(updated 8/25/2010)

The Damariscotta River Association’s Education Program,
The School for Field Naturalists: Our goal is to enable students to make their own discoveries about the natural world. Engaging in this process of discovery is what connects them to nature. All programs are designed to teach basic concepts of ecology and integrate hands-on opportunities to learn scientific methods. Students learn to study, analyze, and interpret natural systems through intensive observation. In the tradition of the great American naturalists like Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson, we teach observation as a critical life skill and as a data-gathering process by which we can discover the natural world. Providing youth and the public with opportunities to better understand and experience the natural world also furthers the Damariscotta River Association’s (DRA) goal of “preserving and promoting the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the Damar-iscotta River watershed for the benefit of all.”

Several programs are offered depending on the season. Click on the following links for more information.

• Jr. Naturalist After-School Program
• Wild Encounters – Homeschool & Group Programs
• Frogs and Pollywogs
• Natural History Programs for Groups

Jr. Naturalist After-School Program: Inquiry-based, hands-on learning program in a safe outdoor environment for Grades 2-6. The DRA site is on a bus route from the local elementary school and near to Route 1. Month-long sessions. RSVP to 563-1393.
Fee: $40 members / $50 non-members (scholarships available). Meets Thursdays and Fridays (excluding Maine AOS 93 School Vacation days), from 3:15 – 4:45 pm. RSVP 563-1393

• November… Wildlife: tracks and signs, build a bird feeder, play games

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Wild Encounters: A regular program for Homeschool Families and Groups – Join us from 10:00 am–12:00 noon the second Monday of each month. For ages 5 and up (younger may come) RSVP 563-1393. Fee: $3.00/child

• September 13…Incredible Insects: Discover the world of arthropods, use our nets to catch some and observe a wide variety of fascinating behaviors.
• October 11*… Wabanaki Living: Hands-on Wabanaki living skills with Passamaquoddy birch bark artist David Moses Bridges (* Special Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
• November 8… Orienteering: How to use a map and compass, practice making a course and test your new skills!

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Frogs and Pollywogs: Join us 10:00-11:00 the last Monday of each month. Hike included. RSVP 563-1393. Fee: $2.00/child

• September 27 …Worms, Grubs and Spiders (Oh My!): All the yuckiest things we can find! What they are, what they do and why they are important
• October 25… Wabanaki Living: Make a birch-bark spoon, hear a story and visit a re-created Wabanaki village
• November 29 … Maine’s Mammals: Learn about wildlife signs and take a plaster track home.

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Natural History Programs for Groups: We offer many programs for formal groups (school classes, clubs, etc). A program on climate change began in 2008, and there are many additional topics to choose from including: forest ecology, insect adaptations, seeds and dispersal mechanisms, coastal ecology, and mammals of Maine. Programs are designed to work towards state learning results. More information is available here.

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Sarah Gladu, Education Coordinator
Damariscotta River Association
Phone: (207) 563-1393
FAX (207) 563-2639
sgladu@damariscottariver.org

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