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 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
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Members Only Moth Lighting Night

It's time to get mothing again! Back by popular demand, The Gardens has once again teamed up with The Caterpillar Lab for a members-only after-hours mothing extravaganza. Lightsheeting, or "mothing," is the practice of providing an irresistible surface for insects to land on by illuminating a large white sheet. This favorite pastime of biologists has quickly become a popular hobby for nature lovers, gardeners, and the naturally curious worldwide. Popular events like National Moth Week and Mothapalooza have been attracting more and more attention—and now you, too, can be an explorer at this exclusive, after-hours event. This program is designed for anyone ages ten and up, adults and families alike. The rain date for this event is Saturday, August 3.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: The Caterpillar Lab
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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 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
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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
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
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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 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Katherine Brewer
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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
Instructor: Sarah Callan
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