Upcoming Events at Chewonki

May 17: Calling All Birds

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End:
May 17, 2025 10:00 am
May 17, 2025 11:00 am

No matter where you live, you’re sure to have birds nearby! Covering the basics of bird adaptations, we will learn about coloring, beak shape, feet shape, and of course bird calls! This presentation is for birding experts and novices alike. Hosted by Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, ME as part of the Feathers Over Freeport Festival.

May 17: Biomimicry

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End:
May 17, 2025 12:00 pm
May 17, 2025 1:00 pm

Nature has already invented everything we need. If there is a problem we cannot solve, we can find the answer in nature, we just need to look closely and pay attention. Hosted by Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, ME as part of the Feathers Over Freeport Festival.

Jun. 7 – Nature, Ink, and Open Trails – Chewonki Open Campus Day

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End:
June 7, 2025 9:00 am
June 7, 2025 6:00 pm

Our Open Campus Days are special opportunities when our 400-acre saltwater peninsula is open for alumni, friends, and neighbors to explore at their own pace. With no program participants on site, we invite you to explore the trails, take in the views, and connect with this special place.

Enjoy complimentary snacks, and browse the Chewonki store for gear and souvenirs. Please bring a water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and anything else you need to enjoy the day—meals will not be provided.

This is a 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 event. All are welcome. No RSVP is needed.

Special June 7 Activities:

🪶 Explore our Natural History Touch Table!
Drop by the pack shed in front of the Center for Environmental Education to get hands-on with our collection of natural artifacts—feathers, skulls, shells, and other wild wonders. The table will be open all day for curious minds of all ages!

🎨 Nature to Ink: A Hands-On Art Activity
Salt Marsh Farm, 1:00 – 3:30 pm 
Join us on Salt Marsh Farm from 1:00 – 3:30 pm for a hands-on printmaking activity using inks made from natural materials collected right here at Chewonki. Participants can try their hand at carving a linocut block, experiment with natural inks, or simply print from pre-carved designs. This is a family-friendly activity open to all ages—part art, part chemistry, and fully inspired by the land.

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Upcoming Open Campus Days:
Open Campus Day: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Open Campus Day: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Homecoming: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

June 8 – June 12: Wilderness First Responder Certification Course

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End:
June 8, 2025 8:00 am
June 12, 2025 5:00 pm

The Wilderness First Responder Certification course run by Wilderness Medical Associates. This course is designed for students and professionals who have tight schedules and the self-discipline to complete ~25 hours of pre-course preparation. Space is limited!

WFA

June 10-12 : Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course

Start:
End:
June 10, 2025 8:00 am
June 12, 2025 5:00 pm

* This course is open to graduates of any wilderness-based first aid training course that was at least 64 hours long and completed within 3 years of the proposed recertification option.

* Students with expired certifications are not able to register. Proof of current certification must be presented at the start of the course. Please include both date and issuer of your current certification on the registration form.

* Successful graduates of this course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-level CPR certifications.

June 18: Vernal Pools

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End:
June 18, 2025 10:30 am
June 18, 2025 11:30 am

Take a closer look at the seasonal nature of a vernal pool and the impact it has on amphibian and invertebrate life cycles. We will develop an understanding of how so many cycles can be supported by a wetland that holds water for only a few short months. Hosted by Bridgton Public Library.

June 20: The Bugmobile

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End:
June 20, 2025 10:45 am
June 20, 2025 11:45 am

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? Drop in and visit our display to find out the answer to these questions and many more. We look at the forms and functions of different groups of arthropods and explore many fascinating adaptations essential for survival such as mimicry, camouflage, armor and venom. We will have live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures. Hosted by Vinalhaven Public Library.

Animal Adaptations

June 25: Animal Adaptations

Start:
End:
June 25, 2025 10:00 am
June 25, 2025 2:00 pm

Drop in and visit our display to learn about adaptations that help animals thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.

June 26: Scales & Tails

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End:
June 26, 2025 10:30 am
June 26, 2025 11:30 am

Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” This program works to dispel some of those fears by allowing participants to examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

June 26: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
June 26, 2025 12:00 pm
June 26, 2025 1:00 pm

Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” This program works to dispel some of those fears by allowing participants to examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

June 26: Owls of Maine

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End:
June 26, 2025 3:00 pm
June 26, 2025 4:00 pm

Two live owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to the owls native to Maine and New England. Using pictures and sounds, participants will learn the identifying characteristics and calls of each owl.  Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program ends with an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!

Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME.

June 27: Calling All Birds

Start:
End:
June 27, 2025 11:00 am
June 27, 2025 12:00 pm

No matter where you live, you’re sure to have birds nearby! Covering the basics of bird adaptations, we will learn about coloring, beak shape, feet shape, and of course bird calls! This presentation is for birding experts and novices alike. Hosted by Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME.

June 30: Predators

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End:
June 30, 2025 2:00 pm
June 30, 2025 3:00 pm

Explore attitudes toward predators and reasons for their decline throughout history because of habitat loss and human interference. Discussion of current events emphasizes the importance of predators in maintaining the world’s ecological balance. Participants have the opportunity to study mounted animals and see three live, non-releasable predators. Hosted by the Belfast Free Library.

July 2: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
July 2, 2025 11:00 am
July 2, 2025 12:00 pm

Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” This program works to dispel some of those fears by allowing participants to examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by Waterboro Public Library.

July 3: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
July 3, 2025 3:00 pm
July 3, 2025 4:00 pm

Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” Drop by our display and examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME

July 8: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
July 8, 2025 11:00 am
July 8, 2025 12:00 pm

Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” This program works to dispel some of those fears by allowing participants to examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by Farmington Public Library

July 9: The Bugmobile

Start:
End:
July 9, 2025 10:00 am
July 9, 2025 11:00 am

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? These questions and many more are answered in The BugMobile, bringing the world of arthropods – insects and their relatives, into your classroom. We look at the forms and functions of different groups of arthropods and explore many fascinating adaptations essential for survival such as mimicry, camouflage, armor and venom. The program includes live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures. 

Hosted by Orr’s Island Library.

July 10: Predators

Start:
End:
July 10, 2025 3:00 pm
July 10, 2025 4:00 pm

Explore attitudes toward predators and reasons for their decline throughout history because of habitat loss and human interference. Discussion of current events emphasizes the importance of predators in maintaining the world’s ecological balance. Participants have the opportunity to study mounted animals and see three live, non-releasable predators.

Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME.

Animal Adaptations

July 11: Animal Adaptations

Start:
End:
July 11, 2025 10:30 am
July 11, 2025 11:30 am

Learn about adaptations, try on fun costumes, and see firsthand how three of our live, non-releasable animals have adaptations that help them thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by Wells Public Library.

July 16: Mammals of Maine

Start:
End:
July 16, 2025 10:00 am
July 16, 2025 2:00 pm

Drop in and visit our display to learn about our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals. See samples from our collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens and learn how an animal’s characteristics, such as their teeth, feet, and fur serve as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, habitat, and the role it plays in the food web. Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.