Maine Wildlife Park ‘Summer Wildlife Days’
Route 26, Gray 
2009 Event Calendar

Open daily mid-April-November 11 9:30am-4:30pm Admission Fees
Sponsored by the ‘Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park’
These special displays may be viewed from approximately 11:00am to 2:00pm unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, May 30 MAINE FOREST SERVICE and SMOKEY THE BEAR Join a District Forest Ranger from the MAINE FOREST SERVICE District Office in Gray. A Maine forest ranger will be on hand to demonstrate and display the tools of his trade. Forest Rangers are involved in developing, advocating for, and promoting activities that encourage the sound, long term management of our forest resources, protecting the forest from the effects of fire, insects, disease and misuse. They are charged with providing accurate, relevant, and timely information about Maine forests to landowners and the public. A special photo opportunity for the kids will happen from 12 noon to 12:30pm, when Smokey the Bear will arrive to meet his fans. Bring your cameras for photos of Smokey with your children!

Saturday June 6 ALL ABOUT BATS NIGHT VISIT 7:30pm-9:30pm Join the Chewonki Foundation from Wiscasset to learn about ‘nature’s own bug zappers’. Chewonki will bring their Batmobile, and you will be able to meet their live, permanently injured Big Brown Bat, too! Take a short bat tour in the park’s wetland area to try to see live wild bats as they emerge at dusk to start feeding. Although bats have poor reputations; they are actually quite beneficial to people. Bats eat nearly their weight in mosquitoes each night before flying back to spend daytime in their protected roosts. But more than _ of US species are endangered or in serious decline. Maine has 8 different species of bats; some of which hibernate throughout the winter; others that migrate to south to spend the cold, insect-free months in warmer climates. There will be examples of bat houses that you can build to attract bats to your neighborhoods; the kids can participate in “bat crafts”; and there will be a brief video about bats to view.
The Wildlife Park will open to the public for this special night visit, so visitors can view both our resident, and our ‘wild’ wildlife at night. We recommend that you bring your own flashlights, and we will cover them with red cellophane to improve your night vision. The regular admission fee will be charged for this special night visit (If weather is questionable, please call the park automated voice mail FMI @ 657-4977) The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for snacks and souvenirs!

Saturday June 13 FLY TYING AND FLY CASTING WITH TROUT UNLIMITED

If you have ever wanted to try your hand at FLY TYING AND FLY CASTING, the Wildlife Park is the place to be on Saturday June 13th from 11am to 2pm! Members of the Sebago Chapter of Trout Unlimited will demonstrate and invite participation from kids and parents alike to learn these popular fishing arts. Several teenage assistants will be on hand to help visitors with their fly tying and fly-casting techniques. Learn how to tie a fly, and then bring it home with you to try in the nearest stream or lake. TU will also have a display featuring some of the many fish and habitat restoration projects with which they are involved. A fun introduction to a sport on which you might ‘get hooked’!

Saturday June 20 FISH AND WILDLIFE DAY 9:30am-3:30pm This event is designed to showcase the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s programs, projects and personnel. The department is charged to preserve and protect the fish and wildlife of the state, for everyone to enjoy. Hunting and fishing are a part of Maine’s outdoor heritage; but now, more Maine citizens do not hunt or fish than participate! Whether you are seeing a bald eagle soar, photographing a moose; enjoying loons and other waterfowl; or catching a glimpse of a bobcat; watching wildlife is popular with hikers, kayakers, bicyclists, picnickers, state park visitors, back yard bird feeders and those just out enjoying the woods and waters of the state. These folks, who do not directly financially contribute to our wildlife and habitat preservation programs, need to know more about what the Department does, to ensure their enjoyment of Maine’s abundant wildlife both for now and into the future. Wildlife and fisheries biologists, safety officers, hatchery staff and game wardens will be on hand and in person, to talk about their fishery, wildlife, safety and enforcement programs and projects throughout the day. Come and learn what we do, and how we support the habitats and populations of all of Maine’s wildlife…..making Maine a better place for people, too! The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for snacks and souvenirs!

