Stop by and ask why: Experts on hand at Little Long Pond

Photo by Nikolai Fox

This summer, in addition to our popular field walks, we’re introducing a new way to explore the natural lands at Little Long Pond. During peak season (June through early September), our natural lands staff will offer daily drop-in opportunities for visitors to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this special place.

We’ve found that visitors to Little Long Pond are naturally curious and we’re here to help you dig deeper. Each day, staff will be available for informal, flexible conversations that connect what you’re noticing to the bigger story of the landscape. No need to register. Just stop by, ask questions, and stay as long, or as briefly, as you like. Most interactions will be 5–15 minutes and shaped by your interests.

Wondering about the water, carriage roads, insects, birds, soil, or fireflies? We’ll follow your curiosity wherever it leads.

Loons at Little Long Pond; photo by Megan Bourke

For example, many people are interested in birds but haven’t yet tried binoculars. We’ll have them on hand so you can get a closer look at our loon family and learn about their ecology.

Kids, meanwhile, are often drawn to the pond itself. This year, we’ll get in the water with them to explore fish, frogs, and other aquatic life using nets and collecting jars.

Land Steward Ed Hawes with a snapping turtle

You’ll find us most often at the Boathouse, a central hub for visitors. We’ll bring along field guides, animal skulls, feathers, bird nests, preserved insects, binoculars, and more. There will be plenty to see, touch, and investigate.

We aim to offer this program weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with additional weekend hours whenever possible. On select summer weekends, educators from the Maine Outdoor School will join us at the Boathouse.

This program is for all ages. Kids are especially welcome. To schedule time for your family or to volunteer your expertise in field biology, please contact Tate at tbushell@gardenpreserve.org.

We hope you will stop by and say hello. We never quite know what we’ll discover together.

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