2011-2012
Family Discovery Programs

Audubon Family Discovery programs will lead you and your child into the wonders of the natural world through direct hands-on exploration, stories, songs, movement, natural arts and crafts, and games. Please come prepared to be outdoors at our Gilsland Farm sanctuary for part of each program

Download our Family Discovery Flyer

To register for any of these programs, call (207) 781-2330.

Fledglings

Ages 2-5 with parent or guardian
Bring your young children to enjoy new experiences as we sharpen our senses and discover what lives in the sanctuary’s forest, meadow and wetlands.

Tuesdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
$110/member, $165/nonmember
Winter: January 3-March 20

Register Online

Spring: March 27-June 12

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
$110/member, $165/nonmember
Winter: January 4-March 21

Register Online

Spring: March 28-June 13

Curious Cubs

Ages 3-5 drop-off program
Have fun playing, making friends and exploring to celebrate wildlife through the seasons and investigate the mysteries beyond the orchard. We’ll provide a snack and enjoy picnic lunches together.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
$275/member, $418/nonmember
Winter: January 3-March 20
Spring: March 27-June 12

Good Night Nature

Young children with parent or guardian
Join us for this gentle hour based around a bedtime story about animals of the night. Come in your pajamas, but be prepared to venture outdoors in the moonlight. We’ll play, sing, create art and have a snack before you head home to sleep.

Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$10/member, $15/nonmember

February 7, 2012 Register Online

March 6, 2012 Register Online

April 3, 2012

May 8, 2012

Look What I Found

Ages 3-5 drop-off program
Unwind for a half day during February and April school vacation weeks. We’ll follow the lead of Maine animals, combining free exploration with active discovery through hikes, games and creative arts.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
$25/member, $37/nonmember
Register Now

Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Register Now

9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
$25/member, $37/nonmember

Registration Information

Advance registration is required for all preschool programs. Stop by Gilsland Farm Audubon Center or call (207) 781-2330 to register.

Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
Cancellations: a refund can only be issued when a replacement is found minus a $10 cancellation fee. If Maine Audubon cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.
Classes are limited to 10 children.
All programs spend a portion of each class outside; please be prepared for the day’s weather.
For classes with parent participation, we ask that parents bring only the child participating in the program.

Emergency Weather Conditions and Maine Audubon Preschool Programs

Occasionally, severe weather will alter our usual preschool program schedule. If Maine Audubon's buildings are closed due to inclement weather, all programs are cancelled during the closed period. Please note that we may close for only a portion of the day, depending on the storm. If our buildings are open, unusually severe weather conditions can force the cancellation of a program for that day. The decision to cancel classes will not necessarily match the decision of local schools.You will need to call.

To find out if Gilsland Farm Nature Center is open to the public call 781-2330. Classes will not be held if the nature center is closed.

To find out if preschool classes have been cancelled, even if the nature center itself is open, you will need to dial 781-2330 ext. 223 after 8 a.m.

In the case of a weather cancellation, Maine Audubon will automatically give all preschool program participants a credit for the cost of that day that can be used when registering for any future programs (even non-preschool programs). Please note that when you do sign up for a future program you will need to remind our registrars that you have a credit. This credit will expire after one year. As always, please make a decision for yourself about whether the roads in your area are safe for driving. Thank you.