Calendar

Please Note that Reservations are Required for Most Events so we can plan accordingly. You can register here by emailing Director Gary Hayward at waywards@hotmail.com, or calling 586-6752.

Saturdays, Sept. 18-Oct. 23 (9-11 am) Fall Vegetation & Seasonal Wildflowers with Wanda Garland presented by SAD 40. This is a field based course to identify wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, lichens, moss and more! Participants must be able to hike over rough terrain - please wear hiking boots! To register or FMI Contact Susan_Taylor@sad40.k12.me.us. Cost is $50 for HVNC supporters, $60 for all others.

Sat. Sept. 25, 8-12:30 pm. Pond Ecology and Fishing/Canoeing. Hike into Little Dyer Pond for a discussion of pond ecology focusing on pond life, and a paddle and fishing. Facilitated by Gary Hayward, Registered Maine Guide and Chuck Dinsmore, local zoologist. Wear good hiking footwear for the mile walk in. All equipment provided. You must have a current fishing license to fish. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the event. Suggested donation for HVNC supporters is $10, all others $15.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3 - Timberframing Class, co-sponsored by MOFGA (see below for more info)

Sat. Oct. 2, 10--12:30 - Geology walk with Eli Lazarus. Explore the interesting terrain HVNC has to offer with this knowledgable geologist. Suggested donation $5.

Sun. Oct. 3, 10-12:30 - Birdwalk/Learn about Feeding Birds in the Winter with Jerry Therrien and Connie Arness, expert birders from Mid-Coast Audobon. Suggested donation $10.

Sun. Oct. 3, noon-4 pm – HVNC free open house, explore the extensive trails, pond and remote cabins; treasure hunts; drumming; food dehydration talk. Check out the timberframing class as they assemble the building. Bring your lunch.

Sun. Oct. 31 (9-12:30) and Sun. Nov. 7 (9-4). Chainsaw for Beginners – Co-Ed. Come learn chainsaw safety, what safety gear is needed and what to look for when buying a chainsaw. Also learn how to and actually “do” bucking and felling of small trees safely. Personal Protective Equipment (chaps, eye protection and steel toed boots) required for class session two. A highly respected equipment dealer will be present on day one with items and equipment for sale at reduced prices. No previous experience necessary. Cost is $110 for HVNC supporters, $120 for all others. Co-sponsored by Mofga (check with amarshall@mofga.org at mofga for scholarship info). Click here for chainsaw registration form. Price is $110 for HVNC supporters, $120 for all others. We are searching for course sponsors so that we can reduce the price charged to participants. AMES SUPPLY in Wiscasset in our first corporate sponsor!

Timberframing Classes (held several times each year)

Co-Ed - Thurs. Sept. 30 - Sunday Oct. 3

Co-sponsored by Maine Organic Farmers And Gardeners Association, Hidden Valley Nature Center’s sustainable forestry program offers a 4 day Timber Framing and Stump to Hut Workshop. Learn timber framing basics in a hands-on setting where participants will experience the entire process from felling the trees to the finished product. Timber framing will be taught by Bob Lear, who has 22 years of timber framing experience.
On the first day, students will go into the woods and help select and harvest trees under the guidance of a professional forester and HVNC’s woodlot managers. Logs will be taken by small scale low impact equipment to a portable bandsaw mill located at the workshop site and operated by Richard Hatch. During the next three days the workshop will teach basic joinery options and will provide hands-on experience while building a small shed. If you have an idea for a building let us know and we might be able to design and build it in the class.

Program cost is $400 for HVNC supporters, $450 for all others (consider joining), includes all materials; breakfast and lunch provided by the Alna Store. No previous experience necessary. HVNC’s rustic overnight facilities are available at reduced rates. FMI see the registration form or contact Gary at 586-6752 or waywards@hotmail.com.

________________________________________________________________________________

RECENT PAST EVENTS

Special Mountain Bike Ride Sunday, Aug. 22. Conditions for mountain biking at Hidden Valley Nature Center are perfect. Trails are all dry and most have been mowed. We will leave from the Gate at 9:00 AM and go for about 2 hours. There are many options for those that want to do more or less riding. Chris and Gary Hayward, both experiences riders will lead the group. Bring water and a snack. We will stop at the lake for a break. Suggested donation $5 - it helps toward trail maintenance.

