For the month of March: Winter Mindfulness Interpretive Walk on Sears Island
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.
This 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.
Beginning March 7: Backyard birding activity kits for kids available from Friends of Sears Island
Friends of Sears Island has created free “Backyard Birding” themed activity kits for kids that will be available for families to pick up at Carver Memorial Library beginning March 7. Late winter is a great time to put out a bird feeder and observe what feathered friends come to your backyard. The birds that overwinter are desperate for food, and soon migratory birds will return! Each activity kit will include a wooden craft set for building a simple bird feeder, birdseed, and a blank journal where your child can record the birds that visit and note their behaviors. Handouts will feature information about common backyard bird species that winter in Maine, along with journal prompts and templates, and a list of other nature exploration activities to try in late winter.
The kits are intended for children ages 5-12. Donations to Friends of Sears Island are always gratefully accepted to allow the organization to continue to offer programming to all at no cost. Activity kit quantities are limited and will be distributed to families on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pre-registration is no longer required to receive a kit- simply stop by Carver Memorial Library in Searsport when they are open (beginning March 7) and request a kit for your child while supplies last!
Friends of Sears Island’s children’s programs and activity kits are sponsored by First National Bank.
March 15: All Ages Cabin Fever Reliever Community Crafting Event at Mermaid Plaza
On Sunday, March 15 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friends of Sears Island will be hosting an all ages community crafting program. Here’s a great chance to get out of the house and have a change of scenery while gathering with others to create a variety of fun projects! The program will be held at Mermaid Plaza at 1 East Main St. in Searsport. Friends of Sears Island will have several crafting stations set up, where participants can make decoupaged shell trinket dishes, springy cherry blossom and forsythia branch decorations, a mini toadstool and moss craft, felted friendship bracelets, button trees and decorate rocks for your garden. Participants will have approximately 20 minutes at each station, allowing the option to make all of the projects if desired. Spend the afternoon visiting with friends and neighbors and create some cheery items to brighten your home while we wait for spring!
This program is for all ages, young and old and in between, but children must attend with an accompanying adult. To help defray materials costs, we are suggesting a $5 donation per person, or $10 per family. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to outreach@friendsofsearsisland.org so that we can anticipate the quantity of materials we will need to have on hand. This also allows us to be in touch with you to remind you of the event and to share updates. Participants should wear old clothes or bring an apron or painting smock.
March 19: “State of the Birds: Decades of Change” Zoom presentation with Nick Lund of Maine Audubon
Friends of Sears Island will be hosting a Zoom presentation titled “State of the Birds: Decades of Change,” on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Bird populations in Maine are continually changing. This presentation covers the last few decades and discusses which species are disappearing, which are increasing, and then looks ahead to wonder what the future of Maine birds might be. Lund is Maine Audubon’s advocacy and outreach manager. He is a birder and bird writer, the author of books including “The ABA Field Guide to the Birds of Maine” and his newest “A World Without Birds”.
Registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom prior to the event.