Maine Entomological Society Field Day
Saturday, September 7, 10:00 AM
Rain date: Sunday, September 8
Reynolds Forest, Sidney

Join the Maine Entomological Society (MES) and KLT to explore the world of insects. Newcomers and more experienced entomologists alike are invited to come and learn about insect identification in this ecologically diverse conservation area.

This permanently protected conservation property features woodlands and wetlands, 1,150 feet of stream frontage along Goff Brook, excellent birding, and productive hayfields

More information about the Maine Entomological Society is available on their website.

To RSVP please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-277-2848

Please bring water, snacks, a light lunch and dress for warm weather and ticks.

Directions: From Augusta take the River Road (Route 104) north towards Sidney. Once in Sidney, look for the Dinsmore Road on your left. Shortly after passing the Dinsmore Road, you will see the KLT sign on your left, just before the road crosses Goff Brook. Park along the road.

Conservation Gardening Research Introduction
Wednesday, August 7, 4:30 – 5:15 PM
Kennebec Land Trust Office
331 Main St, Winthrop

Visit the KLT office and meet the 2024 summer interns, Elena and Alexa, and learn about the research Elena is doing on conservation gardening and lawn care. Elena created a study plot at the office to learn more about the environmental and economic impacts of different lawn coverings. Coverings include a section that’s moist with low light, a section that is free-growing, a section covered by cardboard to remove the grass, and a section with plants native to Maine. Elena will introduce the project and share what she has learned so far.

For more information, please contact the KLT office at 207-377-3848 or Marie at mring@tklt.org. 

**CANCELED** We are canceling this program due to the predicted thunderstorms this afternoon

Lyceum Workshop - Improving Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard
Wednesday, July 10, 4:30 PM
Weston Woods Preserve, East Winthrop

Join KLT and Joe Roy, Private Lands Wildlife Biologist at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to learn more about wildlife habitat, and strategies to improve the landscape to benefit wildlife.  Joe is a part of the Beginning with Habitat program at MDIFW which provides landowners, land trust, and municipalities with technical assistance relating to wildlife habitat.  

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Directions: From Manchester: From the intersection of Route 202 and Route 17, drive 1.8 miles west on Route 202 to Old Village Rd. Turn right, then turn right again onto Case Rd. Drive 0.7 miles up the hill to the Preserve; parking will be on your right. From Winthrop: From the junction with Main St., take Route 202 east for 2.8 miles, then turn left onto Old Village Rd. After 0.4 miles, turn left onto Case Rd and drive 0.7 miles up the hill to the Preserve; parking will be on your right.

Photograph: Barred Owl, Nicole Rhodes

Volunteer Trail Work Day
Wednesday, June 26, 4:00 PM
Hutchinson Pond, Manchester

Calling all volunteers! Save the date for a trail work day with KLT and Paige Emerson, founder of Chubby Hiker Reviews. Their mission is to encourage people of all body types and sizes to recreate responsibly in the great Maine outdoors. Celebrate Love Maine Trails Month and making the outdoors accessible to everyone by helping to reroute a flooded trail at Hutchinson Pond. Work will include trimming and clearing vegetation.

 
All experience levels are welcome! Please bring water, a snack, gloves and loppers if you have them. We will have extra tools available.

For more information about Chubby Hiker Reviews, please visit https://chubbyhikerreviews.com/
For more information about KLT and to RSVP, please contact Baylee at bbachelder@tklt.org or 207-377-2848.

**CANCELED

Unfortunately due to the heat and the chance of severe thunderstorms this evening we are canceling tonight's Hopkins Stream Paddle.
Stay cool and we hope to see you at a future KLT event!

Hopkins Stream Paddle
Thursday, June 20, 5:30 PM
Taylor Pond Public Boat Ramp, Mount Vernon

Celebrate the summer solstice with a guided paddle up Hopkins Stream to the Ezra Smith Wildlife Conservation Area. Led by KLT staff. We’ll meet at the Taylor Pond Public Boat Ramp, paddle approximately two miles upstream and then return.

