Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Viles Arboretum



Our Classes

Fruit Tree Grafting

$85

with Jen Ries

Calendar Next session starts Apr 13, 2024 at 10 am
1 additional session on Apr 14, 2024

Viles Arboretum is partnering with Fedco Trees for a Fruit Tree Grafting workshop!

Learn to propagate and reproduce favorite apple varieties with instructor Jennifer Ries of Fedco Trees. She will explain how & why to graft and demonstrate the techniques for Whip & Tongue grafting. This is a hands-on class — participants will graft stock to take home and care of seedlings will be discussed.

You will need to purchase a grafting knife in advance of this event!

This is the one you will need:

Right-handed:https://fedcoseeds.com/ogs/folding-grafting-knife-right-handed-8989

Left-handed:https://fedcoseeds.com/ogs/folding-grafting-knife-left-handed-8990

Additionally, please bring a lunch and clothes that can get a bit dirty. Course will run from 10am-2pm.

Cost: $80 which includes 5 fruit trees to take home. This is a great deal!

Class size limited to 10 people to ensure one-on-one coaching with the grafting knife. Sign up early to reserve your spot.

Fee includes instruction and all supplies including rootstock, scionwood and handouts.

Full Course

Salamander Monitoring

Free

with Viles Arboretum

Calendar Next available session starts Apr 20, 2024 at 10 am
9 additional sessions through Jun 29, 2024

Come monitor for red backed salamanders with us! Check under cover boards and learn how to identify salamander species, handle them safely, measure them, and record helpful scientific data for the arboretum!

Crafting your Own Fishing Handline

$70

with Wood Thrush Wilderness

Calendar Next available session starts Apr 24, 2024 at 5 pm

Learn how to design and carve your own fishing handline. Each student will get materials to make up to two handlines, though only one may be completed during the class. Supplies include wood, line, hooks, and weights, We will go over everything from how to use your handline and cast it properly.

Beginner Bird Walks

$18

with Lauren Kircheis

Calendar Next available session starts Apr 27, 2024 at 8 am

Have you wanted to get into birding but not known where to start? Maybe you have started backyard birding but are looking to expand your horizons? Join us on one of our popular bird walk tours to and to learn more about bird ID, habitat and behavior. 

Lauren Kircheis, Viles Arboretum Director of Research and Education, will be leading these walks. She has an expansive knowledge on Maine's birds and their biology. These classes are welcoming to all skill levels. No equipment or prior knowledge is required, we just recommend good shoes! Each walk runs between 1.5 and 2 hours, we usually cover a little over a mile on foot at a slow pace.  

A limited number of binoculars and bird books are available in the Visitor Center to borrow. 

Class will not run in the event of incliment weather; steady rain or winds above 20 mph. In the event that a session cancels, you will have the option to transfer to a future session or you will be awarded a full refund. 

Farmers Market Basket

$140

with Wood Thrush Wilderness

Calendar Next available session starts Apr 28, 2024 at 9 am

Here is a basket that you can take to the market to grab your fresh produce and bakery items. Everyone is welcome to join this class. If you have never weaved before I will be doing step by step directions. You will walk away with a finished basket.

This basket will have two straps that can be worn on the shoulder or carried. Multiple color options on strap. The material of the basket is flat and half round quality reed. We will also add color reed in the basket if desired from blue, purple, red, green, and brown.

Dandelion as Food and Wine

$70

with Wood Thrush Wilderness

Calendar Next available session starts May 4, 2024 at 9 am

Did you ever know all the amazing things can make from Dandelions. Join us in this class.to learn how to collect and process these amazing plants. - Learn recipes with dandelion greens- Use dandelion flowers to make jams, teas and wines.- Go over the beneficial properties of dandelion roots. We will taste, create and make some delicious dishes.

Spring Market

Free

with Viles Volunteer

Calendar Next available session starts May 11, 2024 at 6:30 am
3 additional sessions through May 11, 2024

Come spend part of your Saturday with us at the Spring Fair to support local artists and vendors! 

If none of the times listed work for you, Register for session 4 (all day) and let us know when you'd like to help out. 

                                          

Session 1 - Event Set-up                                

Session 2 - Visitor Center Front Desk - Welcome visitors and answer any questions. No experience needed.

Session 3 - Event/Parking Support - Help guide cars and people in the parking lot. 

Session 4 - All Day

Spring Market
Online Registration Unavailable

Spring Market

Price not
available

with Viles Arboretum

Calendar Next session starts May 11, 2024 at 9 am

Explore nature and art at Viles Arboretum's annual Spring Market. Shop with a variety of local vendors and artists who will be selling a selection of homemade goods, food, and plants. Free for attendees.

Vendor Registration: https://viles-arboretum.square.site/





Forgot password?
Staff Log In