August 3 (9-11 am) - Kids in the Woods with Forester Barrie Brusila. Learn how to identify different trees using all your senses! Look for signs of wildlife! Try out some of the cool tools that foresters use! Do you like to be outside instead of sitting behind a desk? Come learn what it's like to be a forester.

HVNC AND MOFGA CO-SPONSOR CHAINSAW SAFETY FOR WOMEN – July 24 & July 25. Come learn chainsaw safety, what safety gear is needed and what to look for when buying a chainsaw. Also learn how to and actually “do” bucking and felling of small trees safely. Personal Protective Equipment required for class session two. This includes helmet, eye protection and steel toed boots. A highly respected equipment dealer will be present on day one with items (gear and chainsaws) for sale at reduced prices. No previous experience necessary. Instructors are Pete Tracy and tish carr. The fee for the class is $120, $110 for HVNC supporters.

July 18, 25, August 1, and 8 -Insects of HVNC: Their Identity, Biology and Ecology.This course, taught by Dr. Dan Townsend, will offer an introduction to insects, their fascinating biology, and some of the diverse and critical roles they play in the earth’s ecosystems. We will focus, of course, on the insects we can observe at HVNC. However, a major aim of the course will be to provide participants with a foundation of skills and knowledge that will enable them to continue studying insects wherever they find them.
Major topics will include the basic insect anatomy and taxonomy used in distinguishing among the major groups and in identifying insects, learning about insect ways of life, behaviors, adaptations for foraging and feeding, reproduction, and life histories. While each day will involve some “classroom” time in HVNC’s yurt, most of the time we will be out in “the field” observing and learning first-hand who insects are and what they do. At a minimum, we will observe, capture, identify and study common insects of field, forest and aquatic habitats at HVNC. For those participants who are interested, there will be the chance to help HVNC begin building a reference insect collection.
The course will comprise 4 one-day sessions. Each day (9-4) will consist of a morning session and an afternoon session. On one date, an evening session will be substituted for either a morning or afternoon, to allow study of nocturnal (night-active) insects.
Participants need not have any prior experience with insects, and although a basic background in biology will be helpful, it is not necessary. Most important will be an interest in natural history and a genuine desire to learn about this fascinating part of the natural world. Collecting equipment, dissecting tools, microscope and field guides will be provided.
The price for this 4 day course is $100 for HVNC supporters, $150 for all others (consider joining).

July 13 (4-6 pm)- MOFGA Apprentice Workshop on Sustainable Forestry. http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=298

July 8-11 - Timberframing Class, co-sponsored by MOFGA (see below for more info)

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (ongoing) (6:30-8 pm) - Drumming at the Yurt with Judy Nielsen

Sunday, June 6. 2-6 pm. - Trails Work Day/Build a Bird House/Volunteer Appreciation BBQ/Raffle Draw.

Sunday, May 2, 8:30-4. Orienteering Class with Chris and Gary Hayward. (click for more info)

Saturday, May 1, 8 till noon - Pond Ecology and Fishing/Canoeing on Little Dyer Pond with Gary Hayward and Chuck Dinsmore (click for more info)

Saturday, May1, 9 -11 am. - Spring Wildflower Walk with Ecologist Jerry Therrien (rain date May 2). Jerry has conducted a flora and fauna inventory at HVNC resulting in the new interpretive trail along Warbler Way and Crossbill Lookp.

Sunday, April 25, 3-6 pm - Take a Break Sring Supper kicking off Yurt Roof Campaign. Baked Beans and Alna Store’s Fish Chowder will be on the menu along with bread, desserts, and drinks. Drumming will be led by Andy Shultz; extra drums will also be on hand. Raffle tickets for a cord of wood, a picnic table, and an overnight in either Hermit Hut or 2 Dog Hut will be available at the Supper.

Saturday, April 24, 9-11 am - Discover the Wonders of Vernal Pools with Bonnie Potter. Vernal pools provide the primary breeding habitat for wood frogs, spotted salamanders, blue-spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp, as well as valuable habitat for other plants, spring bearing amphibians and many insects and invertebrates. Bonnie will help unlock some of the mysteries found in these seasonal forest pools.

Thursday, April 22, 8 - noon. Earth Day/Retired But Not Tired Work Day. The crew will work on a variety of tasks such as clearing the trails, removing downed timber, bridge repair, spring cleaning of huts, and preparing bird house kits. Be prepared for mud and bugs. Canoes are available for an afternoon paddle (bring your fishing pole and license) or just enjoy the Nature Center. Bring gloves, safety glasses, bug protection, lunch, water, and loppers, bow saw or pruners if you have them.

Friday Mar. 12, noon - Sunday Mar. 14, 1 pm. Introduction to Winter Camping with David Butler, Maine Path and Paddle Guides.
Winter camping can be a fun filled adventure. The solitude and silence of a moon lit night on a crisp clear February night can provide beauty and awareness about the outdoors during the season that seems least appreciated to outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, without proper preparation and respect for what a Maine winter might deliver could turn into a not so happy experience. This course will provide information about the skills to maximize your winter camping experience.

Sun. Feb. 28 - Guided Full Moon Hike

TWO PART MAMMALS AND TRACKING with Lynne Flaccus, Chewonki Foundation

*Thurs. Feb. 25, 6-7 pm. Inside at SVCA. Learn about Maine's common mammals and their habitats. By viewing mounts, slides and other materials, we'll learn where to look for mammals and their tracks.

*Sat. Feb. 27, 10 am - noon. Lynne will lead a walk at HVNC to look for and study animal tracks.

Sat. Feb. 27, 12:30-2:30. Guided snowshoe hike for kids. Limited number of snowshoes available. Reservations required - 586-6752.

SAT. FEB 20, 1-3 PM - WINTER WALK TO BLACK SPRUCE BOG AND MYSTERY POND WITH JERRY THERRIEN. JERRY WAS SO EXCITED BY HIS FIRST TRIP TO THIS NEW GEM THAT HE HAD TO SHARE IT WHILE CONDITIONS STILL PERMIT. SOME OF HIS FINDS INCLUDE PITCHER PLANTS, RHODORA, COMMON WINTERBERRY, BLACK SPRUCE, MALEBERRY, MOUNTAIN HOLLY, SHEEP LAUREL, LARCH, LABRADOR TEA AND LEATHERLEAF AND A PEAT BEAVER LODGE.

Sun.-Mon. Feb. 14 and 15 - Kids - Guided Snowshoe Hike with Maine Guide Gary Hayward.

SAT. Feb. 6, 8 am-4:30 pm. Winter Camping Skills Workshop with David Butler, Maine Guide, Maine Path and Paddle Guides. $40 for HVNC supporters, all others $50.

Learn how to enjoy all that winter has to offer while staying comfortable in the outdoors. Participants should plan on being outside for the entire course. The course will begin at the HVNC gate with a review of the plan and a brief shakedown of each participants gear. The workshop will be interactive and participants can expect to be active throughout the day. A suggested gear list will be provided to all participants.

JAN. 30, 5 pm - 6:30 pm. Guided Full Moon Hike with Gary Hayward.

Saturday, Jan. 30, 12:30-2:30. Kids snowshoe with Naturalist Jerry Therrien and help place tree identification signs on Warbler Way and Cross Bill Trails. (Thanks to grants from New England Grass Roots Environmental Fund and Maine Forest Service.)

Sun. Jan. 24, 2-4 pm. Free snowshoe day for kids and their parents.

Sat. Jan. 23, 2-4 pm. Free snowshoe day for kids and their parents.

TWO PART OWL PROWL with Lynne Flaccus, Chewonki Foundation

*Wed. Jan. 20, 6-7 pm. Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will host a Chewonki Foundation Program on the owls native to Maine and New England. Through slides and sounds participants will learn identifying characteristics of some of our most common owls, and learn about their natural history and habitat needs. Hands on materials including skulls, feathers and talons will be used to explore the unique adaptations of these amazing hunters. Several of Chewonki’s live birds will allow the audience a close up and intimate view of these otherwise secretive creatures!

