Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essences practitioner Debra Bluth for an introduction to flower essence workshop.

Flower essences are energetic remedies made from the blossoms of living plants, potentized by the sun or moon, and created with intention and ceremony. Taken orally, these essences work on a vibrational level to support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Each essence carries a unique energetic imprint, guiding the body and mind toward greater balance and healing.

In this immersive workshop, you'll explore the foundations of flower essences, including their history, uses, and the subtle yet profound shifts they can facilitate. A significant portion of the day will be spent outdoors, where each participant will have the opportunity to create their own flower essence.

Ages: 18+

Whether you call it soda, pop, or soda pop, this fun and hands-on class will teach you how to create your own homemade root beer and vanilla cream soda. Learn the basics of brewing with natural ingredients, including how to collect plant roots or where to purchase the supplies.

We’ll also dive into the world of kombucha, exploring how to make your own kombucha and experiment with fun flavoring techniques.

What You’ll Learn

• How to make homemade root beer and vanilla cream soda from scratch.
• How to collect plant roots or find the necessary ingredients for brewing soda.
• The basics of making kombucha and creative ways to flavor it.
• How to bottle your soda and kombucha safely.

Each participant will leave the class with a 1-gallon jar of kombucha mama -OR- a half dozen bottles of homemade root beer and vanilla cream soda. And  custom-built wooden bottle holder that includes a bottle opener to store your delicious beverages!

What to Expect

• A fun and interactive class with hands-on opportunities to brew and flavor your drinks.
• All ingredients, materials, and tools will be provided.
• Step-by-step guidance on making your own soda and kombucha, as well as how to bottle and store them safely.

Accessibility Information

We aim to make this class as inclusive as possible:

• Location: The venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms.
• Seating and Workspace: Tables and chairs are provided
• Physical Effort:Participants will be standing and moving around, with some light lifting and handling of equipment. Please reach out if you have mobility concerns or need accommodations.
• Visual Guidance: Intructions will be provided verbally and visually.

About the Instructor

Wood Thrush Wilderness is an outdoor guiding and educational business that helps people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. As Licensed Recreation Maine Guides, we offer guided canoe expeditions throughout the state of Maine. We also offer classes and training in outdoor education, wilderness medicine, and traditional crafts such as basketry.

Website: https://www.woodthrushwilderness.com/

Viles Arboretum is proud to host a talk in the Tree Talks series, which pairs tree identification with local history, and community project.

Join Viles Arboretum, the Maine Forest Service, the Maine Tree Farm Program, and Maine Woodland Owners for a unique guided walk exploring both natural and cultural history in the Cony & Knight Cemetery.

Maine Forest Service District Forester Allyssa Gregory and retired forester Andy Schultz will lead participants through an engaging exploration of tree identification alongside observation and discussion about the meanings behind historic headstone symbols. 

From weeping willows and clasped hands to lambs and urns, gravestone carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries often carry symbolic meanings - expressing grief, faith, hope, and remembrance. These quiet markers tell stories about the values, beliefs, and lives of those buried in the cemetery and reflect artistic trends of their time.

We're excited to welcome you to this thoughtful walk through one of Augusta's lesser-known historic spaces - where stories of the land and the people are rooted together. 

• To ensure an inclusive and engaging experience, registration will be limited to 20 participants.
• Walk begins and ends in the Education Barn at Viles Arboretum.

About the Guides

Allyssa Gregory is the Maine Forest Service’s District Forester for the MidCoast and chair of the Town of Thorndike’s Cemetery Committee. She assists with regulatory issues related to NRPA and FPA, leads educational workshops, and offers in-person visits to landowners with 10+ forested acres. She obtained a forestry degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her professional background includes rural forestry, urban forestry, horticulture, and structure firefighting. Allyssa is involved with the Tree Farm program as a certified inspector and serves as chair for Knox & Waldo Counties. She is a member of the Maine Old Cemetery Association and is a Project Learning Tree facilitator.

After graduating from the University of Maine School of Forest Resources in 1976, Andy Schultz began his career as a forester. He has worked in the private sector as a lumber grader for a small sawmill, and a field forester for International Paper Company. He also worked as a Landowner Outreach Forester for the Maine Forest Service. Most recently, he has worked as an independent consulting forester. Retired now (almost,) he continues to enjoy walking and talking in and about the Maine woods.

Maine’s bird populations are constantly shifting, with some species thriving while others decline. State of the Birds: Decades of Change explores these patterns over the past few decades, highlighting which birds are disappearing, which are on the rise, and what these changes might mean for the future.

