Help Survey Snakes at Viles Arboretum! 

Join our MCC Steward for a hands-on wildlife survey as we take a closer look at the snakes that call Viles Arboretum home. During each survey, participants will learn more about local snakes, how to handle them, and how to record important data. 

Snakes are key indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Because they are both predators and prey, changes in snake populations can reveal shifts in habitat quality, biodiversity, and environmental health. By surveying snakes, we can track the presence and adundance of different species, monitor changes over time, and make informed decisions about conservation and land management.

No experience is needed
All ages are welcome (kids should come with a grown-up)
We'll be exploring around the pond, so please dress accordingly (waterproof shoes, etc.)

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.

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.

This program is part of the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Program. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How many species can you spot? L.L.Bean’s skilled guides have teamed up with a local birding expert, Casey Hynes, to lead you on a quiet, slow-paced hike through one of Maine’s top birding locations. After a quick refresher on how to tune your binoculars, you’ll embark on an easy walk through woodlands and open fields, listening and looking for the many birds that make these areas home – with plenty of educational narration along the way.

Participants with all levels of birding experience are welcome. Binoculars will be provided.

Months of Operation: May-October

Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Begins: Varies

Age Requirements: Minimum Age: 12 (17 & under with parent/guardian)

Registration: This program is part of the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Program. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Join Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District and Viles Arboretum as we host Maine Forest Service District Forester Jared Gregory on a walk through Viles Arboretum to learn about some key species of Maine's forests.

We will learn what makes species unique, including:

• Distinctive features
• Ecological niches
• Cultural importance
• Insect and disease concerns
• Use as forest products
• Stewardship implications

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the "Forest Trees of MaineCentennial Edition - 1908 to 2008" guide to continue your tree identification journey.

Light refreshments will be provided before we head out and we explore the diverse treespecies of the arboretum.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge of Maine's woodlandecology while enjoying the beautiful grounds of Viles Arboretum! Space is limited to 24 attendees, so register today.

You may call 207-626-7989 to register by phone, Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30am-4:30pm.

A Celebration of Maine's Pollinators & Honey Makers

Registrastion is free when you use promo code BUZZ at checkout - now until August 31st. After 8/31 and on the day of the event, registration is $5/person or $15/Household

Celebrate the essential role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators through hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and sweet local treats. Learn how pollinators support Maine's ecosystems and food systems, get a look at beekeeping up close and talk with local beekeepers.

Explore a vibrant market featuring Maine-based vendors, artisans, and of course, honey makers and products!