, Windham
  38. Winterport Memorial Library, Winterport
  39. Zadoc Long Free Library, Buckfield

 

Nature Explorer Backpacks are made possible by the Stephen & Tabitha King, and the Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundations.