Member $315/Non-member $390

Location: Gilsland Farm Audubon Sanctuary
For Campers entering Grades 1-5

June 25-29, Animals Great and Small
Campers will learn about the variety of animals we have at Maine Audubon and how they survive.  This week will include a visit to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray and a visit from a biologist.

July 9-13, Aquatic Adventures
Ponds, oceans, marshes, and tidepools - we will explore it all!  Campers will get a close look at amazing tide pools with a exciting field trip to Kettle Cove.  

July 16-20, Emerging Ornithologists
Dive deep into bird anatomy, habitat choice, and food preference.  Working with Maine Audubon's team of shorebird biologists, we will learn how to use field guides and binoculars to identify local bird species. 

July 23-27, "Bringing Nature Home"
Campers will learn about the importance of native plants for insects, and how birds depend on insects to grow their families.  We will take a trip to Portland’s East End to conduct a habitat stewardship project.  

August 6-10, Nocturnal Navigation
During this day time session, we will discover what nocturnal creatures are roaming Gilsland Farm at night.  Campers will design experiments to learn who is here and what attracts them.  We will also host an optional family night time event focused on bats and moths!

August 13-17, Secrets of the Forest
From the forest floor to the treetop canopy, the forest holds many secrets.  Through exploration, a trip to Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary, and a visit from a guest biologist, campers will solve some of the fascinating mysteries of our forests.

August 20-24, Wildlife on the Move
Hop, skip, waddle or fly into our last week of camp as we observe how animals move - and how we can help.  This week will include a trip to a stream to learn how fish use unobstructed waterways as part of their lifecycle.  

Daily schedule: (subject to change based on weather and field trips)
-Morning meeting
-Movement
-Snack/Bathroom
-Scientific Exploration
-Lunch/Book/Bathroom
-Freeplay
-Options (craft, hike, etc.): low and medium energy activities to support each camper's needs
-Closing circle
-Check out

Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals, partial scholarships are available for Maine residents who need financial assistance. For more information, please call: (207) 781-2330, ext. 273 or email scholarships@maineaudubon.org. You may also download the Maine Audubon Financial Aid Form (pdf).

Members: $276, Nonmembers: $345

9am-3pm

Ages 4-5

Location: Gilsland Farm

Take a closer look at nature with full-day camps designed for a preschooler's pace! Each day includes indoor and outdoor play, plenty of hands-on exploration, art, music, and quiet rest time. 

Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals, partial scholarships are available for Maine residents who need financial assistance. For more information, please call: (207) 781-2330, ext. 273 or email scholarships@maineaudubon.org. You may also download the Maine Audubon Financial Aid Form (pdf).

Dates and themes:

June 25-29 Habitat Heroes
We’ll flex our stewardship superpowers this week as we learn about native plants and habitat restoration, practice citizen science, and how to help wildlife at home.

July 16-20 Water Wonders
What animals live in and around the water? We’ll observe and compare the pond and marsh this week as we turn our attention to what makes aquatic habitats unique.

August 6-10 On the Wing
Who hasn’t wished they could fly? This week we will turn our attention skyward for a closer look at birds, bats, bees, butterflies, and moths!

August 20-24 Earth Art
There is so much to discover at the intersection of science and art! This week we will experiment with different techniques and perspectives, all while creating our very own nature journals.

Members: $20, Nonmembers: $25

Southern Maine is home to over 100 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ Cohen, wild edibles expert and author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, on a three-hour ramble through Gilsland Farm to learn about at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Plants expected to be encountered will range from native edible species (i.e., species you might want to add to your landscape) to non-native weeds and invasive species (i.e., plants you would not want to add to your landscape, but nevertheless can offer abundant and tasty foraging opportunities).

Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well. Keys to the identification of each species will be presented, along with information on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe and ecologically-responsible foraging.

Come learn the basics of how to get started using native species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in your garden or yard.  Eric Topper, who helps lead Maine Audubon's "Bringing Nature Home" initiative will introduce some of the plants, practices, and perks of restoring ecology in developed landscapes.  

This program is designed specifically as a primer for Maine Audubon's Native Plants Sale & Festival on Saturday, June 16th.

Come celebrate National Moth Week at Gilsland Farm with a presentation by Fyn Kynd, a young Maine naturalist who has identified over 800 species of moths in his Searsmont backyard. After his talk we will spend time in the orchard where we'll attract and identify moths throughout the night. Come for as long as you'd like!

Join us for our third annual retail plants sale designed to help gardeners and homeowners integrate native species in yards, gardens and even containers.  We work with state and regional vendors to source material that is naturally propagated and easily adaptable to a variety of landscape uses.  In addition to the festive atmosphere, numerous experts and resources will be on hand to help both new and experienced gardeners and growers select plants and improve their habitats.

Featuring:

• Over 40 species of potted native wildflowers, shrubs and trees
• “Why Native Plants?” talks 
• Information tables featuring partners and experts
• Other related specialty retail items — books, etc.

The annual Plants Sale & Festival is the signature program of Maine Audubon’s “Bringing Nature Home” community engagement and native plant restoration initiative.  The initiative is based on the best-selling book of that title by entomologist Doug Tallamy, and is funded by a gift from Jim & Ann Hancock.

Suggested donation: $10
Ages 2-5, maximum 3 children per adult

Location: Gilsland Farm

Thursdays 3:30-5 pm

Fun for families, with a new summer format!

Young children and their grown-ups are invited to stop by anytime during playgroup hours for self-guided play and discovery facilitated by Maine Audubon educators. Each week we will set up a variety of outdoor activity stations designed to foster a connection to nature and help children and adults find joy in learning together.

Members: FREE, Nonmembers: $10
Children 2 and under: FREE

Join us for our annual Peony Bloom & Ice Cream social, a celebration of the organization’s Peony Circle of Friends, dedicated members, donors and volunteers who have supported Maine Audubon with their time, energy, and contributions for over twenty years.