Growing Up Wild

Join us for a walk and a ramble through the pre-K world of Growing Up Wild.

Growing Up Wild (GUW) is an activity based, experiential learning curriculum guide. Designed for exploring nature with young children, GUW is an early childhood education program that builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. There are over 20 activities that are specifically designed for children ages 3-7. These lessons can be used in pre-schools, child development centers, and kindergarten classrooms.

The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a lunch break. Lunch will be provided and is included in the registration price. (Please note your dietary needs on the registration form.) 

Growing Up Wild:

• Is written especially for early childhood educators of children ages 3-7.
• Features 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature-based, ready-made thematic units and over 400 experiences in a full-color activity guide.
• Includes outdoor explorations, scientific inquiry, art projects, music and movement, conservation activities, reading and math connections and "Healthy Me" extensions.
• Involves social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive domains to help foster learning and development in all areas.
• Supports developmentally appropriate practice allowing children to learn at levels that are individually, socially, and culturally appropriate.
• Is correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Domains

 This workshop is great for classroom teachers, homeschoolers, scout leaders, nature center educators, conservation leaders, and more.

Workshop participants will...

• Be introduced to activities that focus on Maine-specific wildlife and habitats.
• Try example activities from the Growing Up Wild.
• Receive a copy of the Growing Up Wild book.
• Receive teacher professional development credit hours.
• This event will be held both inside and outside so dress for the weather.

Learn more on the Maine Project Wild website or the national website at www.projectwild.org

Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth for a guided walk through Viles Arboretum, where you'll meet a variety of medicinal plants and trees along the way. Discover key identifying features, folklore, and traditional uses of these plants from herbal, homeopathic, and flower essence perspectives. Ages 16+

Each walk will feature different plants, so you're welcome to join one or all three for a unique experience every time. Wear sturdy shoes that can handle a bit of dirt!

Potential Plants for Each Walk (subject to change):

Walk #1: Plantain, burdock, dandelion, sumac, yarrow, elder, lungwort, white oak, bloodroot, violet,Solomon seal

Walk #2: Red clover, ginkgo, iris, Japanese knotweed, hawthorn, rose, comfrey, horse chestnut, catalpa,poison ivy, lesser cinquefoil

Walk #3: elecampane, mugwort, lesser periwinkle, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, boneset, gravel root,jewelweed, blue vervain, white cedar, white pine

Register for all 3 walks and use promo code THREE to save 10%

This class is FREE to attend! If you'd like to support future educational programming, you can make a $15 donation during registration.

Space is Limited - Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025

Join us for an engaging half-day workshop that combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience. We'll also include a brief introduction to the Maine Forest Service District Forester services with Jared Gregory, with a sign-up opportunity for those interested in learning more about available forestry assistance. 

This workshop will be led by Chad Hammer, Invasive Plant Biologist with the Maine Natural Areas Program (Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry). 

Morning Classroom Session (2 hours): Learn about invasive plant ecology, spread patterns, and environmental impacts. Discover the critical importance of Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR) and which species to prioritize. Master identification techniques for common invasive plants and explore effective management strategies. Get hands-on training with iMap Invasives, Maine's citizen science mapping platform that allows you to contribute valuable data to statewide conservation efforts. 

Lunch Break (30 minutes)

Afternoon Field Experience (60-90 minutes): Put your new knowledge to work during our Invasive Plant Walk & Talk! Explore the trails of the Arboretum while identifying invasive species in nature, learn to recognize environmental patterns that favor invasive establishment, and practice using the iMap Invasives mobile app to document your findings.

All attendees will recieve a free Maine Invasive Plants - Field Guide!

Before the workshop, attendees should register for a free iMapInvasives Account at: https://www.imapinvasives.org/ and download the mobile app if you are interested in learning more about mapping invasives. Click here for an information sheet on iMap

Need a break from busy days and screens?
Looking for something relaxing to do outside with your family?

Join us at Viles Arboretum for slow-paced, guided walk through the woods, where you and your kids can slow down, breath fresh air, and notice the little things in nature like birdsong, leaves rustling, and the way the light filters through the trees. It’s a chance to relax, reconnect, and spend meaningful time outdoors, together.

Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide, Constance Woodworth, you'll be encouraged to engage in activities like silent observation, mindful breathing, and guided reflection. 

This walk is designed for all ages, regardless of experience or fitness level - just a willingness to embrace the calming and grounding benefits of nature.

Individuals, couples, and families are welcome to join! All participants must be registered. Children 14 years old and younger are FREE!

About the Instructor

Constance Woodworth is a certified Forest Therapy Guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Program based in California and is currently studying to become a Maine Master Naturalist.