Maple Tree Tapping & Syrup Making

Available Mid-March Through Early April

Maple syrup production is an important part of Maine's history and culture. We offer two programs.

A 90 to 120 minutes program where students learn how to identify different types of maple trees during the winter when there are no leaves to guide us. When we find our desired trees, students will help Arboretum staff set up a tap line for sap collection.

A longer variation of this program (4 hours or more) includes sap boiling and syrup tasting demonstration. This program is completely outside. Be prepared for cold weather conditions.

Vernal Pool & Pond Exploration

Available Late March Through August

Our Vernal Pool/Pond Exploration program focuses on the creatures who rely on temporary and permanent water sources. Vernal pools are a fleeting oasis for many unique forest species in Maine. Unfortunately, they are threatened by human activities. This field trip program focuses on ways to identify vernal pools and provides suggested activities for protecting them. The Viles Arboretum landscape features many vernal pools, and this program provides a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look into these complex and fragile ecosystems.

Soil Chemistry

Available Year-Round

Our Soil Chemistry program is an opportunity for students to put the concepts they’ve been learning in class into real-life practice. Farmers, gardeners, horticulturists, and anyone working in agriculture-related fields use chemistry every day. This program shows that chemistry is fun and informative as we conduct experiments in the field. Students will help Arboretum staff collect data for planting by conducting soil chemistry experiments, measuring key nutrients, and testing soil pH. This program features real life experiments with colorful reactants. This program is perfect as an introduction to the concepts of chemistry for primary and middle school students and can easily be adapted for high school science students

Tree ID & Forestry

Available Year-Round

Students learn to better identify our native Maine trees by looking at bark, buds, branching, leaves and even smell. We will discuss the importance of knowing how to ID trees and how trees play an important role in the lives of humans and wildlife. This program can be scaled to suit all age levels. A forest measurement component can be applied to programs offered to high school students if desired.

Nature Walk

Available Year-Round

Our classic nature walk program is designed to align with the work students are doing in the classroom. Our 220 acres include a variety of landscapes, gardens, forests, aquaculture, wildlife, birds, and insects – any feature can serve as the focus of a nature walk. A nature walk can also provide a general overview of the many features of the Arboretum. In addition, Viles Arboretum also features 20 collections of trees including heritage apples, oak, maple, and pine trees that flew on the Space Shuttle. Each collection can be the focus of a nature walk. Program content also changes seasonally, for example, a spring program could cover bird migration and vernal pool life, while a fall program might focus more on the science behind changing leaves.

Scavenger Hunt

Available Year-Round

Our classic nature walk program is designed to align with the work students are doing in the classroom. Explore the Arboretum at your own pace with one of our self-guided scavenger hunts and discover key landmarks, unique plants, and hidden features across the grounds. Suitable for all ages and group sizes.

Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing

Available December Through March Depending On Trail Conditions

An excellent program for students of all ages, snowshoeing is an opportunity for groups to safely explore the Arboretum in the winter. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it or use our equipment collection. This program provides a basic overview of technique and equipment fitting and use. Once participants are comfortable, we embark on a winter tour of the Arboretum.