When spring arrives in Maine, the whole landscape transforms, but nowhere is this transformation more apparent than in wetlands. Frog choruses, bird migrations, extreme flooding: wetlands have it all.
To explore the dynamic nature of wetland systems, join Lakes Environmental Association Thursday, May 8, for two separate programs. First, at 10 am, association educator and conservation biologist Bridie McGreavy will lead a vernal pool walk on the Narrow Gauge railbed.
The focus of this walk will be vernal pool ecology and egg mass identification. Meet at the Lakes Center, 230 Main Street to carpool to the trailhead. Rubber boots or old sneakers are recommended. The hike covers easy terrain and will last approximately two hours.
In the afternoon the association will cast itself into the midst of one of the largest wetland systems in Maine: the Brownfield Bog. Lakes Environmental Association is teaming up with Nurture Through Nature for a sunset canoe trip in the Brownfield Bog. Participants can meet at Lakes Center at 3:30 p.m. or at the Brownfield Bog parking area at 4 p.m.
The Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area, maintained by the state, contains hundreds of acres of bog to explore. As participants travel the shores and wetlands by canoe, the group will focus on bog ecology and ways to increase awareness towards the natural environment. Novice and experienced paddlers are welcome. The pace will be gentle to connect with the wildlife and the landscape and the group size is limited to 6 to 12 participants.
The fee is $30 for association members and $40 for nonmembers. The fee includes paddling and safety lesson, healthy snacks, guided excursion, canoe, paddle, lifejacket, and programming. For more information and to register, call Nurture Through Nature at 452-2929 or Lakes Environmental Association at 647-8580.
These programs are part of the Caplan Family Environmental Education Series at Lakes Environmental Association. For more information on these and other educational programs, visit www.mainelakes.org.
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