SUNDAY
Rare Mud Plants
2 to 4 p.m. in Dresden
The tidal shores of Merrymeeting Bay are home to nearly a dozen types of rare and endangered plants. Some of these species grow in only a few places in the world, and Merrymeeting Bay has healthy populations of many of them. Join Friends of Merrymeeting Bay botanist Andy Cutko as he leads a rare plant walk at Choice View Farm in Dresden. To preregister, call 666-3162.
TUESDAY
Floating Peat Bog
3 to 5 p.m. in Jefferson
Come to Hidden Valley Nature Center and learn the specialized insects that are drawn to a bog. Biologist Phillip deMaynadier will lead a tour along the boardwalk at the center. There is a $5 suggested donation. Hidden Valley Nature Center, located in Jefferson, is a community-supported organization with nearly 1,000 acres of diverse habitat. For more information, go to www.hvnc.org or call 586-6752.
Pemaquid Paddlers
9 a.m. in Boothbay
This week’s paddle is past the Maine Botanical Gardens and through a culvert into the Sheepscot River. Put-in is at the Knickercane put-in site. Take Route 27 south from Route 1 toward Boothbay for 9.6 miles to the monument in Boothbay, then turn right. Go to the four-way stop and go straight. Then, where the road forks, go to the right. Just past the Botanical Gardens you’ll come to a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the parking lot is on your left. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and wear a life jacket. Call 677-6380.
FRIDAY
Trail to Ale
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in Portland
Portland Trails board members Andy Abrams and Mark Goettel and executive director Kara Wooldrik will be offering a preview of the Portland Trails’ “Trail to Ale” 10K, scheduled for Sept. 16. The 6.2-mile race course has a new starting point on the Eastern Promenade. Runners of all abilities are invited to meet at the monument at the bottom of Congress Street on the Eastern Prom and run the 10K course. You don’t have to be signed up for the Trail to Ale 10K to join. Portland Trails’ guided walks are $5. For more information, go to www.trails.org.
SATURDAY
Native Plants
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gray
Come learn how to landscape with native plants, shrubs and trees at the Maine Wildlife Park. Expert landscaping staff will teach what shrubs and plants serve wildlife best. Songbirds, small mammals and even some reptiles and amphibians can benefit from providing the proper food. The wildlife park is located on Route 26 in Gray. To learn more, call 557-0118.
— Compiled by Deirdre Fleming
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