Friends of Sears Island will be hosting a mushroom walk led by David Porter on September 13^th, from 10am-12pm. David is a graduate of Yale and the University of Washington, and worked as a professor in the Plant Biology Department at the University of Georgia. His specialty is mycology, the study of mushrooms and other fungi. Program attendees will observe numerous fall mushrooms, learn the basics of mushroom identification, and become aware of commonly overlooked signs of the hidden underground activities of mushrooms and other fungi and how they contribute to the ecology of the Maine forest.

This event is free and open to the public, and questions and curiosity are welcomed. Sears Island is on Sears Island Road off Route 1 just east of Searsport. Participants should park along the causeway at the end of the road and meet at the kiosk near the island gate by 10am. Wear footwear appropriate for walking in the woods, and clothing to protect against ticks and the weather. Bring water, a snack, and insect repellent. Please no pets on guided walks.  In the event of steady rain, the program will be cancelled. For more information and updates, visit www.friendsofsearsisland.org, facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland or call Ashley at 207-975-3878.

As part of Searsport Heritage Days, Friends of Sears Island will be hosting a walk titled “Archaeology of Sears Island and Upper Penobscot Bay: A Window Through Deep Time,” led by Paul Bock, on Saturday, August 12^th, from 9:30-11:00am. Paul is an archaeologist and the owner of Stoney Knoll Archaeological Supply in Searsport. The program will focus on some of the Native American sites that have been excavated in the area, from the Archaic period, through the Ceramic Period and into the Euro-Contact period. Paul will also touch on some of the important early historic sites within the immediate area (17th and 18th century), as well as how Sears Island was exploited during that period. Program participants are encouraged to bring any artifacts they’ve found on Sears Island for identification, as surface finds can be an important tool to help identify new archaeological sites.

This event is free and open to the public. Sears Island is on Sears Island Road off Route 1 just east of Searsport. Participants should park along the causeway at the end of the road and meet at the kiosk just beyond the island gate by 9:30am. Wear footwear appropriate for walking in the woods and on the beach, and clothing to protect against ticks and the weather. Bring water, a snack, and insect repellent. Please no pets on guided walks.  In the event of steady rain, the program will be cancelled. For more information and updates, visit www.friendsofsearsisland.org, facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland or call Ashley at 207-975-3878.

Here’s our schedule of upcoming events for summer 2017! Geology, archaeology, medicinal plants and more, plus games and exploration for children! Be sure to check back for details as they become available.

Click to download our Summer Events Flyer 2017