GRAY – Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park announce the following events for the season. All programs run from approximately 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, May 7, “Bluebirds”: Learn how to attract bluebirds to backyards and gardens with the appropriate nest boxes and placement in correct habitat.

Saturday, May 14, from 9 to 11 a.m., “Wildlife Enrichment Workshop”: Help enrich the lives of captive wildlife. Create fun activities for animals and watch a few creations being enjoyed before leaving. There will be a $3/pp materials fee. Preregister by calling Sherri at 657-4977, ext. 1.

Saturday, May 21, “Fly Tying and Fly Casting” with Trout Unlimited: Sebago Trout Unlimited Chapter members will be on hand to teach fishing techniques. Learn to cast, tie a fly and bring it home to try.

May 28 to 30, Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park annual plant sale.

Saturday, June 4, “Maine Conservation School”: Learn more about outdoor camp sessions at Bryant Pond for boys and girls ages 8 to 17.

Saturday, June 11, “Maine Custom Wood Sculpture”: Join Bill Fournier as he uses a chainsaw to create eagles and bears. Watch a block of wood become a work of art. Finished pieces will be for sale.

Saturday, June 18, “Randy’s Taxidermy”: Owner Randy Brooks will have an extensive display of the tools of his trade and several finished mounts.

Saturday, June 25, “Maine Forest Service”: Meet a district forest ranger and learn how they help protect forests and manage woodlands. A special photo opportunity with Smokey the Bear from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 2, “The Deer Tracker”: Join Dick Bernier for information about the white-tailed deer. Learn how to become a better observer or hunter of deer. Slide show.

Saturday, July 9, “The Creature Catcher”: Using a dozen mounted specimens, Dana Johnson, registered animal damage control agent, will answer questions about common local furbearers, their habits and habitats. He will also demonstrate and give advice on use of live traps.

Saturday, July 16, “Streaked Mountain Wood Carvers”: one of six chapters of the Maine Wood Carvers Association, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and promoting the art of woodcarving. Several carvers will display a variety of carving skills. Some of their demonstration pieces will include waterfowl, song birds, raptors, fish, bear and moose. They also plan to have hands-on soap carving for youngsters.

Saturday, July 23, from 8 to 10 p.m., “Creatures of the Night Hike”: Learn what wildlife does at night by the light of the moon and a flashlight. Special exhibits. Regular admission fee; canceled if raining.

Saturday, July 30, “Maine Custom Wood Sculpture”: Join Bill Fournier as he uses a chain saw to create eagles and bears.

Saturday, Aug. 6, “Wild Turkey Federation:” An exhibit about a wildlife success story for Maine; Maine Bowhunters Association, learn more about the sport of bowhunting.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, pow-wow: Native American craft vendors, drummers, dancers, singers and traditional foods.

Saturday, Aug. 20, from 8 to 10 p.m., “Owl Prowl”: Learn what wildlife does at night under the light of the moon and a flashlight. Special owl displays. Regular admission fee.

Saturday, Aug. 27, “Sparks Ark”: Dave Sparks will have information and displays about wild animal emergencies and nuisance wildlife removal.

Saturday, Sept. 3, Wildlife chalk art contest for Kids: Local artists will give kids instructions on creating wildlife art with chalk on paved roads and walkways; prizes will be awarded. Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 4.

Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife annual open house: Free admission, donations appreciated, IFW biologists, wardens and hatchery staff with a variety of special fish and wildlife exhibits and displays.

Sunday, Sept. 11, Grandparents Day: Free admission for grandparents; regular fees charged for all other family members.

Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., Halloween Night Hike: Special Halloween displays, spooky stories, wear costumes, door prizes. Regular admission. (Rain date: Saturday, Oct. 15).

Friday, Nov. 11, “Veterans Day”: closing day for the park; free admission for veterans.

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