MEDIA ADVISORY

Weekend Trips in Maine Mountains Chance to Learn About Botany, Birding, Fly Fishing

HIGHLAND PLANTATION, Maine, June 3, 2005

In June and early July, Maine Audubon is offering two weekend trips to connect with nature in the foothills of Maine's Bigelow Range.

From 6 p.m. on Friday, June 17 to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, "Birding and Botany for Beginners" will explore the relationships between plants and birds the Northern Forest.

Co-led by an expert birder and botanist, evening programs and daytime excursions into the fields and woods around Highland Plantation will cover a range of topics and include observation and identification techniques.

Co-leader Ron Joseph is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who conducts bird surveys and works with private landowners to restore bird and other wildlife habitat. Co-leader Theresa Kerchner is a botanist, ecologist, and the stewardship and education director at the Kennebec Land Trust.

Limited to 12 participants, the trip is $245 for Maine Audubon members, $255 for nonmembers. Price includes lodging and meals at Claybrook Mountain Lodge beginning Friday evening.

From 7 p.m. on Friday, July 1 to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 4, a three-day fly-fishing retreat will introduce participants to the techniques and secrets of fly fishing, including casting, fly tying, and the habits and habitat of fish.

Leader Greg Drummond has been a Registered Maine Master Guide for 25 years, guiding for hunting, fishing, and hiking as well as leading nature trips in the Bigelow area afoot and on the water. He and his wife Pat Drummond have owned and operated the Claybrook Mountain Lodge since 1985.

Limited to 10 participants, the trip is $295 for Maine Audubon members, $310 for nonmembers. Price includes lodging and meals at Claybrook Mountain Lodge beginning Friday evening. Fishing equipment can be rented at the lodge.

For more information on these or other Maine Audubon trips and programs, call (207) 781-2330.

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MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action.

With a 160-year history of connecting people with nature, Maine Audubon today is affiliated with Audubon’s national organization and has seven local chapters in the state. Support for Maine Audubon comes from 11,000 members and supporters, including individuals, foundations and corporations. Its headquarters are in Falmouth, Maine, five minutes from Portland.

Maine Audubon offers hands-on environmental education programs and activities that reach people of all ages throughout Maine. Through its two environmental centers and 11 sanctuaries statewide, Maine Audubon provides a diverse range of learning activities, classes, seminars, walks and trips designed to build lasting relationships between people and nature.

For more information or to become a member of Maine Audubon, call (207) 781-2330 or visit www.maineaudubon.org.

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