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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Friends of Sears Island, Maine
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T121734Z
CREATED:20260427T121734Z
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UID:8288-1778092200-1778097600@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Butterflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday\, May 6\, at 6:30pm Friends of Sears Island will host a Zoom presentation given by Ron Butler about the butterflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. This presentation will cover the taxonomy\, evolution\, morphology\, and ecological significance of butterflies. It will include images of some representative species of the region’s six butterfly families\, explore butterfly conservation issues (particularly climate change)\, and briefly consider the ‘insect apocalypse’. The presentation will conclude with some recommended butterfly identification guides\, apps\, and websites. \nRon Butler is an animal ecologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Maine at Farmington\, where he taught courses in Zoology\, Entomology\, Ecology\, and Conservation Biology. While Ron spent the first part of his career conducting research with seabirds in Maine\, Newfoundland\, and Antarctica\, for the past several decades his work has focused on ecologically important groups of insects in Maine.  Ron helped plan and coordinate several state-wide citizen science initiatives\, including the Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey\, the Maine Butterfly Survey\, the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas\, and (presently) the Maine Flower Fly Survey.  Ron co-authored Butterflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces  (2023) and Dragonflies and Damselflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces (in press). \nPlease visit https://tinyurl.com/butterflies-of-maine to sign up. Registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom prior to the event.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/butterflies-of-maine-and-the-canadian-maritimes/
LOCATION:Virtual Event-ZOOM
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Natural History Seminar,Zoom Nature Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Butterflies-of-Maine-Ad-for-Website-May-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260309T160037Z
CREATED:20260309T160037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T160037Z
UID:8272-1772323200-1775001599@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Mindfulness Interpretive Walk
DESCRIPTION:We’ve installed a “Winter Mindfulness Walk” on the display boards along the Homestead Trail. Now that it’s late winter\, many of us are starting to feel a bit cooped up and could probably use some fresh air and a change of scenery\, so we hope you will visit the island for this peaceful interpretive walk. \nThis self-guided walk begins at the sign next to the kiosk\, and continues along the Homestead Trail until you reach the milkweed field and old house foundation\, covering approximately a half mile. The signs along the way include inspirational poems and quotes\, simple activities and techniques to stay in the moment\, information about the benefits of walking in the forest\, and meditations on the lessons we can draw from nature about surviving the harsh seasons of life. The Winter Mindfulness Walk will be installed through the end of March.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/mindfulness-interpretive-walk/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Child & Parent Activity,Family Activity,Health & Fitness,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mindfulness-Walk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T110000
DTSTAMP:20250730T183255Z
CREATED:20250730T183255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T183255Z
UID:8239-1755597600-1755601200@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Yoga on the Beach with Garrett Vail
DESCRIPTION:Join Friends of Sears Island for yoga on the beach with Garrett Vail on Tuesday\, August 19\, from 10:00am-11:00am. Using the beach environment\, Garrett will engage participants in a relaxing exploration of movement and stretching\, taking advantage of all the natural world has to offer for support. This class is for anyone able to walk on the beach. It will be geared for adults but attentive children are also welcome. Garrett has been practicing yoga daily for 24 years. He loves so much about yoga\, but its ability to connect us to nature in an outdoor class is a wonderful thing to experience\, especially on a beautiful place like Sears Island! \nNo pre-registration is required for this program\, just park along the causeway at the end of Sears Island Road in Searsport\, and meet at the kiosk just beyond the island gate by 10:00am. There is no charge for the class but a donation to Friends of Sears Island is always welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing\, and bring a beach towel and water. Pets are not permitted at this program. In the event of rain\, class will be cancelled. For more information and updates\, visit www.facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland. \nPhoto caption: Gentle yoga on the beach at Sears Island. \nPhoto credit: Ashley Megquier
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/yoga-on-the-beach-with-garrett-vail/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Health & Fitness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Yoga-web-e1753900331960.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T233000
DTSTAMP:20250605T122732Z
CREATED:20250603T200620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T122732Z
UID:8232-1749634200-1749684600@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Wednesday Waldo Walk with Bindy Pendleton
DESCRIPTION:Friends of Sears Island (FOSI) and Coastal Mountains Land Trust (CMLT) invite you to another Wednesday Waldo Walk! Each month\, CMLT volunteer and Waldo County resident Bindy Pendleton leads hikes exploring a variety of intriguing and unique trail systems. This month’s hike will feature the magic of Sears Island in the town of Searsport on June 11 at 9:30 a.m. FOSI board members Janet Williams and Rolf Olsen will share the organization’s on-going\, incredible work and answer any questions. \nThis hike will include an option of distances between 1 – 4 miles including forested trails\, shoreline and the island’s road.  The hike will conclude at approximately 11:30 or 12:00 pm\, but please feel free to bring a picnic lunch and continue enjoying the island on your own.  Bring water\, tick and insect protection and binoculars\, if you have them. \nPlease register at info@coastalmountains.org and if you are interested in a ride share\, be in touch with Bindy at @ 207-323-0817. \nCoastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected over 13\,000 acres\, offering 55 miles of trails for public recreation. \nThe mission of Friends of Sears Island (FOSI) is to support permanent protection of Sears Island’s environmental and cultural resources; preserve its marine\, shoreland\, and forest ecosystems; and encourage educational and low-impact recreational uses of the island. \nPhoto caption: Sears Island\, courtesy of Coastal Mountains Land Trust
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/wednesday-waldo-walk-with-bindy-pendleton/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Health & Fitness,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sears-Island-Photo-for-Wednesday-Waldo-Walk-with-Bindy-Pendleton-scaled-e1748981134142.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T130000
DTSTAMP:20250413T155937Z
CREATED:20250413T155855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T155937Z
UID:8214-1745661600-1745672400@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Sierra Club Maine Hike on Sears Island
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, April 26\, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm\, Sierra Club Maine is hosting an Earth Day hike on Sears Island in Searsport.  We’ll hike to a bench dedicated to a man particularly memorable for his resolve to protect this special place\, and veterans of these campaigns will tell a few stories when we stop at his bench for a light lunch. Terrain is easy to moderate\, no more than a 150 foot elevation gain.  Distance to bench and back: 3 miles. Dress appropriately for late April weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting slightly muddy.  Please bring water and lunch.  Heavy\, steady rain will cancel\, but light rain will not. \nThis event is co-sponsored by the Waldo County Climate Action Coalition as part of the Coalition’s Earth Month activities.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/sierra-club-maine-on-sears-island/
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_5115-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250420T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250420T120000
DTSTAMP:20250413T155422Z
CREATED:20250413T155422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T155422Z
UID:8213-1745139600-1745150400@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Earth Day Hike on Sears Island with Cloe Chunn
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, April 20\, from 9:00am – 12:00pm\, Cloe Chunn will lead an Earth Day hike on Sears Island\, sponsored by Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition. Bring water\, a snack\, and protection from rain and ticks. Binoculars are helpful. Meet at the gate at 9:00am. For more information\, call 207-338-1147.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/earth-day-hike-on-sears-island-with-cloe-chunn/
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Health & Fitness,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DJI_0021-sm-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250329T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250329T130000
DTSTAMP:20250318T182043Z
CREATED:20250318T181952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T182043Z
UID:8205-1743242400-1743253200@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Marine Mammal Stranding Response Workshop
