Plant ID & Ecology: Freshwater Wetland Plants
Wetland plants are wildly diverse and beautiful—take the marsh marigold or the wild calla, the latter related to the traditional calla lily sold by florists. Join us for this field-study class with plant ecologist Ted Elliman and develop skills to identify freshwater wetland plants, developing an understanding of their growing conditions, habits, and seasonal performance. Gain a deeper appreciation for the ecological value of these often-overlooked species.
Interested in learning about the benefits of incorporating native deciduous shrubs into your garden? Or maybe you already have shrubs in your landscape and want to expand your knowledge. Either way, join Emily Baisden, entomology and native shrub aficionado, to learn about the extensive selection of native deciduous shrubs available for your garden. We’ll cover the ecosystem services provided by native shrubs, from pollinator hosts to erosion control, as well as how to select the right species for your space, taking into consideration environmental characteristics and seasonal qualities.
Want to enter the world of beetles, butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, wasps, and flies? Ages 14-adult are invited to join us and learn about the insect wildlife to be found in backyards and gardens. Learn to identify the most common insects and the roles these important creatures play in their ecosystems. After an introductory slideshow, we'll explore the Gardens to observe and gain insight into insect behavior, identifying where insects prefer to live versus where they’re discouraged. We'll take a holistic approach to studying insects, recognizing that even the smallest patch of yard is inclusive of nature.
Whether called fields, meadows, or pastures, these wide-open, full-sun terrains all feature a dominant grass population mixed with wildflowers and smaller woody species. In partnership with the Boothbay Region Land Trust, this class will guide students on walks at the Gardens, Oak Point, and Zak Preserve. Led by Ted Elliman, author of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes, An Identification Guide, participants will learn how to identify and better understand meadow culture—perfect for those interested in starting or sustaining an open grassland!
This class will focus on the identification of 20 - 25 of Maine’s asters. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one aster from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. (This class also pairs well with 
This class will focus on the identification of 10 – 15 of Maine’s goldenrods. Not only looking alike, but blooming roughly at the same time (late-summer to October) can make them a challenge to identify. Via slideshow, take a close look at our herbarium specimens, and then through field investigations, we’ll look at the features that distinguish one goldenrod from another, becoming familiar with their respective habitats. Please come with a hand lens if you have one, otherwise we’ll provide them. (This class also pairs well with 
Ages 14-adult are invited to join us for an informative look into the mammals you may not always see, but who are almost certainly living in or around your backyard, relying on your landscape for survival. Explore CMBG’s most common inhabitants, their important habitats, dietary preferences, and learn a variety of management practice approaches. Offered at an active time of year as wildlife prepare for winter, the class will explore the Gardens, learn key points for identification, and look for presence indicators such as tracks, holes, browsing, and more.