This presentation is led by Nick Lund, Maine Audubon's Advocacy and Outreach Manager. A passionate birder and writer, Nick is the author of The ABA Field Guide to the Birds of Maine; Dinosaurs to Chickens: How Evolution Works; and The Ultimate Biography of Earth. His articles have appeared in Slate.com, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and more.

Following the presentation, join us for a guided bird walk to put your knowledge into practice. We’ll explore the surrounding landscape, searching for some of the species discussed and observing firsthand the changes in Maine’s bird populations. Whether you're an experienced birder or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the birds of Maine.

Join us for a guided, nature walk that will encourage you to slow down and reconnect with nature. During each forest bathing walk you'll be invited to engage in activities like silent observation, mindful breathing, and guided reflection, designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. 

These walks are designed for everyone, regardless of fitness level, and no prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to embrace the calming and grounding benefits of nature. Walks are 15+ unless indicated that it is a family walk. Children over the age of 4 must be registered.

Location: Meet at the Trail Map Kiosk

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.

FREE for members of Viles Arboretum; $35 suggested donation for non-members - which includes a membership to the Arboretum

This two-day workshop introduces participants to the world of plein air painting, whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience.

Plein air painting—the practice of painting outdoors—allows artists to capture the light, color, and atmosphere of a scene in real time. But where do you start? What gear do you need? How do you choose a subject? Should you sketch first or dive straight into painting?

What to Expect

The focus of this class is to introduce participants to plein air painting, how to prepare to paint outdoors, the equipment needed, how to set up in the field and the advantages and challenges that come along with it.

We'll start in the classroom to cover the basics, then head outdoors where participants can simply observe, or paint along with instructor Cassie Sano.

Cassie will go over the steps she takes to start and complete a painting. While she won't focus on a specific medium, participants are welcome to follow using oil and watercolor - or any medium they feel comfortable with.

Materials are not provided. Students are welcome to bring their own supplies based on their planned level of participation. While materials are optional, if you choose to bring your own, here’s what you’ll need:

• If you plan to observe and take notes, bring a notebook and pen.
• If you'd like to start with sketching, bring a dry media notebook, sketching pencils, erasers, and/or markers.
• If you'd like to jump right in, bring a canvas, paints, and brushes.

In addition, participants should bring a snack and lunch. A refrigerator and microwave will be available for those who need it. 

About the Instructor

Cassie Sano is a realist painter living in Augusta, Maine She enjoys painting outdoors, when the weather permits, and loves to paint in both oil and watercolor. 

Cassie also writes and illustrates picture story books through Maine Authors Publishing and regularly participates in author events throughout Maine. She is the organizer of the Kennebec Valley Plein Air Painters, a member of the River Arts Gallery, the Maine Art Gallery, Boothbay Regional Art Foundation, and the Red Barn Art Gallery in Port Clyde. 

She says, “From the time I first held a crayon, I felt a connection to art that was so powerful it was as if my creative spirit had a life of its own.”

All participants must be 21 years or older. Valid ID is required at check-in.

Discover the ancient art of mead making and transform honey into a decadent, fermented beverage cherished throughout history. Mead, also known as honey wine, is the world’s oldest alcoholic drink. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore its rich history, learn the basics of brewing and fermentation, and create your own one-gallon batch of mead to take home.

What to Expect

• History & Tasting: Learn about mead's origins and cultural significance while sampling a selection of meads and honeys from across the country. Enjoy about 4-8 ounces of mead throughout the class.
• Hands-On Learning: Step-by-step guidance through the mead-making process, from selecting ingredients to understanding fermentation.
• Tools & Techniques: Learn to measure sugar levels with a hydrometer, determine alcohol content, and practice sterilization and bottling techniques.

Every student will receive the following supplies to continue brewing at home:

• One-gallon glass carboy
• Airlock Hydrometer with a cylinder and brush
• 3-4 lbs. of raw honey and ingredients for a batch of mead
• Detailed directions and a materials list for bottling your finished mead

This class is perfect for beginners and hobbyists interested in home brewing, wine making, or fermentation. Whether you’re curious about mead or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the craft.

Accessibility Information

We aim to make this class as inclusive as possible. Please reach out if you have mobility concerns or need accommodations.

• Location: The venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms.
• Seating and Workspace: Tables and chairs are provided
• Physical Effort:Participants will be standing and moving around, with some light lifting and handling of equipment. 
• Visual Guidance: Intructions will be provided verbally and visually.

About the Instructor

Wood Thrush Wilderness is an outdoor guiding and educational business that helps people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. As Licensed Recreation Maine Guides, we offer guided canoe expeditions throughout the state of Maine. We also offer classes and training in outdoor education, wilderness medicine, and traditional crafts such as basketry.

Website: https://www.woodthrushwilderness.com/