The extensive undeveloped uplands and wetlands along the Hopkins Stream corridor provide important wildlife habitat for ducks and wading birds.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Tree Identification and History Walk
Thursday, June 13, 4:30 PM
Gott Pasture Preserve Wayne

Join KLT and Maine Forest Service District Foresters Julie Davenport and Allyssa Gregory to learn tree identification skills and vocabulary. KLT’s Executive Director Theresa Kerchner will also talk about the land use history of the Gott Pasture Preserve. This 75-acre wooded parcel on Wilson Pond includes three vernal pools and over 1,100 feet of undeveloped shoreline. This land was farmed in the 19th century and then was a wooded pasture and woodlot.

We’ll be hiking a 1.2-mile trail that is moderately steep. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring water. For more information or to RSVP please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848. 

Nature Walk
Saturday, June 8, 9:00 AM
Small Burnham Conservation Area, Litchfield

Explore KLT’s Small-Burnham Conservation Area with trained Maine Master Naturalists. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the natural world, with a focus on plants, ferns, birds, and insects.

The Small-Burnham Conservation Area consists of 250 acres of woodlands, wetlands, hayfields, and ponds on the Pine Tree Road in Litchfield and is protected by a conservation easement.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Birding Walk at Davidson Nature Preserve
Saturday, May 25, 7:00 AM
Davidson Nature Preserve, Vassalboro

Join local birders from the Augusta Birding Club and KLT volunteers for a spring birding walk at the Davidson Nature Preserve in Vassalboro. The 97-acre Davidson Nature Preserve features ten acres of blueberry fields as well as wetlands and woodlands. Over seventy species of birds have been identified, so bring your binoculars! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Please leave pets at home.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Directions: From Augusta or Waterville take Route 201 to Vassalboro. Turn east on Bog Road for approximately 2.2 miles to the intersection with Taber Hill Road. Turn north (left) on Taber Hill Road for approximately 1 mile. Look for the KLT sign, parking lot, and sign-in box on the left (west) side of Taber Hill Road, just before Hussey Hill Road.

Not able to make this event? Check out Augusta Birding Club’s other trips including one at Shed Pond in Manchester and a night trip to Surry Hill in Fayette at augustabirds.org/wp/trips/

Our Maine, Book Talk
Tuesday, May 14, 6:00 PM
Lithgow Public Library Community Meeting Room, Augusta

Join editors Aram Calhoun and Malcolm “Mac” Hunter to learn more about the publication of Our Maine: Exploring Its Rich Natural Heritage. Our Maine celebrates Maine's natural history, lands, waters and wildlife and examines the human impact and changes through time. Over thirty scientists, writers, photographers, and artists contributed to this publication including KLT members and past lyceum lecturers. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. 

Lithgow Library – 45 Winthrop St. Augusta, ME

For more information, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Saturday, April 27, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest

Join us for this all-ages special event co-hosted by the Readfield Community Library and Kennebec Land Trust, in partnership with Maine Humanities Council! On Saturday, April 27th at 2:00 pm, we will gather at the KLT property “Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest” in Readfield.

The program will include a reading of the gorgeous picture book "The Secret Pool" by Maine author Kimberly Ridley and Maine illustrator Rebekah Raye, followed by an exploration of the Rosmarin and Saunders vernal pool and all its secrets and wonders led by KLT land stewards.

All participants will receive a copy of "The Secret Pool" to keep, thanks to a partnership with the Maine Humanities Council Discussion Project.

Registration is requested, but not required. Please contact the Readfield Library to register: librarian@readfieldmaine.org or 207-685-4089.

Rain date will be Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm.

Directions to site: From Route 41/17 in Readfield, turn onto Nickerson Hill Road. Travel for 0.6 miles, then turn left (south) into a small parking area. There will be a KLT sign.

Volunteer Day - Shrub Planting at Baldwin Hill
Thursday, April 25, 1:00 PM
Baldwin Hill Conservation Area, Fayette

Calling all volunteers! KLT has been working on a pollinator habitat enhancement project at the Baldwin Hill Conservation Cemetery in partnership with the Xerces Society.