*Sat. Jan. 23, 6- 7:30 p.m. HVNC will host an owl prowl. Participants should bring binoculars if desired, a small flashlight, and should dress appropriately for the weather. During a short hike we will call, look, and listen for local owls, and try some “see like an owl” experiments!

Dec. 5, Natural Wreath Making with Melissa Hunnibelle

October 18, HVNC Third Anniversary Open House Celebration

Sept. 20, 8:30-noon, Guided Nature Walk with Ecologist Jerry Therrien

Sept. 20, 8:30 - 4 pm, Compass and Orienteering Course with Chris Hayward and Gary Hayward

Sat. Sept. 12, 10 am, Bugs of the Forest with Charlene Donahue, MaineForest Service

Sat. Sept. 12, 8:30 am, Wetlands Walk with Ecologist Jerry Therrien

Friday-Sat. Sept. 11-12, FOREST GUILD SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY WORKSHOP-

This two day class sponsored by Forest Guild (www.forestguild.org) will highlight a tour of the sustainable forestry activities at Hidden Valley Nature Center. It will cover many hands-on skills and management tools including innovative stream crossings, water management/controls, bridges, portable sawmill demo, pruning, small scale harvesting (equipment demonstration- forwarder, tractor, winch, dozer, firewood processor), wetlands delineation and forest ecology, timber stand improvement, forestry cost-share programs, silviculture, recreational uses of forest land, log cabin built on-site from low-grade pine, and road repair.

Pond Ecology and Fishing/Canoeing on Little Dyer Pond. HVNC will host a morning at and on one of Maine’s Great Ponds. This will include a hike into Little Dyer Pond for fishing (we have 6 canoes and sets of paddles), a discussion of pond ecology focusing on early-spring pond life, and a paddle on the pond. The morning will be facilitated by Gary Hayward, Registered Maine Guide and Chuck Dinsmore, local zoologist. Registration is limited so sign up early; reservations required by April 28, 5PM. We will leave from the HVNC gate @ 7:45 AM and finish by noon. Wear good hiking footwear for the walk to the pond and bring alternative footwear for the canoe if you wish. Life vests and fishing gear are available or bring your own (PDF must be certified). You must have a current fishing license if you plan to fish. Also, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the event and wander HVNC’s extensive trails. There are picnic tables at various locations on the property. Suggested donation for HVNC supporters is $10, all others $15.

Orienteering, Map and Compass. Participants will learn many useful skills including how to use topographical maps and a compass to find where you are and how to get from where you are to designated places in the woods. The course will dispel the myth that you “Can’t get there from here.” After lunch we will put the skills to the test by navigating through an orienteering course.

The course will be taught by two Registered Maine Guides, Gary Hayward, of Just-For-The-Fun-Of–It Guide Service and Director of Hidden Valley Nature Center, and Chris Hayward, a highly accomplished outdoorsman (and Gary’s son) and professional teacher of outdoor skills.

Bring good walking shoes, water, binoculars, compass and GPS if you have them, and your curiosity. Contact Gary at (207) 586-6752 (email: waywards@hotmail.com) or Chris at (207) 836-2157 (email: mainetrips@yahoo.com) for more information or to make a reservation. The class will be limited to 8 participants to assure everyone learns the skills. Cost per person - $75.00 for HVNC supporters, $85.00 for all others. Lunch provided at Hidden Valley Nature Center’s Hilltop Yurt.

Guided Nature Walk.

Enjoy a walk in the woods with Professional Ecologist Jerry Therrien as you soak up the wildlife. Learn to identify creepy crawlers, plants, birds, amphibeans, ferns and mushrooms in all seasons. Minimum cost is $30. Contact Gary Hayward at 586-6752 or waywards@hotmail.com to make arrangements.

Compass and Orienteering Course with Maine Guides Chris Hayward and Gary Hayward.

If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to know where you are and where you are going, this class is for you. Be prepared for your next hiking or snow shoeing adventure.

Course includes both classroom and field work. Beginning with basics of navigation, compass parts, taking and following bearings, map features, participants will progress to handrails, backbearings, offshooting and triangulation. After lunch, learned skills will be used by navigating through an orienteering course.