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, March 29th\, 10am-1pm\, Allied Whale\, the marine mammal research program of the College of the Atlantic will present a morning of talks centered around marine mammal stranding response at Carver Memorial Library in Searsport. The speakers will include\, Rosemary Seton\, M.Sc.\, the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator for Allied Whale\, and Dr. Carissa Bielamowicz Miller\, D.M.V.\, Allied Whale’s consulting veterinarian and a stranding volunteer. \nRosemary will give an introduction to strandings\, the whys and wherefores of response\, the stranding network\, the Marine Mammal Protection Act\, the differences in seal vs whale strandings\, performing necropsies\, and much more. She will also introduce attendees to the marine mammal species we find here in the Gulf of Maine. Dr. Bielamowicz Miller will speak on seal health assessment\, zoonotic diseases\, and safety working around marine mammals. By the end of this mini-workshop\, you will have a good understanding of stranding response\, the legalities surrounding these federally protected animals\, and know what to do if you spot a marine mammal on shore. \nThis workshop is cosponsored by Friends of Sears Island and Carver Memorial Library. Pre-registration for the event is required\, as space is limited. Please email Ashley at outreach@friendsofsearsisland.org to register.  \nPhoto caption: Harbor seal pup that was rescued by Allied Whale.  Photo courtesy of Allied Whale.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/marine-mammal-stranding-response-workshop/
LOCATION:Carver Library\, 12 Union St\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Harbor-Seal-Pup_COA210428Pv_we-rescued_IMG_2285-1-scaled-e1744552609704.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250315
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250401
DTSTAMP:20250318T180751Z
CREATED:20250318T180751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T180751Z
UID:8203-1741996800-1743465599@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Self-guided Interpretive Walk: Tracking Mammal Activity in Winter
DESCRIPTION:From March 15th-31st\, interpretive panels will temporarily be on display along the Homestead Trail.  As you walk along the trail\, you’ll see 20 different signs about learning to distinguish mammal tracks in late winter and early spring — which can be in snow\, mud\, or sand!  Information about other signs of mammal activity is included as well.  The interpretive trail begins at the kiosk just beyond the island gate\, and extends along the Homestead Trail to the field next to the old homestead foundation\, covering approximately half a mile.  This time of year the trail may be snowy\, icy\, or wet and muddy\, so please remember appropriate footwear and take it easy as you leave your own tracks along the trail! \nThe majority of the text and many of the photos used in this self-guided interpretive nature walk were borrowed from a slideshow presentation Sandra Mitchell gave for FOSI several years ago about learning to read animal tracks.  While we have supplemented some information and stock photography\, we deeply appreciate Sandra giving us permission to recycle her material and sharing her knowledge and photos with us!  Sandra Mitchell is a naturalist and nature photographer who has led many programs for FOSI over the years.  To learn more about her and see her work\, visit https://sandra-mitchell.com/.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/self-guided-interpretive-walk-tracking-mammal-activity-in-winter/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Family Activity,Health & Fitness,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Winter-Squirrel.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221115T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221115T200000
DTSTAMP:20221102T160350Z
CREATED:20221102T155917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221102T160350Z
UID:8022-1668537000-1668542400@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Maine Through the Seasons
DESCRIPTION:Zoom Presentation with Sandra Mitchell \nFriends of Sears Island and the Carver Memorial Library will co-sponsor a live Zoom presentation titled “Maine Through the Seasons\,” on Tuesday\, November 15\, at 6:30 pm. Naturalist and photographer Sandra Mitchell will help us to visit the natural world through the lens of her camera\, pausing to discuss the natural history of some of Maine’s most fascinating natural phenomena. \nSandra Mitchell is a Registered Maine Guide and an avid amateur naturalist. She enjoys investigating natural mysteries. Her website is https://www.sandra-mitchell.com/home. No pre-registration is required. To join this free Zoom presentation\, simply visit https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/87883196188 on November 15 at 6:30pm. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island visit www.friendsofsearsisland.org\, and for more information about Carver Memorial Library\, check out www.carverlibrary.org. \nPhoto: Loon chicks\, by Sandra Mitchell
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/maine-through-the-seasons/
LOCATION:Virtual Event-ZOOM
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Natural History Seminar,Zoom Nature Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Loon-chicks.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221008T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221008T170000
DTSTAMP:20221005T202307Z
CREATED:20220930T203349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221005T202307Z
UID:7987-1665237600-1665248400@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Geology of Sears Island-CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:SORRY\, DR. NORTON HAS COME DOWN WITH COVID\, SO THIS IS EVENT IS CANCELLED.\nCoastal Mountains Land Trust\, in partnership with Friends of Sears Island\, presents Geology of Sears Island on Saturday\, October 8 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Sears Island in Searsport. The popular Coastal Mountains Nature Program is a series of monthly naturalist-led walks and talks exploring the natural history of Mid-Coast Maine. Dr. Steve Norton\, Professor Emeritus of Earth and Climate Sciences at the University of Maine\, will lead us on an exploration of the past 350 million years of Mid-Coast geological history by exploring the rocks and sediment of Sears Island. This walk is timed to take advantage of low tide\, exposing the shoreline of the island. Meet at the entrance to Sears Island at the end of the causeway in Searsport.\nDIRECTIONS\nFrom downtown Searsport\, drive 2 miles northeast on Route 1 to Sears Island Road (which will be on the right if driving from the town of Searsport). Continue on Sears Island Road across the causeway to the island. Park on the causeway.\n\nHunting is allowed on the island so participants are suggested to wear hunter orange.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/geology-of-sears-island/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Geology-Walk-photo.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220923T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220923T173000
DTSTAMP:20220914T192152Z
CREATED:20220912T142340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220914T192152Z
UID:7971-1663945200-1663954200@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:The Lucky Trees of Sears Island
DESCRIPTION:Guided Walk with Jake Maier \nJoin Friends of Sears Island for an exploration of some of the large old trees on Sears Island on Friday\, September 23\, from 3:00-5:30pm. Forester Jake Maier will lead participants along the Homestead Trail\, pointing out the large\, “lucky” trees while talking about what combination of factors would allow them to survive and outcompete others over time. He will discuss the differences between legacy and lucky trees\, the ecological consequences of different aspects of forest management\, and demonstrate how to measure and compute the points for the big trees register. \nJake Maier is a state-licensed consulting forester. Maier is originally from Germany\, where he earned his degree in forestry from the University of Freiburg. He moved to Maine in 1984 and got his degree in forestry management from the University of Maine.\nThis 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 near the island gate by 3:00pm. Bring water\, a snack\, insect repellent\, and come dressed for a walk in the woods. Pets are not permitted at this program. In the event of steady rain\, the program will be cancelled. For more information and updates\, visit friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland. \nPhoto credit: Alison Dibble \nPhoto caption:  Jake Maier measures a large tree on Sears Island.
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/the-lucky-trees-of-sears-island/
LOCATION:Sears Island\, Sears Island Rd.\, Searsport\, ME\, 04974\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Jake-Maier-measures-legacy-white-ash-at-PP_5-Sears-Island-Edited-16-9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220825T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220825T110000
DTSTAMP:20220822T122617Z
CREATED:20220811T014827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220822T122617Z
UID:7955-1661418000-1661425200@friendsofsearsisland.org
SUMMARY:Monarch Butterfly Tagging for Adults
DESCRIPTION:Sorry\, this event is now full\, so no further reservations will be accepted! With rain expected on Tuesday\, we have rescheduled to Thursday. \nFriends of Sears Island will be hosting a monarch butterfly tagging workshop for adults with Serena Cole on August 23\, from 9am-11am. Cole will teach program attendees about monarch life cycles\, habitat\, migration patterns\, and will lead a hike to the milkweed field on Sears Island\, a certified Monarch Waystation. At the field\, participants will have the opportunity to look for butterflies and carefully net and assist with tagging them as part of the Monarch Watch program\, which tracks the annual butterfly migration. Please note that seeing and catching monarchs cannot be guaranteed. Space is limited and advance registration will be required. To sign-up\, please email Serena Cole at satnam23410@yahoo.com. Registration is complete upon receiving a confirmation email. \nSerena Cole has been a biology and environmental educator for 30 years. She has led student science groups to Costa Rica and been involved with citizen science projects at Schoodic Point Educational Research Center. Registered participants should park along the causeway at the end of Sears Island Road and meet at the island gate. Bring water and a snack and dress for walking through woods and fields\, but please leave your pets at home. In the event of inclement weather\, a rain date of August 25th from 9am-11am will be offered. \n 
URL:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/event/monarch-butterfly-tagging-for-adults/
CATEGORIES:Adult Nature Program,Nature Walk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://friendsofsearsisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Monarch-Butterfly-e1660182257610.png
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