Volunteers will work with KLT’s stewardship staff to plant native shrubs and spread mulch. Please bring water, a snack and gloves.

If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Baylee at bbachelder@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Saturday, April 20, 8 AM - 12 PM
West Gardiner and Litchfield

**With the weather not looking promising, we won’t be meeting for the cleanup. If you’re interested in adopting a section of road to do on your own time, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848.

Calling all volunteers! Celebrate Earth Day and help clean up the Cobbossee Watershed with Kennebec Land Trust and other area nonprofits. KLT will be focusing on cleaning up the Cobbossee Stream road crossings in West Gardiner and Litchfield.

At a past cleanup, close to 2,100 pounds of trash was removed from our stream and watershed by 107 volunteers in 31 different locations. We hope this year’s community collaboration will result in even more trash and debris cleared away.

Working together we can make our streams, lakes and rivers sparkle keeping our rivers, lakes, streams and oceans healthy.

Thank you for making this a great day!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org

Maine Big Night: From Salamander to Statewide Project
Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Office, East Winthrop
(Also available on Zoom) 
Monday, April 1st, 6:00 PM 

Every year when the ground has thawed, and temperature and weather conditions are right amphibians embark on a mass migration from their winter habitat to their breeding grounds in vernal pools and other wetlands during a “big night”. In 2018 Greg Leclair started the Maine Big Night citizen science project in one town to collect data on how roadways are affecting amphibians during their migration. It has now turned into a state-wide citizen science project and a new nonprofit. 

Join Greg LeClair on April 1 to learn more about the project, how it developed, and opportunities for getting involved! 

Saturday, March 2, 10 AM
North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area, Manchester

Join KLT stewardship staff for an “off-trail” excursion at the North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area in Manchester on Saturday, March 2 at 10 AM The group will explore the farm fields, surrounding woodlands and along the shores of the Tanning and Bond Brooks. Participants should bring snowshoes, skis and/or ice grippers depending on conditions and should be comfortable traveling off-trail in winter conditions.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop

February 3rd at 1:00 PM

Hallowell Fire Station on Coos Lane and

Effie Berry/ Howard Hill Conservation Area, Hallowell Join botanist Eric Doucette hosted by Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) and the Hallowell Conservation Commission (HCC) on February 3rd at 1:00 PM for a workshop on winter tree identification. Eric is an Associate Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and president of the Maine Josselyn Botanical Society. He will teach attendees how to identify trees using buds, twigs, bark, branching patterns and more. We’ll meet inside at the Hallowell Fire Station Meeting Room on Coos Lane to learn basic identification techniques and terms and then move outside to practice at the nearby Effie Berry and Howard Hill Conservation Areas.

Please dress for the weather and bring water, snowshoes or traction devices depending on the conditions and a 10x hand lens if you have one. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie (KLT) at mring@tklt.org at 207-377-2848 or Rosemary (HCC) at hallowellconservation@gmail.com.

Directions: From 201 in Hallowell turn onto Winthrop Street. In about a half a mile turn right on to High Street/Coos Lane and the fire station will be on the left.

We have a growing list of RSVPs and interested folks for this workshop on Feb 3. Please be aware of parking signs near the fire station, please do not park in spots marked for fire chief or fire station personnel.

There is parking near the Effie L Berry Conservation Area trailhead and around the Stevens Commons complex, all in easy walking distance to the Fire Station. Thank You!

Surry Hill Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Thursday, January 25, 5:30 PM

Surry Hill Conservation Area

Join KLT staff and volunteer property stewards to take advantage of the full moon for a hike or snowshoe at the Surry Hill Conservation Area on Thursday, January 25 at 5:30 PM. Please bring what you need to be comfortable for a night walk in winter, including a headlamp or flashlight, snowshoes, warm clothes, water, snacks, etc. The family-friendly hike will be approximately two miles long. For more information or to RSVP, contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Photo: Fyn Kynd Photography , Creative Commons  2.0,

