Homeschool Days: Signs of Spring (Ages 3-8)
Explore the Gardens with us as we work on our observation skills by looking closely for the details that tell us spring has arrived. We’ll look closely under leaves and up in the trees, above ground and below, and even in the pond. Along the way, we’ll learn the names of some of our spring blooms. A scavenger hunt activity will help guide our search. We’ll end the session by planting a spring flower to take home and care for. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register multiple children or for multiple programs, will receive a discount at checkout.
Spring is an important time for amphibians in Maine as they migrate to vernal pools to breed and lay eggs. During this class, participants will explore the many vernal pools at the Gardens in search of wood frog and spotted salamander eggs as well as other seasonal residents. Participants will learn how to tell the difference between frog and salamander eggs, learn what makes vernal pools unique, and gain an understanding of their important role in the forest ecosystem. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register multiple children or for multiple programs, will receive a discount at checkout.
Horticultural Therapist will lead interactive plant-based exercises to help strengthen interpersonal skills, hand-eye coordination, math and science problem-solving, and applied critical thinking. This educational and mindful activity session is designed to be inclusive of all abilities and learning levels and adapted to each participant. Students will participate in a take-home succulent planting activity and then head out on a tour of the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses (weather permitting), where they will use all of their available senses to explore the biodiversity demonstrated inside this accessible garden. Parents/guardians are asked to attend this session with their homeschoolers, and the admission price includes one child and one adult. Families who register multiple children or for multiple programs, will receive a discount at checkout.
Putting our five senses to work, we'll wind our way through the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, experiencing the garden in a whole new way. Participants will be encouraged to sample different herbs and edible flowers that may be new to them. The session will end with an herb planting activity to take home.
Venture into the woods with us as we look for signs of life amongst the trees. We may not always see who’s residing in our woods, but there are many clues we can look and listen for to tell us who lives there. Together we will appreciate the ecology and natural history of the Maine woods. A scavenger hunt activity will help guide our search. The session will end with a craft to help us remember what we learned. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register multiple children or for multiple programs, will receive a discount at checkout.
Monday, June 2, 10-11 a.m. & noon-1 p.m.
Monday, June 2, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m.
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 
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 
