Daily, May 1-October 19, 11 a.m.-noon
Join us for this hour-long tour through our central gardens. Meet on the Great Lawn, then walk through its surrounding gardens. Hear about the origin story and the people who made each garden possible, highlights of Gardens’ history, design elements, and botanical details. While this tour is free, pre-registration is encouraged; drop-ins are welcome.
Thursdays & Fridays, May 1-October 17, 1-2:30 p.m.
The Guardians of the Seeds have emerged from the woods and are waiting for you to find them! On this guided hike, we’ll find all five of the trolls hidden in the woods and, along the way, explore the botany behind the magic of the exhibit. Join us to learn more about the artist Thomas Dambo and the team that built them, hear behind-the-scenes stories of how they were constructed, and discover how you, too, can join the trolls and become a guardian of the forest. This tour will last approximately one and a half hours and will cover about 2.5 miles of paths and trails. While this tour is free, pre-registration is encouraged; drop-ins are welcome.
Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
This year, Caterpillar Lab joins us for Maine Days! From May 30 to June 1, explore the functioning rearing, researching, photographing, filming, and educating facility transported to our Education Center. No two days of this residency are alike! Experience live caterpillar displays and witness how The Lab cares for and works with these amazing, surprising creatures. The living exhibit is free with admission and held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet the real hungry caterpillars as young nature enthusiasts take an exploratory walk with the staff of The Caterpillar Lab, learning how to track and spot spring caterpillars. This walk will help develop observational skills and demonstrate how to look closely so we can uncover the special lives of caterpillars on the plants around us. Program participants can expect to spend time exploring out in the Gardens as well as returning indoors to look at the caterpillars more closely under a microscope. This family-friendly walk is intended for children with an adult chaperone. Registration includes admission to the Gardens. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.
Thursday - Sunday, June 12 - 15 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Our four day annual FREE Plein Air Days is back! Artists, pack your easels, paints, brushes and pencils and make art in a beautiful garden setting. Pre-registration is requested, and we ask that on your visit you do not block our walkways or enter flower beds. We can't wait to see your beautiful creations!
Saturdays, June 14 & July 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Firefly, the hybrid song keeper, vocalist, and composer from the Penobscot Nation, will bring his powerful voice and cultural heritage to the Gardens. Firefly has performed with the Kennedy Center, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Portland Ovations, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His time spent amongst the gardens with you will be a celebration of his Indigenous ancestry and the deep connection between music and nature. Participation in this event is included in the price of admission.
Prepare for a memorable experience led by tribal elder and master basketmaker Richard Silliboy, Vice Chief of the Mi’kmaq Nation. Please drop in to see Richard demonstrate the art and tradition of basketweaving while he shares stories about the significance of tribal history and traditions. Participation in this event is included in the price of admission.
Webbed feet, camouflaged fur, or spines on their backs are all amazing ways that animals use adaptations to survive in the wild every day. Chewonki returns to the Gardens with this fun-filled drop-in program. Learn about these adaptations, try on fun costumes, and see firsthand how three of Chewonki's live, non-releasable animals have adaptations that help them thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. This drop-in exhibit is included in the price of admission.
Meet mounted mammals in a hands-on exploration of Maine native warm-blooded vertebrates with visiting naturalist Chewonki. Observe characteristics like teeth, feet, and fur to understand each mammal's adaptations, niche, and habitat. A collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens complements a discussion of adaptations and each animal's role in the food web. This drop-in exhibit is included in the price of admission.
Friday-Sunday, July 18-20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The PopUpCycler is coming to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens from July 18 to 20! Join visiting artist Kim Bernard in a DIY recycling project and turn trash into art. Participants will clean, shred, and extrude #2 plastic milk and water jugs into a colorful, collaborative, sculptural installation for all to enjoy. Participation in this event is included in the price of admission.
Wednesday-Sunday, July 30-August 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Join us from July 30 to August 3 when perennial favorite, The Caterpillar Lab, sets up its functioning caterpillar rearing, researching, photographing, filming, and educating facility in our Education Center. No two days of this residency are alike! Come experience live caterpillar displays and witness how The Lab cares for and works with these amazing, surprising creatures. The living exhibit is free with admission and held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Predators can have a bad reputation, but these animals play an important role in ecosystems and gardens by keeping pest populations down. Learn some commonly-held myths about predators, explore attitudes toward them, and discover the reasons for their decline throughout history. After meeting some of Chewonki's live, non-releasable predators, you'll get to know them and their importance in maintaining the world's ecological balance. This drop-in exhibit is included in the price of admission.
Explore the world of insects, spiders, and more with Chewonki's "Bugmobile"! Through models, costumes, and live specimens, discover the unique characteristics of four major arthropod groups, often referred to as "bugs. " Their live "bug" species will introduce you to some of the fascinating adaptations essential for survival, such as mimicry, camouflage, armor, and the use of venom. This drop-in exhibit is included in the price of admission.
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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