Davidson Nature Preserve Full Moon Hike

Monday, November 27, 5:30 PM

Davidson Nature Preserve, Vassalboro

Join KLT staff and volunteer property stewards to take advantage of the full moon for a hike at the Davidson Nature Preserve on Monday, November 27 at 5:30 PM. Please bring what you need to be comfortable for a night walk, including a headlamp or flashlight, warm clothes, water, snacks etc. The family-friendly hike will be approximately one mile long. For more information or to RSVP, contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Directions: From Augusta or Waterville take Route 201 to Vassalboro. Turn east on Bog Road for approximately 2.2 miles to the intersection with Taber Hill Road. Turn north (left) on Taber Hill Road for approximately 1 mile. Look for the KLT sign, parking lot, and sign-in box on the left (west) side of Taber Hill Road, just before Hussey Hill Road.

Photo: Fyn Kynd Photography , Creative Commons  2.0,

Kennebec Land Trust and Wayne’s Cary Memorial Library are delighted to co-sponsor retired wildlife biologist Ron Joseph. Ron will be reading selections from his new book Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill: Memoirs of a Wildlife Biologist in Maine. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Ron Joseph grew up in central Maine, learning life lessons on his grandparent’s dairy farm, and then spent more than thirty years working as a wildlife biologist. Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs, and Hermit Bill is a compilation of forty stories that range from his youth to his working life to profiles of the people he has met along the way. Ron serves on the KLT Advisory Board. For more information call the library at 685-3612.

Saturday, October 14, 10 AM

Belz Road Readfield

Join KLT and Readfield Historians Dale Potter-Clark and Bill Adams on Saturday, October 14 at 10 AM to learn more about the history of the Rosmarin & Saunders Family Forest and Macdonald Woods. They’ll share more information about foundations and families, including the John Dutton family, in the old “West Road neighborhood” where the buildings were inhabited until the early 20th century.

We’ll meet at the end of Belz Rd in Readfield, walk past the Readfield Town Forest and Macdonald Woods, and then along the old West Rd. The walk is about 2.5 miles round trip.

We’ll meet at the end of Belz Rd in Readfield and walk past the Readfield Town Forest and Macdonald Woods and then along the old West Rd.

Hunting is allowed on the property, please wear orange.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848.

Directions: We’ll be meeting at the end of Belz Rd. From the North Wayne Rd. turn on Hathaway Rd. and continue 0.8 miles. Turn left on Belz Road and continue to the end.

Surry Hill, Fayette 
Thursday, September 21, 4:00 PM  

KLT has been working with Laura Suomi-Lecker, statewide grassland bird program manager for Ag Allies, and US Fish and Wildlife biologist Hannah Mullally to improve the Surry Hill fields for grassland bird and pollinator habitat. Join KLT staff, Laura, and Hannah for a field workshop focusing on the project. For more info and to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Photo: Bobolink, Laura Suomi-Lecker

Oak Hill Conservation Area, Fayette

Monday, September 11 5:00  - 6:30 PM 

The public is invited to tour an active timber harvest demonstration at Kennebec Land Trust's Oak Hill property on September 11, 2023 on the Norton Road in Fayette. Maine forester Harold Burnett of Two Trees Forestry will review the rationale for and the expectations of the selective harvest on a portion of the property.  Ron Dostie, an Augusta logger, will also be present to describe how to efficiently harvest trees without damaging residual ones and their underlying soils. Andy Shultz from Maine Tree Farm will have more information about the Maine Tree Farm program and how woodland owners can realize the full potential of their woods and District Forester Julie Davenport from Maine Forest Service will have information about resources for landowners.

The tour, which is co-sponsored by the Kennebec Woodland Partnership (https://www.tklt.org/kwp) and Local Wood WORKS (https://www.localwoodworks.org/why) will begin at 5:00 pm and likely last about an hour and a half. The Norton Road is just west of the intersection of Route 17 and the Fayette Corner Road in Fayette (https://www.tklt.org/oak-hill-conservation-area) .  Attendees should wear sturdy shoes/boots. For further information contact Harold Burnett at 377-7196 or KLT at 377-2848.