Saturday June 27 TRAILS END TAXIDERMY Come and see a variety of examples of the delicate art of taxidermy with Dana Soucier of TRAIL’S END TAXIDERMY and Tom Berube from Tom’s AVIAN Taxidermy. Taxidermy is a method of reproducing a life-like 3 dimensional rendition of an animal, bird or fish for permanent display. The modern practice of taxidermy incorporates many crafts, including carpentry, woodworking, tanning, molding and casting; and it also requires an artistic talent for sculpture, painting and drawing. How do taxidermists take that trophy fish or set of antlers and make a mount? What equipment is used to create a lifelike depiction of a deer, game bird, reptile or small mammal? Dana and Tom are local taxidermists, and will bring a variety of supplies with which to demonstrate the different stages of the art, answer questions and inform you about the long and detailed history of taxidermy.

Saturday July 4 MEET A LIVE BALD EAGLE

Celebrate the recovery and return of the symbol of America on our nation’s birthday. Because of the work of the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, there are now over 450 nesting pairs of bald eagles throughout the state. Bald Eagles have also been removed from the Endangered Species List in Maine, and nationally. During the Spring of 2005, unusually wet and windy weather caused a number of bird species to fail in their nesting attempts. Two young bald eaglets hatched in the Sebago region, only to be blown from their nests in the wild and windy weather of May. Unfortunately, both suffered permanent wing damage in their long falls to the ground. These now 4th year bald eagles reside at the wildlife park, and have been hand raised for eagle education programs. Join Maine Wildlife Park staffers Pam and Nikki Richardson and a bald eagle named ‘Lawrence’ for an informative program about eagles in Maine. This 4-year-old eagle now has the full white head and tail of an adult bird, and he is impressive to see, learn about and photograph up close! The Bald Eagle will be presented from 11am - 12noon & 1:30pm only!

Saturday July 11 WEAR YOUR PJ’S NIGHT VISIT It’s going to be a ‘WILD’ night at the wildlife park when this night hike is held from 7:30pm-9:30pm under bright moonlight skies. What do you do to get ready for bed? You’re invited to wear your pajamas to a night visit at the park. Take a short learning tour through our nature trails to find out how our animals prepare for and survive during the hours between dusk and dawn. Participate in special games, displays, and learn more about Maine’s “wild nightlife” in the comfort of your PJ’s! Even our mascots, Kennebago Bear and Moxie Moose will be wearing their ‘jammies’. We recommend that you bring your own flashlights, and we will cover them with red cellophane to improve your night vision. The regular admission fee will be charged for this special night visit. *Please call the park office with questions if it appears to be raining* (The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open!)

Saturday July 18 MAINE WOODSMAN DAY
Join a variety of woodworkers today as they demonstrate various methods of wood carving. The Streaked Mountain Wood Carvers will be on hand with many examples of a variety of Maine wildlife carved in wood, with some pieces for sale. In addition, there will be instruction and hands-on opportunities for kids to try their hand at soap carving a wild animal! Streaked Mountain is one of several chapters of the Maine Wood Carvers Association (MWCA). This group organized early in 2003 and was accepted as a chapter of MWCA later that same year. The Maine Wood Carvers Association (MWCA) traces its’ beginning†back to the mid 1950s. There are currently 6 chapters in Maine, and they are always looking to form additional chapters. MWCA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and promoting the art of woodcarving. There will be several carvers on hand to demonstrate their different carving methods
Maine Custom Wood Sculpture chain saw artist Bill Fournier will demonstrate his techniques for creating eagles, hawks, bears, wolves, mountain lions and more from pieces of white and Norway pine, fir, cedar or spruce; using only a chain saw! The carved animals range in height from 2-3 feet, to up to 7 feet tall! Bill is from the Auburn area, has been carving for 9 years, and started this popular art form as a hobby. Now his work is in demand around the state and New England. He will have several pre-carved animals on display and for sale, and plans on carving a 4-5 foot tall standing bear for the demonstration. Bring your cameras and your earplugs!††Nate Gould, Assistant Superintendent at the Wildlife Park, will also be demonstrating the use of a chain saw -- but with a different outcome. He will be carving a wooden chain with moveable links and accessories out of one solid beam, or ‘cant’. Bring your cameras and your ear plugs for these great demonstrations of different wood carving methods!

Saturday July 25 MAINE’S NATIVE TURTLES Join Wildlife Park staffers to see and learn about the 7 species of native Maine freshwater turtles living in our backyard pond habitat. Learn about their natural history, the Maine habitats in which they are found, and some of the threats facing turtles and their habitats. Individual turtles will be on hand to view and photograph up close. Meet endangered, threatened and rare Blandings, Spotted and Wood Turtles. Learn how you can help our native turtle populations, and where to look for the rare ones. Turtle program times will start at 11am, 12noon, and 1pm.

