We are pleased to announce our Spring 2021 Educational Class Series! Starting in January we will be welcoming a group of highly-talented instructors to host a series of educations classes at the Arboretum. All courses offered this spring will be hosted either outdoors, or in our spacious Viles Room to allow for safe, socially distant education opportunities. Some of our instructors even offer hybrid options to allow individuals to participate from the safety and comfort of their own homes!
We are fortunate to be able to offer a wide variety of diverse courses, there is an opportunity for everyone regardless of age, ability level or interest.
If you were looking for the opportunity to develop a new hobby to help you make the best of Maine's long winter days, we have several artists ready to help you get started!
Jude Hsiang of Versicolor will be teaching Wear Natures Colors, a course in natural dyes. Participant will learn about different natural dyes and techniques and have the opportunity to dye a silk scarf of their own. This is an amazing opportunity for those who have been interested in learning to use dyes but are not yet ready to invest in their own equipment.
Shalimar Chassé of Buker Studio Arts will be offering Inspired by Nature, an art series which hopes to introduce participants to the many connections between art and nature. This class has sessions each focuses on a new topic and is largely choice based. You are welcome to participate either in person, or virtually, and individuals of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend. This is an excellent course for families due to its high degree of flexibility. Topics may include drawing, nature photography, soap carving and instrument making.
Serena Sanborn is offering Nature Journaling. Serena recently graduated the Maine Master Naturalist program and is an excellent resource for aspiring naturalists. Participants will have the opportunity to start their own nature journal and experiment with different mediums. Participants are encouraged to bring their own journal as well as basic art supplies, however if you cannot obtain these items for yourself, or are just not certain you are ready to commit to purchasing your own art supplies, basic supplies can be provided. This course will, weather permitting, include the opportunity to snowshoe!
Not all that interested in art? We have you covered!
Ever wondered how you would identify the trees in your woodlot after they have dropped their leaves? Stephen Oliveri will be offering a course in Winter Tree Identification. This course will teach participants to look beyond the leaves and make observations in bark texture, branch patterning and other key features to determine what tree they are looking at during any time of the year. This course is excellent for new woodlot owners or those who are generally curious of their surroundings. This is an excellent course for families too!
Mariah Maheux of Mainely Dog Training will be offering two classes here this spring, Puppy Preschool and Basic Obedience. Have COVID protocols made it difficult for you to find safe socialization opportunities for your puppy? Puppy Preschool will give you the opportunity to get your new addition out of the house to meet new dogs and people and allow for basic training foundations to begin. Basic Obedience will teach dog owners to effectively communicate with their dog and provide them the tools to combat problem behaviors.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our Spring Classes!
