Learning about the outdoors is a work in progress for my family despite
the fact we are outside all the time and I've been writing this column
for 10 years. But when I'm asked how I learned about trees, birds, the
night sky and a whole host of other useful (and maybe not so useful but
fascinating) tidbits about the outdoors, I think back to my family's
early adventures. When my kids were younger I spent a fair amount of
time looking for family-oriented classes. Not classes where I dropped my
kids off. No, I'm talking about classes where adults and kids could
learn together.
These type of classes are more common than they used to be and I am
happy to see this trend has taken off in southern Maine in a variety of
venues.
Below is only a short sampling of options based on my
family's first-hand experience (both recent and during my kids' younger
years).
WOLFE'S NECK WOODS STATE PARK, FREEPORT
My
children's first introduction to tree identification was a ranger
program at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. We went on a tree "scavenger
hunt" (now called the "Tree Hunt") with a worksheet and pencil. We
returned a short while later with an almost-blank worksheet and spent
time chatting up a patient ranger who gave us tips on how to look at
trees to figure out what kind they were (it's not just about leaves;
bark matters too). We still have that hand-out, now nearly 8 years old,
in our family scrapbook.
I contacted Andy Hutchinson, park
manager at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, about ranger programs this
summer. These programs are offered every Saturday and Sunday until June
15; on June 16 the ranger programs are offered daily through July and
August at 2 p.m.
Hutchinson said one of the highlights is the "Osprey Watch" scheduled every Tuesday and once every weekend in July and August.
"In
July the babies in the nest should be learning to fly and fish. In
late August or early September, the baby ospreys should be
self-sufficient and ready to migrate to South America on their own,
after the parents have already left for South America themselves."
SOUTHWORTH PLANETARIUM AT USM, PORTLAND
I
have taken my kids to planetarium shows since they were preschoolers
and they have always loved the experience. Despite having seen some of
the shows in the dome multiple times, we still seem to learn something
new we missed. But mostly my family likes the mythology and other
storytelling orientated programs offered there now that they're older.
There
are also some changes in store for the Southworth Planetarium this
summer. They have given the "Rusty Rocket's Last Blast!" show a
makeover. The new computer-animated omni-dome program, which will debut
July 15, will offer even veteran planetarium-goers a chance to see and
learn about the solar system in a new and entertaining way. Show
admission prices for shows range from $5 to $6.50/per person, depending
on matinee or evening showtimes.
The planetarium is also teaming
up with Portland Trails to offer star watching walks along some of the
trails this summer. Check
trails.org/programs for more information.
WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM, WELLS
There
is a fun, easy trail system that leads to the beach that we have
always enjoyed, particularly in the spring before it actually warms
enough to swim (although that doesn't stop my youngest from rolling up
her pants and giving her feet a cold water dip). There are also a wide
variety of special programs, guided tours and general nature walks that
are open to all ages. Some programs have a small fee while others --
like the ones I list below -- are free with the cost of admission
($1/kids; $4/adults).
We attended a bird banding program once
and the girls were fascinated with the concept of how that kind of
research is conducted.
Suzanne Kahn Eder, education director at
Wells Reserve, said a popular family-oriented program at the reserve is
the "Life Between the Tides Walk." Families explore the "biodiversity
of the intertidal zone at Laudholm Beach." The docent-led walk looks
for crabs, sea stars and snails with about a mile of walking. There is
another program, "Secrets of the Salt Marsh," that explores the estuary
and also focuses learning on marsh habitat.
One of the special
programs in July, "Flying Jewels," will explore the wonders of
dragonflies and butterflies. The Reserve's natural resource specialist
will explain the role the different habitats of the Wells Reserve play
in the life cycles of these creature. Nets will also be available to
see if participants can catch one for a close look at the fascinating
insects. This program will be held July 24 at 1 p.m.
Families
can also get a hands-on experience helping native species with the
"Monarch Rescue." This citizen science program allows families to join a
team of monarch rescuers to find and move monarch eggs and
caterpillars to "safe" fields that aren't mowed in the summer. It's
Aug. 14 at 9 a.m.
MAINE AUDUBON
GILSLAND FARM, FALMOUTH
There
are a variety of family-friendly programs at Maine Audubon centers
around the state. A program that has been a highlight for my family has
been the "Bird Walk" program at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. The Thursday
morning walks are all about the early bird catching the worm since
this program starts at 7 a.m. But as my kids and I can confirm, it was
worth the early morning wake-up call. We have learned so much about
birds, not only from the Audubon guide leading the walk, but also with
the other participants. It's a program geared for novices to expert
birders. The times we've attended have been a great opportunity to chat
with other birding enthusiasts in a way that has been low key and
educational for all ages. The cost of this program is $5/members;
$8/nonmembers.
Bring a pair of binoculars when you visit Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
in Freeport.
The kids will love getting a close look at the osprey nest.
Wendy Almeida can be contacted at:
wea@mainetoday.com
Twitter & Instagram: wea1021
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram June 9, 2013.