Saturday August 1 CHAINSAW ART WITH RON CARLSON Ron Carlson is a professional chainsaw carver from China, Maine. He began woodcarving in the mid 1960s and enjoyed this highly rewarding hobby until the early 1990s, when a friend introduced him to the chainsaw. The speed and versatility of chainsaw cutting amazed him, and his lifelong hobby became his business in 1993.
Thousands of pieces later, he now specializes in carving bears because they're fun to make and a challenge to give personality and character to. Ron has carved almost every animal, abstracts, and all sorts of strange custom requests: from airplanes - to the 7 dwarfs - to giant gorillas on safari. He has shipped his art to a dozen countries worldwide. Ron can be contacted directly at roncarlson@fairpoint.net.

Sat/Sun. August 8-9 NATIVE AMERICAN POW-WOW - HONOR THE ANIMALS!
On Saturday and Sunday, August 8TH AND 9TH, the fifth annual ‘HONOR THE ANIMALS POW WOW will take place from 9:30am-4:30pm on both weekend days. There will be Native American drumming and dancing demonstrations, craft vendors, singers and traditional foods. Representatives of the Maine Abenaki, MicMac & Passamaquoddy†tribes will be in attendance as vendors and presenters, and Native Americans from other New England states are expected to be at the park as well. The Park’s Bald Eagle and Red Tailed Hawk will be presented as a part of each day’s Grand Entry. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the native people of Maine and New England, their traditions, heritage and culture. All proceeds from the POW WOW are being directed towards new exhibits for our wildlife. Regular park admission fees will be charged. This event will go on rain or shine.

Saturday August 15 MAINE BOWHUNTERS ASSOCIATION YOUTH ARCHERY
Archery has had a long history in recreational sports; and participants range from grade-school age children to senior citizens. Archery is safe and easily learned, and is becoming increasingly popular in Maine. Join Jerome Richards, President of Maine BowHunters, and certified Firearm & Archery Safety Instructor for the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and his wife Tina for some hands-on fun with archery! The Richards will set up targets, showcase a variety of bows, and provide instruction so you and your kids can try your hands at archery. This is an activity that appeals to families, both genders and all age groups; as well as an extremely fast growing sport; and is a new way to approach both traditional target shooting and hunting opportunities.

Saturday August 22 LIFE OF THE HONEY BEE
Did you know the Honeybee is the official Maine State Insect? Or how important the honeybee’s work is to the success of the official Maine State Fruit, the Wild Blueberry? Learn about the industrious life†of the honeybee, its job as an important pollinator of fruits and vegetables, and the†role of the†beekeeper.††Parts of the beehive and beekeeping equipment will be on display, and several experienced beekeepers will be available to answer your questions.† Pure Maine Honey and other products of the hive will be for sale.
The Cumberland County Beekeepers Association (CCBA) is a local chapter of the Maine State Beekeeping Association (MSBA). They promote the art of beekeeping in the Cumberland County area through open-hive sessions, monthly meetings with guest speakers, and other educational events.† Anyone with an interest in beekeeping is welcome!†No prior knowledge of beekeeping is necessary.† CCBA meets monthly on the 1st Monday at 7:00pm in the library at the Mabel Wilson School, 353 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, ME, 04021.†For†further information,†visit the MSBA website at:† http://www.mainebeekeepers.com

Saturday, August 29 MAINE CUSTOM WOOD SCULPTURE
Join Maine Custom Wood Sculpture from 11am-2pm as chain saw artist Bill Fournier demonstrates his techniques for creating eagles, hawks, bears, wolves, mountain lions and more from pieces of white and Norway pine, fir, cedar or spruce. The carved animals range in height from 2-3 feet, to up to 7 feet tall! Bill is from the Auburn area, has been carving for 9 years, and started this popular art form as a hobby. Now his work is in demand around the state and New England. He will have several pre-carved animals on display and for sale, and plans on carving a 4-5 foot tall standing bear for the demonstration. Bring your cameras and your earplugs!††

Saturday Sept. 5 LANDSCAPING FOR WILDLIFE WITH SKILLINS GREEHOUSES
Expert native landscaping staff will be on hand from Skillin’s Greenhouses with a variety of potted native shrubs, trees and plants that are suitable for planting in your yards; and are great for providing wildlife food and shelter as well! Songbirds, small mammals and even some reptiles and amphibians can benefit from providing the proper food, water and shelter in ‘micro-habitats’ around your home. In addition, these plantings can beautify your property; and provide windbreaks or heating/cooling benefits to your home. Fall is a great time to transplant new shrubs and trees, and better yet, this great selection of native plants will be ON SALE!! Skillin’s will also have handouts and other native ‘wildscaping’ information available. You can also visit the wildlife park’s Demonstration Wildlife Garden, and Wetlands and Wildlife Trails, to see and learn more about the native plants that benefit a variety of Maine wildlife.

