(updated 1/28/2012)

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: For children in grades 1-5 – Inquiry-based, hands-on learning program in a safe outdoor environment . The DRA site is on a bus route from the local elementary school and near to Route 1. Call DRA at 563-1393 to register. $40 Members/$50 Non-members (scholarships available). Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.

• February – Winter Wonderland: Dogsledding, snow-shelter building. Registration for the Jr. Naturalist February session is underway and space is still available. Call 563-1393 to register or to obtain more information.
       Program participants will spend time making discoveries in nature and recreating in the snow. The February session will include dog sledding, quinzhee building, drilling through the ice to collect aquatic invertebrates, bird hikes, and related activities. Participants will have the opportunity to play games that teach ecological concepts, keep a nature journal, and spend time making first-hand observations of nature.

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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: $5.00/child

• February 13 – Outdoor Living Skills: Dogsledding, snow-shelter building, fire-starting.

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Frogs and Pollywogs: For preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their parents/guardians – Join us 10:00-11:00 the third Monday of each month. Hike included. RSVP 563-1393. Fee: $3.00/child. Pre-registration is required.

• February 20 - Winter is a Wonderland: Dogsledding and snow-shelter building.

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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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