Birding on Maine's Magical Monheagan Island (#16081)
Session(s): June 2-5, September 22-25

Experience a unique window on bird migration along the Atlantic coast from one of Maine’s most enchanting off-shore islands. Monhegan Island’s rich forests and marshes, small size and isolated location 12 miles from shore combine to create a welcome respite to migrating birds as well as a tranquil home to 75 year-round residents and artists. Seventeen miles of trails lead hikers through forests to the highest ocean bluffs on the Maine coastline. On daily expeditions, birders can hope to spot over 100 species, among them bitterns, Indigo Buntings, orioles, crossbills, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, peregrines, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Solitary Vireos, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and Northern Shrikes.

The CCC in the Camden Hills: Continuing the Legacy (#16647)
Session(s): September 1-6

Celebrate the lasting legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during its 75th anniversary in 2008. The CCC created many of our national and state parks and recreation areas in the 1930s and 1940s. In Camden Hills State Park, the Tanglewood 4-H Camp’s beautiful log lodges and cabins, and miles upon miles of river and forest trails is part of that legacy. On naturalist-led walks along these historic trails, see the forest with new eyes. Form direct connections with the CCC by helping to preserve its monumental achievements throughout the 935-acre camp. Study local ecology and cultural history and work together on the historic CCC trails by building or repairing cedar lodge bridges, trail bars for water management and more.

Day Hikes On Maine’s Appalachian Trail (#15043)
Session(s): September 7 - 13

Hike through the astonishing cultural and natural history of Maine's Northwoods. From Saddleback Mountain and the Bigelows to Moxie-Bald Mountain and Gulf Hagas - the rugged beauty of Maine's Appalachian Trail provides some of the finest views of mountains and lakes in the Northeast. On your hikes, Registered Maine Guides recall the history and construction of Maine's Appalachian Trail. Examine the ecology and legacy of Maine's Northwoods and join research efforts as you study the unique alpine floristic community found only on the highest summits of the eastern United States. Listen as naturalists discuss rare, threatened and endangered species along your trail. Hear firsthand about the area's latest environmental research, such as ongoing studies on mountain birds and the natural recovery of the elusive lynx - ghost of the northwoods. Throughout your journey, discover the many challenges faced by conservationists and their passionate devotion to maintaining its natural resources.

Exploring The Maine Coast: Marine Studies And Natural History (#4273)
Session(s): July 20-25

This program introduces us to the fascinating, colorful and adaptable creatures in the undersea waters of Penobscot Bay, takes us exploring some of Maine's amazing rocky coast, and leads us along the fern and pine woods trails of the Tanglewood forest. A marine biologist will guide our study of marine life, and the fishing industry's methods and practices and lobstering. Naturalists will lead field trips to view and better understand Maine's coastal geology, glaciation, forests, wildflowers and wildlife.

Fall On The Fascinating Coast of Maine (#4843)
Session(s): October 5-10

Experience Maine's rocky coasts, invigorating salt air and fragrant conifer forests as you learn about marine ecology and the intriguing geology of beautiful Penobscot Bay. This week's session studies marine biology and all aspects of lobstering and fishing, and explores the open water on board a sailing ship (weather permitting). A field trip with an expert in geology will teach you more about how time, nature and rocks have shaped the Maine coast. A relaxing hike, led by an experienced naturalist, through Tanglewood's colorful fall forest on a trail that rambles alongside the wild and free Ducktrap River round out this week's stimulating program.

From Maine To Your Table in Spring(#5651)
Session(s): June 22 - 27

Spring's arrival in Maine heralds an abundance of delicacies from savory maple syrup and sweets, to freshly harvested greens, and hearty fish and lobster dishes. Daily field trips will explore how Maine harvests and prepares these foods. Enjoy a trip aboard a working lobster boat, excursions to local greenhouses and gardens, samples of fresh baked goods, locally produced cheeses and maple syrup, and how to find edible treats while taking a leisurely walk through a serene Maine forest. Classroom lectures will offer opportunities to ask the experts how it's done as well as providing in-depth knowledge about sustainable food production, Maine's contributions to healthy eating and how to create personal menus that maintain your good health.

From Maine To Your Table in Fall (#9449)
Session(s): September 20–25

Fall's arrival in Maine heralds an abundance of delicacies - fresh sweet blueberries, aromatic apples, hearty cider, fish and lobster dishes, samples of fresh baked goods, locally produced cheeses and maple syrup. Daily field trips will explore how Maine harvests and prepares these foods. These include time aboard a working lobster boat (weather permitting), visiting a local farm and include a day's visit to the educational and fun Common Ground Fair. Classroom lectures will offer opportunities to ask the experts how it's done as well as providing in-depth knowledge about sustainable food production, Maine's contributions to healthy eating and ideas for creating personal menus that maintain your good health.

