This event has been postponed due to the weather. Join us on July 23rd: https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/event/naturalistwalk

Join us for a Walk and Talk series at our new Vining Lake Community Preserve this summer! These presentations and guided walks will be led by Karen Holmes, a resident of Cooper Township and an experienced naturalist.

Breeding Birds, June 26th, 9am: Karen has been doing a breeding bird survey for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for many years. She will explain more about this citizen science effort and lead us on a short walk to locate, by sight and sound, various species of breeding birds at Vining.

Invasive Plants and Animals, July 9th, 10am: Maine has various invasive plants and animals on land and water that can be a threat to native flora and fauna. Karen will lead an invasive species walk identifying invasive species that have established a foothold and explain how we can help control their spread.

Turtles, July 23rd, 10am: Turtles are the shy creatures of wetlands, streams, and ponds but if we are lucky enough we may just spot signs of nesting turtles or a turtle itself! Karen will lead a walk at Vining, discussing Maine’s various turtle species and their interesting adaptations for survival.

Butterflies and Dragonflies, August 28th, 10am: Many citizen science initiatives seek volunteers to share sightings of various species of butterflies and dragonflies. On this walk, Karen will help us identify as many species as we may find! Karen will also take time to explain the Monarch Watch’s Tagging program with a possible demonstrate of tagging a monarch.

Please note all these programs are dependent on nature, we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings but the programs will still be full of valuable information. The walks will be relatively easy with portions of the walk on wooded trail and gravel road. Event length will vary, but we do not expect the events to last more than 2 hours in length. Participants should come prepared with good shoes and water.

All events are weather dependent. Event cancellations and updates will be sent to registered participants. Please register here!

Karen Holmes is a local Cooper Naturalist Educator who volunteers for wildlife surveys in the area. She has been an educator for over thirty-five years and has a background as a wildlife researcher, wildlife rehabilitator, farmer and gardener.