Sunday Sept. 6 GRANDPARENT’S DAY
The first Governor, Arch Moore, established ‘Grandparents Day’ in 1973 in West Virginia. In the same year, a state Senator introduced a Grandparents Day Resolution in the United States Senate. The resolution languished in committee while its grassroots supporters turned to the media to garner support. They also began contacting governors, senators, and congressmen in every state. They sent letters to churches, businesses, and numerous national organizations interested in senior citizens. In 1978, five years after its West Virginia inception, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. (September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the "autumn years" of life.) Today millions throughout the United States observe this event, begun by only a few. In honor of grandparents everywhere, the Maine Wildlife Park will offer free admission to Grandparents today who are accompanied by their grandchildren; while regular entrance fees for all other family members will be in effect.
CONTACT LISA.KANE@MAINE.GOV TO RECEIVE THIS ELECTRONICALLY

Saturday Sept. 19 RICK CHARETTE CONCERT
11-12noon, rain or shine!
As a singer and songwriter, Rick Charette has been capturing the hearts and spirits of young and old alike with his delightful and inspiring children's songs. His performances blend original contemporary pop music and lyrics with imaginative activities that generate all kinds of audience participation. Many of the songs he will perform at the park will be about all kinds of Maine Animals! Rick graduated from the University Of Southern Maine with degrees in Music Education and English. Elementary teachers across the country use his music in their classrooms to enhance and facilitate their language arts programs. He has been a featured speaker at the Northeast Whole Language Conference, a keynote speaker at the National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as other education conferences around the United States. Rick Charette travels throughout the U.S. and Canada performing at schools and concert halls. His music has been featured on Peter Pan and Walt Disney Records and been cited in Entertainment Weekly and Billboard magazines. The television broadcast on NBC-TV affiliates in New England entitled "An Evening with Rick Charette" won the National IRIS Award for programming excellence. His music receives airplay on such radio networks as KTOO-FM, Juneau, Alaska which syndicates its program "We Like Kids" on 35 public radio stations around the U.S. Concert excerpts of his songs are a regular feature on "The Learning Channel" (national cable). Rick has released ten albums, two children's picture books and two live concert videos, which are distributed nationally and have sold over a quarter million copies to date. Rick will sign autographs and sell CDs after this live show. Regular park admission fees will be in effect. Bring your cameras and your lawn chairs!

Friday October 23 HALLOWEEN NIGHT VISIT
On Friday, October 23RD our 6th annual and extremely popular HALLOWEEN NIGHT VISIT will run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm under the 1st light of the rising quarter moon. Adults and kids should wear their costumes and get into the spirit of Halloween while enjoying a crisp fall evening with our wildlife. Halloween decorations throughout the park, a haunted tree trail, spooky stories, a costume contest, face painting, discovery stations and more will add to the excitement. You can bring your own flashlights, or some may be available to purchase at the gate. We will provide red cellophane to cover your flashlight beams, which will help improve your night vision. Volunteer guides will be stationed at special exhibits to talk a bit about the animals’ nightlife. Kids can have their pictures taken with Moxie Moose and Kennebago Bear in full costume!
The regular admission fee will be charged for this special night visit. This special program will be postponed to the rain date if necessary; call the park automated voice mail @ 657-4977 for up to date information on the day of the hike. (Rain date Saturday, October 24) The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for snacks and souvenirs!

Wednesday, November 11 VETERANS DAY / CLOSING DAY FOR THE PARK
On Wednesday, November 11th, the Maine Wildlife Park will close for the 2009 season. Since it is also Veteran’s Day, the park would like to recognize and thank all Maine military personnel and veterans for their service to our country by offering veterans a free adult admission to the park on our final day of operation for
2009.

Our picnic shelters and Outdoor Classroom may be reserved for parties, special occasions, family gatherings and more! School programs and tours are available. Consider volunteering at the wildlife park. There are opportunities for gatehouse attendants, tour guides, gardeners and store clerks in the snack shack and nature store. FMI, please call 207-657-4977 x 0.

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