Hiking The Camden Hills (#13827)
Session(s): August 17-22 or September 28-October 3

Embark on a journey through the "Jewel of the Maine Coast" and discover the best-kept secret of Maine in this unique adventure program. Explore picturesque mountain summits with ocean views, quiet natural preserves and fresh water lakes and ponds in the company of experienced wilderness guides. While studying local flora, fauna and geology, enjoy the serenity and enchanting stories and legends of the Camden Hills. Absorb the ambiance of one of the finest yachting harbors in the East and uncover the quaint and scenic village of Camden. Hiking encompasses multiple trails throughout the Camden Hills and provides a means of exploration for experiencing the beautiful terrain.

History of Mid-Coast Maine (#12520)
Session(s): September 2-5

The Mid Coast Region of Maine consists of the beautiful coastal areas between Brunswick and the Down East region of Maine. Rolling hills and quaint coastal communities dot this area. We’ll walk through the history of Rockland: from shipbuilding to lobstering including the famous Farnsworth Museum; of Belfast: with its beautiful Greek revival, Colonial, and Victorian mansions throughout the area; and of the jewel that is Camden: with her experts from the Camden Historical Society. Discover little-known treasures and interesting facts about fisheries, lobstering, farming, lumbering, boat building, and quarries via expert instruction from local historians. Mid Coast Maine’s social, cultural and political history is your lobster as it were.

A Maine Island Summer Adventure (#4844)
Session(s): August 17-23

Imagine living for a week on a serene, pristine island situated in the quiet waters of Muscongus Bay surrounded by the scent of spruce and salt air. Audubon Todd Wildlife Sanctuary Island is the setting where you will study intertidal marine life, island ecology and the geological phenomena that created this part of Maine. Hikes with a naturalist will explore the interrelationships of the islands' flora and fauna including the habits and habitats of various seabird species.

Maine's Natural Splendor: Coastal Islands To Northwoods Mountains (#15044)
Session(s): August 10-15 or August 11-16

Immerse yourself in the two magical landscapes that have come to define Maine's natural beauty - coastal islands and Northwoods mountains. At Maine Audubon's Hog Island Camp, investigate tide pools, coastal geology and spruce and fir forests with naturalists. Keep an eye out for porpoise, whales and birds as you cruise the bay en route to Eastern Egg Rock to learn about pioneering research on puffin and other seabirds. Row in large, wooden dories, meandering through coastal meadows to picnic on a private island. Continue your studies of Maine's natural splendor at Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike and canoe to your secluded mountainside, log lodges with panoramic windows overlooking twin lakes. Examine the region's forestry heritage and enjoy stunning mountain vistas on naturalist-led hikes to Peregrine cliff and Borestone's summit. Stroll through the forest, paddle a boat, swim, or relax in Adirondack chairs on lakeside porches to absorb the stunning natural beauty.

Maine Lighthouses, Coastal Geology And Natural History (#9451)
Session(s): August 3-8

The stories of Maine's lighthouses, their unique styles and the importance of these lifesaving beacons to all seafaring people will be the focus of this program. A visit to several working lighthouses brings to life the historical and contemporary significance of lighthouses everywhere. Time will be spent on a chartered boat (weather permitting) to view some mid-coast lighthouses not accessible from land. Combine this with an in-depth study of Maine geology as well as some marine and forest ecology and this session promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the unique Maine Coast.

Maine's Mount Katahdin And Surrounding Peaks (#15042)
Session(s): August 24-29 or September 14-20

Sacred to Penobscot Indians and an inspiration to countless others, Mount Katahdin rises abruptly and majestically amid Maine's unspoiled wilderness. As the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT), the rapid elevation gains up to Katahdin's 5,267 foot peak - with no switchback trails - offers an appealing challenge even for experienced hikers. Join Registered Maine Guides and naturalists in "forever wild" Baxter State Park to explore waterfalls, trout ponds, wildlife and views from Katahdin and surrounding peaks. Trailside and evening lectures reveal the geology, flora and fauna, history and legends of the mountain and park, Maine's forestry legacy, construction of Maine's AT, as well as contemporary issues facing the region.

Spring Birding In Maine (#2202)
Session(s): May 18-23 or May 28-June 2

On average, over 300 bird species can be seen annually in Mid-coast Maine - the beginning of the Atlantic boreal coast. Search for birds atop scenic mountain vistas and blueberry fields, in forests, along edges of meadows and bogs, and in coastal harbors. Explore estuaries that include tidal flats, salt marsh and salt meadows and freshwater marshes with extensive cattail stands. On Monhegan Island, view large varieties of spring migrants, especially warblers in their colorful breeding plumage. On Eastern Egg Rock, look for the colorful and acrobatic Atlantic Puffin. Dr. Stephen Kress of National Audubon and Cornell pioneered seabird restoration work and his social attraction techniques developed here are now used around the globe.