Leader:  Bob Milardo In late summer and early fall, it’s not unusual to spot transient great egrets and migrating shorebirds at Essex Woods.  We also will look for multiple species of ducks, green and great blue herons, pied-billed grebes, and songbirds in migration, or getting ready to migrate. You never know what unusual species might […]

NEW THIS FALL! Join a Fields Pond naturalist on a guided hike for adults. Meet like-minded people,  spend time being active outdoors, and note the differences you see from week to week. Together we'll observe the changing of the season, and learn how regular observations of nature can contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Hikes will […]

We will explore, observe, and track phenological variations in plant and animal life across the season, right here on the FPAC sanctuary. Parents, this program can be an integral part of your child's science curriculum for ages 8-12 (Grades 3-6).  Drop ins are welcomed on a space-available basis; please call ahead to confirm availability.

Join a naturalist online to learn about one Maine species each week. We'll explore everything from scientific names to extreme adaptations and odd morphology. Strengthen your knowledge of Maine's flora and fauna in a fun and informal setting.

Maine Audubon Naturalist Val Watson will lead weekly walks during fall migration. These walks provide an excellent opportunity to see birds you may not otherwise get a chance to see. Add to that the challenge of identifying birds that have molted from their breeding plumage, and you have an exciting mix.

Join the FPAC staff for a morning of stewardship activities focused on improving our trails, the Nature Center, and other public use spaces on the sanctuary. Bring work gloves and sturdy footwear. Snacks provided!

Get up close and personal with our crawling and flying insect neighbors! Following a short indoor presentation, we'll head outside to attract insects using special lights.     Insects will be identified and  released, and we’ll record everything we find in a community science database. A fun and educational experience for the whole family.

NEW THIS FALL! Join a Fields Pond naturalist on a guided hike for adults. Meet like-minded people,  spend time being active outdoors, and note the differences you see from week to week. Together we'll observe the changing of the season, and learn how regular observations of nature can contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Hikes will […]

Fall is a great time to collect seeds from many of the native plant species in Maine. This program will explain how and when to effectively collect seeds from native plants. We'll also discuss the ethics of sustainable seed collection, and how to be sure we're not causing more harm than good. For hands-on practice, […]