Members Only Events

At Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, we consider members part of the family. It’s a reciprocal relationship, and members benefit, too, in so many ways! Beyond free admission, membership means access to the following exclusive events, tours, and programs carefully curated ONLY for members. Members experience more–add these events to your calendar and discover how MUCH more!

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May 9

Member Photography Club

Every other Thursday, May 9-October 10

Photography Club is one of the unique perks of being a member. Experience the serenity of the Gardens at 7 a.m., where local wildlife and dew-soaked petals wait around every corner. The club runs every other Thursday from May 9 - October 10, allowing you and club members an opportunity to grow your skills over three seasons.

Please note that there is no meeting on July 4.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 7:00am-9:00am

Instructor: Caroline Davis

Cost: $35

May 28

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

June 11

Member Insider: Native Trees of Maine

Learn about the ecological and cultural significance of Maine's native trees, including their role in supporting wildlife, their use by indigenous peoples, and their impact on the state's economy and tourism industry. We'll also shed light on conservation efforts to preserve the state's native tree populations. Some steep paths will be along the way; we recommend sturdy boots or shoes.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Instructor: Alison Webb

June 13

Member’s Evening and “Horticulture Happy Hour”

Join us for a “Horticulture Happy Hour.” Meet members of the Horticulture team and enjoy happy hour appetizers and a drink (the first drink is complimentary, and additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at a charge). Registration is required.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

June 25

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

June 27

Member Insider: The World of Bugs

Explore the world of bugs with our resident entomologist, Zac Smith-Hess, as he guides us through the vibrant life within the Gardens from the unique perspective of our insect inhabitants. Discover the fascinating array of bugs that contribute to the diversity and vitality of our garden ecosystem. Join us for a journey into the intricate and often overlooked world of insects.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center

Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Instructor: Zac Smith-Hess

July 6

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

July 16

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

July 25

Member Insider: Buzzworthy Bees and Honey

Join us for this sweet summer treat as we learn about native bees and their importance to our environment. After touring the Native Bee Exhibit, we'll visit the Learning Apiary, where you can observe our native bees, non-native cousins, and honey bees in action. Afterward, we'll taste a variety of honey from around the world, from light to dark, sweet to savory.

Location: Apiary

Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Instructor: Multiple Instructors

July 30

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

August 10

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

August 14

Member Insider: Dazzling Dragonflies

Join our resident dragonfly experts, Andy Brand and Bridget VerVaet, for an insider look at these fascinating insects. Participants will learn about dragonfly behavior, habitat, and life cycle and have the opportunity to observe dragonflies up close in their natural environment.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Instructor: Multiple Instructors

August 15

Member Insider: Herbal Workshop

Lesley Paxson and Lucas Miner will lead the group in an exploration of herbal remedies. Participants will learn about alcohol and honey-based tinctures, salves, and infused oils. Explore the wide variety of plants used in these remedies and uncover their origins. Then, delve into the significance of each plant, revealing their historical roots and cultural traditions associated with each.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center

Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Instructor: Multiple Instructors

August 20

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

August 27

Member Insider: Curating and Collections

Join us for an in-depth look at the role of a curator at a botanical garden. Learn how the Gardens manages the plant collections to support our mission through educational programs, showcasing institutional heritage, facilitating research, and contributing to plant conservation efforts. Katherine Brewer, Curator of Living Collections, will discuss how the special Epimedium and Asclepias collections are built and evaluated.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Instructor: Katherine Brewer

August 29

Member Evenings

Tuesday, May 28; Tuesday, June 25; Saturday, July 6; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 30; Saturday, August 10; Tuesday, August 20; Thursday, August 29
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing evening at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Our member evenings offer you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to bask in the beautiful sunset, our member evenings are the perfect way to do just that. So gather your friends and family and come escape to the breathtaking beauty of our botanical gardens.

Location: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm

September 10

Member Insider: Three Sisters Garden

Developed in collaboration with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, discover our newest garden space, the Three Sisters Garden. Following the traditional Indigenous planting methodology of corn, squash, and beans, this trio of plants demonstrates the value of reciprocity. Beyond companion planting, deepen your understanding of Wabanaki world views and values, and learn how practicing this tradition is critical to health and wellness.

Location: Lerner Visitor Center

Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Instructor: Sarah Callan