Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
Rental Information & Policies

Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is the headquarters of Maine Audubon, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection, conservation, and enhancement of Maine’s ecosystems through the promotion of individual understanding and actions. The center is situated on a 65-acre wildlife sanctuary of meadows, woods, and salt marshes alongside the Presumpscot River Estuary in Falmouth. The sanctuary’s trails are open free of charge for public use and are ideal for nature study, walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just quiet reflection. Organized programs for school and community groups, as well as the general public take place in the visitors center and on the sanctuary grounds throughout the year.

Facilities Available

Center facilities available for public rental include the L.L. Bean Great Room in the main program building. Measuring 30 x 50 feet, this room can accommodate a maximum of 125 people. The room can be divided into three separate rooms, each of which can seat up to 30 people. Chairs and tables are available, but renters are responsible for providing their own audio-visual equipment. A small kitchen with stove, microwave, and refrigerator is available. The entire building, including two restrooms, are handicap accessible. Adjoining the building outside large sliding doors is a 25 x 60 foot stone patio. In the adjacent orchard there is enough space to erect a 40 x 80 foot tent. A staff member will be on the premises during rentals to answer questions and assist with any emergency situations.

Requirements:

The site must be left in a neat and orderly fashion because the premises are open to the public the following day starting at dawn. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Damages:

The renter assumes all financial responsibility for damages or loss to Maine Audubon and for any personal injury which may occur during or as a result of use of the property. Careful consideration must be given to equipment and furnishings. Refund of the security deposit depends on the condition of the premises following a rental. The property manager will check the site within 48 hours of an event before releasing a deposit.

Meeting Fees:

The three partitioned rooms in the Great Hall are available for 4-hour increments at the rate of $50 per room per half day. Charges are cumulative per room. Grounds-only rental is $250. Renters must remember that the grounds and remainder of the building are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily, including during rentals.

Social Functions:

The facilities are available for social function rentals only after 5 p.m. The fee for building use (ground floor only) is $1500; for the building and grounds, the fee is $2500. A $500 security deposit is required.

Political Events:

We are unable to accommodate rentals for partisan political events.

Fund Raisers/Use of Name:

Maine Audubon’s name may not be used in any way to publicize such meetings or in any way that would infer Maine Audubon’s support. These events must be by invitation only and closed to the general public.

Payment:

Full payment is required at the time of a rental. For social functions, renters must also present a signed contract, insurance liability form, and security deposit.

Cancellations:

It is important to let us know if a function has been cancelled as arrangements are made to have a staff member available to cover the building. A cancellation fee equal to 25 percent of the total rent is held on all reservations canceled more than two weeks prior to your scheduled reservation. A 50-percent cancellation fee is held on all reservations cancelled less than two weeks from the event. No refund is given for cancellations received within 5 or less working days from your scheduled reservation.

Set-up:

For all events and social functions, renters/caterers are responsible for set up and break down. Maine Audubon will try to accommodate renters with space for storage of rental equipment and extra time for set up, however this must be arranged ahead of time so as not to interfere with other programs and other renters.

Items Available:

Equipment available for inside use only includes 120 folding chairs, six 6-foot tables and six 8-foot tables.

Liquor Regulations:

If alcohol is to be served, the renter must contract with a Maine state licensed bartending service. Maine Audubon reserves the right to remove (or have removed) intoxicated parties at the renters’ cost.

Trash:

Trash and leftovers are the responsibility of the renter. Trash must be removed from the building and taken from the premises or placed in the dumpster to the right of the barn. This should be part of the renter’s contract with the caterers.

Smoking:

Maine Audubon’s buildings are smoke-free. Smoking is permitted on the premises outside of buildings. Renters are responsible for providing receptacles for smokers to use.

Parking:

Parking areas on the property are designed for pedestrian safety and to allow easy passage of emergency vehicles. Please observe parking signs.

Telephone:

A telephone is available for emergency use and for local outgoing calls.

For further information or to schedule an event, please contact Carroll Tiernan, Maine Audubon Society, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, Me. 04105 or call 207-781-2330, ext.210. or e-mail at: ctiernan@maineaudubon.org