2019 Summer & Fall
Public Programs
Thursday Morning Birding/Naturalist Walks
Every Thursday through summer, fall, and even into winter, from 8:30 – about 10:00.
Meet at Sanctuary headquarters to explore Sanctuary trails, and sometimes beyond, looking for whatever the group is inspired by and working on our bird ID skills by sight and sound. Join the camaraderie of the group by sharing your recent sightings around the island and growing our collective knowledge and appreciation of nature. Check the Sanctuary Facebook Page or send an inquiry email to be on the list for information on exact times and meeting places.
Loon Paddle on Somes Pond
Tuesday July 16th, 5:00-7:00 pm
Join us on Somes Pond for an early evening paddle to observe the SP loon family, catch up on what else is happening with loons around Mt. Desert Island, and enjoy the beauty around us. This evening there will be a full moon and some folks may stay on the water long enough for it to shine above as sunlight fades in the west. Bring your own kayaks or canoes; launch from the Oak Hill Rd. or Pretty Marsh Rd. sides; and meet on the water in front of Sanctuary HQ (south shore). Feel free to arrive and depart when convenient, you’ll be able to find us out there.
Owl Natural History Talk with Kirk Gentalen
Thursday July 18th, 7:00-8:15 pm
Join us at the Sanctuary for a program of stories from the field and photography focused on owl ecology and behavior with Maine Coast Heritage Trust Mid-Coast Regional Steward and fantastic naturalist Kirk Gentalen. Please email somesmeynell@gmail.com for reservation as space is limited.
Mosquito and Tick Research Update with Chuck Lubelczyk
Tuesday, August 6th, 7:00-8:15
Learn about statewide research examining species movements, disease incidence, new species arrivals, and what you can do to protect yourself from Chuck Lubelczyk, one of Maine’s leading experts. The Sanctuary is collecting mosquito specimens for lab sampling at Maine Medical Center and we’ll learn about what we are finding on MDI and around the state.
Let nature inspire you – Children’s Art Workshop with Rebekah Raye
Sunday, August 11th, 1:00-3:30 pm
Join artist, illustrator, art educator and children’s book author, Rebekah Raye for a morning of observation and inspiration, drawing and painting from nature around the Sanctuary. Rebekah is a wonderful artist and is so great with kids – we are happy to have her coming back this summer! We’ll start out with an informative walk on Sanctuary trails where we will learn about different habitats and sketch what we observe. We’ll then gather at the HQ building to turn our sketches into paintings, expressing our experiences onto paper. Ages 6 ++. All materials provided. Open to families, registration required.
Full Moon Paddle
Saturday August 15th 7:00 pm
Watch the moon rise over the mountains from the vantage point of kayaks or canoes on Somes Pond. Open your senses to the sights and sounds as we transition from dusk to moonlit night. Before sunset we’ll watch our resident loon pair, identify aquatic plants, and listen to evening bird sounds. Catch up on what has been happening around the pond this summer from Sanctuary staff. Bring your own canoe or kayak and meet on the pond near the island. Please call for details.
Mt. Desert Island Bat Update with Acadia National Park Biologists
Tuesday, August 27th, 7:00-8:15
Get the latest on MDI resident bat population trends, movement patterns, important habitat features, and how they are coping with white nose syndrome. Acadia National Park researcher Morgan Ingalls will share results of past and current studies.
Intro to Mushroom Natural History, Identification, and Photography
Friday, September 13th at 7:00 pm for the talk and Sanctuary walk Saturday the 14th 9:00-11:00 am
Maine Coast Heritage Trust Land Steward and Naturalist Kirk Gentalen will join us again to share his enthusiasm for the natural history of mushrooms, their role in ecosystems, interactions with humans, and mushroom photography. Every species is different “so you can never tell what’s going to come up on a fungus walk. Having a group search, find, and really discover the world of fungi is a unique focus for a walk – and there can be discoveries at every turn.” These events are for all interest and knowledge levels.
Space is limited and registration is required.
For more information or to register, please call 244-4027
or email us at somesmeynell@gmail.com