Chewonki at the Gardens: Mammals of Maine

This exciting and interactive program introduces audiences to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals. Each participant can study a mounted animal and observe its characteristics, such as teeth, feet, and fur. We use these observations as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, and habitat. A collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens complements a discussion of adaptations and the role each animal plays in the food web. This program also provides a living example of a non-releasable wild mammal.

Chewonki's single-day naturalist residency programs are free to all guests with admission. This is the first of three days, all focusing on different parts of Maine's native biodiversity.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Chewonki Science Educator

Chewonki at the Gardens: Owls of Maine

Two live owls are the highlights of this program introducing 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, explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program features an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!

Chewonki's single-day naturalist residency programs are free to all guests with admission. This is the first of three days, all focusing on different parts of Maine's native biodiversity.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Chewonki Science Educator

Chewonki at the Gardens: Tide Pools

The tide pool is home to a variety of species whose unique adaptations allow them to maintain stability in a world that is in a constant state of change. Which species can endure the waves, tides, and temperature changes of the rocky coast? Using this interactive traveling display, participants will dip their hands into Maine’s rocky intertidal ecosystem and touch some of the ocean’s most magnificent species.

Chewonki's single-day naturalist residency programs are free to all guests with admission. This is the first of three days, all focusing on different parts of Maine's native biodiversity.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Chewonki Science Educator

Cider Saturdays

Enjoy and learn about one of our country’s greatest and tastiest seasonal traditions, apple cider pressing! Learn the basics of making this delicious drink, and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay

Summer Discovery Walk: Pollinators

Tuesdays July 18 & August 29; Friday, August 4

Join us as we search the flowers of the Gardens for the pollinators that make this place possible! Participants will learn about the process of pollination, who qualifies as a pollinator, the differences between them, and the kinds of flowers each loves best. Participants will discover reasons to appreciate pollinators and all they do to sustain the life cycles of so many plants. This free program is intended for children ages 3-8 with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. Registration is strongly suggested, but walk-ins are welcome even if registration is full. To join the walk, please meet at the entrance of the Alfond Children’s Garden.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Education Staff
Price: Free

Summer Discovery Walk: Woodlands

Thursdays, July 27 & August 24

Have you ever looked closely at a tree stump or wondered who might be living in the holes left by woodpeckers? Venture into the woods with us as we investigate the plants and animals that live there and discover how they are all connected. Together we will appreciate the ecology and natural history of the Maine woods. This free program is intended for children ages 3-8 with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. Registration is strongly suggested, but walk-ins are welcome even if registration is full. To join the walk, please meet at the entrance of the Alfond Children’s Garden.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Education Staff
Price: Free

Summer Discovery Walk: Signs of Life in the Garden

Friday, July 14; Thursday, August 10

The Gardens is home to many plants and, in turn, those plants become home to many interesting creatures. Explore the Gardens with us as we look closely for all sorts of signs of life—under leaves and up in the trees, above-ground and below, and even in the pond! A scavenger hunt activity will help guide our search. This free program is intended for children ages 3-8 with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. Registration is strongly suggested, but walk-ins are welcome even if registration is full. To join the walk, please meet at the entrance of the Alfond Children’s Garden.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Education Staff
Price: Free

Summer Discovery Walk: The Five Senses

Monday, July 3; Saturday, July 29; Tuesday, August 15; Thursday, August 31

Discover all that you can see, smell, hear, feel, and even taste as we tour the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses together, experiencing the Gardens in new ways as you focus on each of your senses. This free program is intended for children ages 3-8 with an adult caregiver. Please register ONLY for the number of children in your group. Registration is strongly suggested, but walk-ins are welcome even if registration is full. To join the walk, please meet at the entrance of the Alfond Children’s Garden.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay
Instructor: Education Staff
Price: Free

Pond Investigations

The pond in our Children’s Garden is teeming with life during the summer months. Drop in and discover which creatures call the water their home as we dip nets into the pond and look for signs of life. We’ll explore life cycles, food chains, differences between reptiles and amphibians, and the proper handling of our froggy friends. This is an open activity appropriate for all ages. Free with admission.

Location: Alfond Children's Garden Boothbay