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
- Albion Public Library, Albion
- Bangor Public Library, Bangor
- Berwick Public Library, Berwick
- Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay
- Bremen Library, Bremen
- Brewer Public Library, Brewer
- Buck Memorial Library, Bucksport
- Cary Memorial Library, Houlton
- Casco Public Library, Casco
- Chase Emerson Library, Deer Isle
- Dyer Library, Saco
- Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
- Fort Fairfield Public Library, Fort Fairfield
- Harrison Village Library, Harrison
- Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library, Greene
- Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston
- Liberty Library, Liberty
- McArthur Public Library, Biddeford,
- Millinocket Memorial Library, Millinocket
- Norridgewock Public Library, Norridgewock
- Old Town Public Library, Old Town
- Orono Public Library, Orono
- Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
- Readfield Community Library, Readfield
- Rockland Public Library, Rockland
- Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough
- Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
- Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan
- Springvale Public Library, Springvale
- Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth
- Thomaston Public Library, Thomaston
- Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
- Vassalboro Public Library, Vassalboro
- Veteran’s Memorial Library, Patten
- Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook
- Waterboro Public Library, Waterboro
- Windham Public Library, Windham
- Winterport Memorial Library, Winterport
- Zadoc Long Free Library, Buckfield
Nature Explorer Backpacks are made possible by the Stephen & Tabitha King, and the Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundations.