Starting this January, the High Peaks Alliance invites the community to explore Maine’s natural world through a new monthly program featuring free guided walks and talks with certified Maine Master Naturalists.
The High Peaks Naturalist Series will meet on the second Wednesday of each month beginning in January. Hour-long sessions will cover topics ranging from animal tracking and birding to wildflowers, fungi and the region’s geology on conserved lands across the High Peaks Region. Participants are welcome to attend one, several or all sessions according to their interest and availability.
2026 Program Schedule:
- 1/14 – “Ecological Principles” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
- 2/11 – “Mammals of Maine – Tracking” at Flint Woods, Farmington
- 3/11 – “Phenology” (the study of the natural seasonal cycles of Maine’s plants and animals) at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
- 4/8 – “Mammals of Maine – Beavers” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
- 5/13 – “Vernal Pools – Reptiles & Amphibians” at Center Hill Nature Walk in Mt Blue State Park, Weld
- 6/10 – “Birding, eBird, Merlin” at Prescott Field Accessible Trail, Farmington
- 7/8 – “Wildflowers & Nature Journaling” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
- 8/12 – “Insects” at Shiloh Pond Community Forest, Kingfield
- 9/9 – “Ferns” at Mosher Hill Falls, Farmington
- 10/14 – “Fungi & BioBlitz” at Fly Rod Crosby Trail, Amble Street, Phillips
- 11/11 – “Geology” at Daggett Rock, Phillips
- 12/9 – “Mammals – Skulls & Furs” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
“The Maine Master Naturalist Program’s mission is for us to learn as much as we can, so we can inspire others to discover the natural world,” said Vicky Charbonneau of Eustis, a Maine Master Naturalist and co-leader of the High Peaks Naturalist Series. “In turn, they gain a deeper understanding and greater willingness to protect it.”
“It’s deeply rewarding to help people connect directly with the natural world,” said Darin Schwartz, of Avon, a Maine Master Naturalist and co-leader of the series. “Every session offers fresh discoveries and a chance to see the outdoors through new eyes. We’re looking forward to meeting new members of the community and introducing them to new ideas and places.”
The series is part of the Alliance’s mission to connect people with the lands they protect. “The locations vary, spanning the High Peaks Region on lands mostly stewarded by the Alliance, places we know will be there for people to enjoy time and time again,” said Amanda Laliberte of the Alliance. By introducing people to these protected places, the Alliance hopes to build a community invested in their future.
Programs are designed for adults and older teens of all experience levels. Participants should dress for outdoor terrain and Maine weather. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. To register, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/highpeaksalliance/event/hpns/.
The High Peaks Alliance is a land trust that protects access to trails and wild places in Maine’s High Peaks Region.
The Maine Master Naturalist Program trains volunteers to lead educational nature programs that promote conservation and connect communities with Maine’s natural environment.