Sunday, August 20

Camp Androscoggin, Wayne

Celebrate Kennebec Land Trust's 35th Anniversary and 2023 conservation accomplishments at KLT's Annual Meeting on August 20. Join KLT for a walk at Perkins Woods Preserve, kids' nature art activities, or an open swim and paddle at Camp Androscoggin before the annual meeting. There will be live music by the Sandy River Ramblers during the bring-your-own picnic lunch with desserts and drinks provided.

10:30 - 11:30 AM Perkins Woods Preserve Guided Walk                

(Meet at Camp Androscoggin)

11:00 - 12:00 PM Time to visit with KLT Friends

- Anniversary slideshow 

- Kids’ Nature Art Activities

- Open Swim and Paddle

12:00 - 1:00 PM 35th Anniversary Celebration

- Bring-Your-Own Picnic Lunch   (beverages and desserts provided)

- Live Music by the Sandy River Ramblers

1:00 - 2:00 PM Annual Meeting & Intern Presentations

 Please bring a camp chair. RSVP by Friday, August 11 here or by calling the KLT office.

Photos: Photos credit: Sandy River Ramblers (top left), Andy Tolman (top right), Jean-Luc Theriault (bottom left), Jym St. Pierre (bottom right)

Thursday, August 17, 5:30 PM

Hales Pond Woodland Preserve, Fayette

KLT permanently conserved the 74-acre Hales Pond Woodland Preserve in 2022 thanks to a generous donation from Albert Ferguson and his wife, Effie, and John Moore’s companion Marilyn Donnelly.

Join KLT on August 17 to celebrate this conservation accomplishment and explore a new trail. There will be brief comments at 5:30 followed by refreshments and a hike on the property.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848. RSVPs are helpful, but not required.

Camp Bearnstow, Mount Vernon

Tuesday, August 1, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Artists Alison C. Dibble, Ph.D. and Candace McKellar will lead a workshop on botanical sketching. Suspend your self-imposed limitations while you have fun being creative. Sharpen your observation skills, and appreciate plants even more. Materials provided. Limit: 12 people, age 16 and over.

Cost: $18 ($13 for KLT members) - includes materials

To register, email Marie at mring@tklt.org or call 207-377-2848.

Photo: Ostrich Ferns, Oil on panel by Alison Dibble

Wednesday, July 19, 5:30 PM

Reynolds Forest Sidney

Kennebec Land Trust is pleased to announce that we have added another eight acres of field habitat to the Reynolds Forest in Sidney. This additional conservation land, donated by Leann Diehl, former Sidney resident, will enhance the conservation values of the contiguous Walter W. and Alice B. Reynolds Forest.

Join KLT, generous land donor Leann Diehl, and friends to celebrate this conservation accomplishment.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848

Directions: Directions: From Augusta, take the River Road (Route 104) north toward Sidney. Once in Sidney, look for the Dinsmore Road on your left. Turn onto Dinsmore Road. Please park along the road.        

Thursday, July 6, 4:30 PM

Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary, West Gardiner

Join botanist and author of Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts, Ralph Pope to learn more about moss identification and ecology. There will be a short walk, followed by a more in-depth moss identification session.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Marie at mring@tklt.org or 207-377-2848.

Volunteer Trail Work Day

Thursday, June 29, 10 AM

Hales Pond Woodland Preserve, Fayette

Calling all volunteers! Join KLT's stewardship staff for a trail work day at the Hales Pond Woodland Preserve in Fayette. This event is a part of the Love Maine Trails Month. Work will include trimming and clearing vegetation to create a new trail from Bamford Pond Rd. to Hales Pond. All experience levels are welcome! Please bring water, a snack, and gloves, loppers if you have them and dress for the weather. We will have extra tools available. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Marie at mring@tklt.org.

Directions: From Wayne, take Pond Road north to the four-way intersection with the Berry, Walton, and Richmond Mills Roads. Continue north onto Richmond Mills Road for approximately 1.3 miles;  turn right onto Bamford Pond Rd.; continue for approximately 0.3 miles and park along the road. Look for KLT staff