Outdoor

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Star Party

with Southern Maine Astronomers

Oct

Next session: October 3rd, 2026

$20 More Info

Interested in the night sky? Join us for an enchanted evening of star-gazing! Hosted by members of Southern Maine Astronomers (SMA), these ‘star parties’ include naked eye, binocular, telescopic, or electronically-aided telescopic viewing with the support of trained volunteers, as well as brief talks or demonstrations focused on the how-to's of observing. SMA is a community of folks interested in astronomy, a few of us even do that as a job. We learn and exchange ideas at meetings that include an astronomy talk and open mic discussions of recent observing experiences or other astro-bites. The tone is light, we're in this for fun. We look at (or photograph) stuff in the sky at our star parties, talk about the objects we see, share views and information about our gear. *Rain/Cloud Date: 10/17.

Understanding Constitutional Carry and Legal Use of Force

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Nov

Next session: November 23rd, 2026

$35 More Info

This three-hour course is for firearm owners and nonowners. You’ll learn what to do when you see an attack or if you are attacked and respond with force. You’ll learn how to contact the first responders, how prosecutors might view what you did, rules about concealed carry in the US and Maine, and various ways to protect yourself without using a firearm. Part of a series but can be taken separately. Class taught via Zoom.

Mushroom Walk

with David Spahr

Sep

Next session: September 6th, 2026

$45 More Info

Join seasoned forager David Spahr on an immersive mushroom hunt, exploring habitats, structures, and safe foraging practices. Uncover surprises in each walk, shaped by season and location. Suitable for all ages (8-15 with a registered parent), this moderate-difficulty hike promises an exciting, educational adventure. Supply List: Notebook and pen to take notes, sensible clothing and footwear, water, snack and bug repellant. A basket or bags are optional. NOTE: This class will start with an outdoor talk at the waterfront followed by the walking portion.

Invasive Bittersweet Baskets

with Zack Rouda

Jan

Next session: January 16th, 2027

$55 More Info

So-called “Oriental” or round-leafed bittersweet is a creeping vine with inedible berries that is considered invasive in North America. Frustrating to gardners and arborists, and not readily favored by birds, bittersweet is a largely useless bane on wild land. We can use traditional harvesting techniques to tend Asian bittersweet in the wild: harvesting material for baskets while controlling and suppressing future damaging growth. We will cover identification, responsible collection, materials processing and storage, and creation, including the basics of stake-and-strand twining and weaving. We will shoot for a basket about 8-inches wide and 4-inches deep. Price includes all required tools and materials.

Pine Needle Baskets

with Zack Rouda

Oct

Next session: October 13th, 2026

$85 More Info

Learn to identify, regeneratively gather and harvest, properly store and process, and weave with pine needles. We'll cover the basics of coiled basketry, which is a global, ancient human skill, and create a wonderful pine-needle basket. All tools and materials will be provided. *Program includes all required tools and materials.

Using Your Compass Outdoors

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Oct

Next session: October 6th, 2026

$40 More Info

We’ll be outside practicing how to follow and set bearings and navigation tricks of the trade in the light and in the dark! A compass never runs out of batteries or fails to connect with a satellite. *Students should have taken Map & Compass Level 1 or have experience using compasses with maps. **Students must have a headlamp, a flashlight and a 2-degree baseplate compass.