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Wednesdays, June 25- August 27; 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
The pond in our Children’s Garden is teeming with life during the summer months. Drop in and discover which creatures call the water their home as we dip nets into the pond and look for signs of life. We’ll explore life cycles, food chains, differences between reptiles and amphibians, and the proper handling of our froggy friends. This is an open activity appropriate for all ages. Free with admission.
Advance your digital photography skills using your iPhone or iPad in this exciting and engaging workshop. Join artist and instructor Kimberly Post and her trusty assistant, Professor John, on photographic explorations through the Gardens as you learn to capture nature in creative and unique ways. Back in the classroom, work with a variety of editing apps to enhance your photos and create images as you build your own digital portfolio. The weekend culminates in a gallery-style exhibit for family and friends. Please contact the Gardens if you do not have an iOS device but are interested in taking this workshop. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. New exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate food chains, adaptations, the water cycle, arthropods, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related crafts, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
We’re sorry this class is not available. Occasionally, we have cancellations throughout the year. If you’d like to hear first when a spot opens, please fill out the form at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Bm783ZYF5v This form does not guarantee a spot in the class.
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Deepen your understanding of Wabanaki values and traditions on this family-friendly walk. Passamaquoddy educator Sandra Bassett will share her personal story, demonstrate singing and drumming, and teach us a sampling of Passamaquoddy words. Participants will also learn about the indigenous uses of some of our native plants and the significance of the four “R’s”-Reciprocity, Relationship, Respect, and Responsibility in our Three Sisters Gardens. At the end of the session, participants will try their hand at birch bark etching and braiding sweetgrass. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.
Using the Gardens as inspiration, explore traditional block printing methods with a modern touch. These blocks can be used anywhere, as a printing press is not required. Participants will leave the two-day workshop understanding basic printing techniques and multiple prints of their designs. All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
Ancient Egyptians used willow and myrtle to treat pain and fevers, and Mayans used the papaya tree for many herbal remedies. Plants have been used as medicine since our existence, and have inspired many modern-day medicines. In this session, participants will explore and sample plants in our gardens and surrounding woodlands that can be used for medical treatment for colds, upset stomachs, stress, anxiety, and so much more. The session will end by sampling a few herbal iced teas that participants can recreate at home or be inspired to create their own with their new knowledge. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
Come and spend a fun-filled day with us at the Gardens. We’ll spend the day doing hands-on activities, playing games, and checking out all of the cool caterpillars in our visiting Caterpillar Lab exhibit. We’ll also search for critters in our many ponds, take a hike to see some giant trolls, and decorate a t-shirt with plants to remember the day. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.
Come and spend a fun-filled day with us at the Gardens. We’ll spend the day doing hands-on activities, playing games, and checking out all of the cool caterpillars in our visiting Caterpillar Lab exhibit. We’ll also search for critters in our many ponds, take a hike to see some giant trolls, and decorate a t-shirt with plants to remember the day. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. To request an application, please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org.
Join us for an immersive insect-themed poetry workshop for ages 9-14 with Wolastoqiyik writer and artist Mihku Paul. Students will get a unique look into the lives of insects and draw inspiration for poetry from a special visit to the Caterpillar Lab living exhibit. Through observations in the garden with our entomologist, participants will document the insects they encounter, collecting ideas and sketches that will become the basis for writing a poem or prose. Examples and templates will be provided to support the work. Participants will also be introduced to the Indigenous perspective on nature and learn some Passamaquoddy vocabulary as part of the instruction. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
How can a garden support so much life? We'll scour the gardens, ponds, and surrounding forests in search of animals who call this place home. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and crafts, campers will learn how native animals survive in their unique habitats. Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Become the legend you knew you always were in a land full of magic and myths. What land? We don't know, you haven't written it yet! Storytree's one-of-a-kind theatre camp offers students the opportunity to explore their imaginations, create, perform, and learn about theatre. Throughout the week, students develop performance techniques while engaging in movement, vocal and improvisational games that explore the fundamentals of theatre. Using the gardens for inspiration, students will create an original play and perform it for family and friends at the end of the week. Campers will spend the last hour of each day exploring the gardens and surrounding woodlands. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Budding gardeners will spend the week digging, planting, watering, and harvesting fruits and vegetables in our learning garden. We'll investigate the inner workings of the garden from the ground up and get the real "dirt" on plants, life cycles, composting, garden critters, and more! Sign your campers up for a week filled with games, explorations, garden snack-making, and take-home garden projects. Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | How can a garden support so much life? We'll scour the gardens, ponds, and surrounding forests in search of animals who call this place home. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and crafts, campers will learn how native animals survive in their unique habitats and what a changing climate might mean for their future here in Maine. Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
Learn the techniques and history of papercutting with examples of traditional and contemporary styles. Students will leave this two day workshop with several pieces of their own artwork, exploring different methods or approaches. The class theme will be birds and blossoms.
Deepening your connection to nature through moving meditation offers enormous benefits for personal well-being. In this gentle and sensory-oriented class, students will experience the practice of walking mindfully through a forest to gain deep serenity and new awareness. Follow Susan Bickford, a certified guide in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku also known as forest therapy/forest bathing, as she gives you the tools to begin your own meditation practice. The walk ends with a tea ceremony that honors the experience. Class Level: all.
Wow your neighbors and friends with these stunning decoupaged pumpkins. Gardens' Arts Coordinator Caroline Clare Davis will demonstate how to adorn your fall centerpiece with pressed garden flowers, grasses, and berries. Each participant will go home with one small pumpkin and one medium/large pumpkin. No tricks, only treats here! All levels are welcome. Suitable for teens 14+.
The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.
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