LEWISTON – “Planting for the Birds” will be a featured part of the Fall Nature Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary.

A hands-on seminar will be held at the canopy opening on the Blue Trail, which has been informally managed as a different kind of habitat for wildlife over the last 10 years.

A local landscaper has provided a large selection of native trees and plants for the area, which will be used as demonstration plantings. Participants will be encouraged to help with the planting while listening to lectures on various aspects of landscaping that may attract birds to a yard or woodlot.

Cooperative Extension, the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and Provencher Landscaping will provide demonstration materials and literature.

Representatives from these groups, along with members of the Stanton Bird Club, will help participants learn the basics of using plants to provide habitat for wildlife. Topics will include selecting plants for food and cover for wildlife, invasive plants, soil amendments and mulches, proper planting of barerooted and potted plants and their care and maintenance.

Those wanting to join the session should meet Susan Hayward at the main gate at 1 p.m. for the short walk to the Blue Trail knoll. Contact Gary Maurer at 524-2060 for more information.

Other events will include the following:

From 8 to 11 a.m., field trip to Sabattus Lake: A hotspot for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Ruddy duck and coots are regulars. Leader: Tom Hayward. Meet at the Sabattus Street Hannaford parking lot.

From 11 a.m. to noon, return to Thorncrag for a walk up the trails with sanctuary naturalist, Susan Hayward, to see the fall foliage and learn which trees turn what color and why. Meet at the main gate.

From noon to 1 p.m., picnic at the Anthony Fireplace. Bring a lunch. Water will be provided.

From 1 to 3 p.m., native shrub-planting demonstration. Join experts from the Androscoggin Soil and Water Conservation District and Provencher’s Nursery to help plant native wildlife shrubs along the Blue Trail. Participants will learn how to plant, what to plant and what not to plant (invasives) and what wildlife uses the shrubs. Participants will receive free literature to help plant wildlife shrubs at home. Meet at the Main gate.

For more information or questions, call Susan Hayward at 782-5238

In the event of rain, the festival will be canceled.