Spring has sprung at Hidden Valley Nature Center. The woods are alive with the sounds, sites and smells of the awakening forest. Vernal pools, filled with the rains of spring, are just beginning to show signs of life, promises of frogs, salamanders and insects soon to hatch. Trees are adorned with swollen buds ready to burst into the first green leaves of the season. And catkins hang on the branches of willows, birches and aspens waiting for the wind to carry their pollen to other catkins.
Saturday, April 6th, from 10 am to 12 pm, join Maine Master Naturalist Heather Hardy to be immersed in these emerging signs of spring. Visit a number of different vernal pools to see what, if anything, is developing beneath the surface. Identify different tree species by their spring buds and flowers. And look for early signs of skunk cabbage and other first plants just emerging. Participants should feel free to bring a journal if they’d like to sketch the things discovered along the way.
To learn more and to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/naturalist-workshop-series-april6.
Midcoast Conservancy is a vibrant regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the Earth. The organization works throughout the Sheepscot River, Medomak River, and Damariscotta Lake watersheds. Midcoast Conservancy manages over 15,000 acres, including 55 preserves and 100 miles of trails; and Hidden Valley, a preserve with cabin and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and a low-impact forestry program. Community members can get involved in the organization’s work as volunteers with water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, fish passage projects, forestry and oyster farming or outdoor recreation and education. For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.