Cost is $85 per person including lunch. (HVNC Supporters $75 per person.)

INSTRUCTORS
Chris Hayward, Registered Maine Guide and Adventure Racer, of "Maine Trips Guide Service" 207-836-2157, mainetrips@yahoo.com AND Gary Hayward, Registered Maine Guide, of "Just For The Fun Of It" Guide Service, 207-586-6752, waywards@hotmail.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Guide Services Available For Day and Overnight Activities

Canoeing, Fishing, Camping, Kayaking and Rock Climbing

Fully or partially guided to meet your family or group enjoyment by our own local Registered Maine Guides. For Details contact: Gary Hayward, Just for the Fun Of It, 207-586-6752, waywards@hotmail.com or Chris Hayward, www.mainetrips.org., mainetrips@yahoo.com.

WALKS, HIKES & BIKES

Schedule a walk, hike or bike with your group, family, or friends. And with winter snows, enjoy x-country skiing and snowshoeing, too.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is located in the Jefferson-Whitefield State Wildlife Sanctuary where no hunting is allowed. There is an extensive 20+ mile trail system within a 7000 acre roadless area.

Enjoy a crisp morning outing in a Maine Wildlife Sanctuary followed by lunch at the Hilltop Yurt.

Canoe & Fish

-On a secluded 100 acre Maine Great Pond
-Venture into meanduring inlets and outlets
- Fish for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Perch, Pickerel

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT

Spend 2 days and 1 night with your family or friends in a yurt located in the middle of 800 secluded acres. Hike, fish, canoe, or just relax in nature with no power, gadgets, phones or hassles. All while enjoying home cooked meals prepared by a Registered Maine Guide.

Contact Gary Hayward, Director, for event registration and other scheduling opportunities at 207-586-6752, waywards@hotmail.com.

Become a Supporter or make other tax-deductible donations by mailing to: Gary Hayward, P.O.Box 135, Alna ME 04535.

workshop registration- timberframing

HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER and MAINE ORGANIC FARMERS AND GARDENERS

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
TIMBERFRAMING FOR BEGINNERS
Name(s)_ __________________________________________________________
Mailing Address______________________________________________________
City___________________________ State______________ Zip______________
Home Ph. _______________ Cell ______________ Best time to call____________
email____________________________ Preferred method of contact__________
How did you hear about the class?______________________________________

I (we) fully understand the risks involved in participating in this workshop and release HVNC, MAINE ORGANIC FARMERS AND GARDENERS ASSOCIATION, and all workshop participants, teachers and demonstrators from responsibility for any injury I (we) might incur.
Signed:__________________________________________ Date______________
Signed:__________________________________________ Date______________
______number attending x $ 425 ($400 for HVNC Supporters)
= Total Enclosed _______________ for the class on (dates) ______________
(includes all materials and tools, breakfast and lunch).
Primitive camping and accommodations available.
Bring sturdy work shoes (steel-toed preferred), safety glasses, ear protection.
Make check payable to Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC).
Please mail your registration to HVNC, P.O. Box 135, Alna, ME 04353.
(586-6752), hvnc.org, waywards@hotmail.com.

HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
Co-sponsored by MOFGA
CHAINSAW SAFETY CLASS
Name(s)_ __________________________________________________________
Mailing Address_______________________________________________________
City_____________________________ State______________ Zip______________
Home Ph. _____________________ Cell ______________________
email_________________________________________________
Preferred method of contact__________________ Best time to call____________

Signed:__________________________________________ Date______________
Signed:__________________________________________ Date______________

_____number attending x $ 120 ($110 for HVNC supporters) =

___________ Total Enclosed for the class on (dates)______________________

Make check payable to Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) and send it along with this registration to HVNC, P.O. Box 135, Alna, Maine 04535. FMI contact Gary at 586-5837 or waywards@hotmail.com.

Bring tools, safety clothing, steel toed work shoes, safety glasses, chain saw, or purchase them at the first class. Steel toed boots required for second class.

Hidden Valley Nature Center

Egypt Rd., Jefferson, Maine