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

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.)

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 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.

Unwind at the end of the day witha quiet, guided walk through the Arboretum's trails as the sun begins to set. The walk offers a chance to slow your pace, clear your mind, and take in the changing light, evening sounds, and natural stillness that comes with dusk. 

We'll move intentionally, pausing often with simple prompts to help you notice more of your surroundings and be fully present in the moment. It's a calming way to transition into the evening and connect with nature before the day ends. 

• Ages 15+
• All fitness levels welcome
• No experience needed
• Meet at the trail map kiosk

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!

Start your day with a quiet, guided walk through the peaceful trails of Viles Arboretum. This experience is all about slowing down and tuning in to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world around you. 

We'll move at a gentle pace, with pauses for reflection and simple prompts to help you stay present and connected. It's a chance to reset your mind, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beauty of the morning in a new way. 

• Ages 15+
• All fitness levels welcome
• No experience needed
• Meet at the trail map kiosk