HIGHLAND PLANTATION – Maine Audubon is offering two weekend trips to connect with nature in the foothills of Maine’s Bigelow Range.

The relationships between plants and birds of the Northern Forest will be explored in “Birding and Botany for Beginners” from 6 p.m. Friday, June 17, to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 19.

Co-led by an expert birder and botanist, evening programs and daytime excursions into the fields and woods around Highland Plantation will cover a range of topics and include observation and identification techniques.

Co-leader Ron Joseph is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who conducts bird surveys and works with private landowners to restore bird and other wildlife habitat. Co-leader Theresa Kerchner is a botanist, ecologist and the stewardship and education director at the Kennebec Land Trust.

Limited to 12 participants, the trip is $245 for Maine Audubon members, $255 for nonmembers. Price includes lodging and meals at Claybrook Mountain Lodge beginning Friday evening.

A three-day fly-fishing retreat will introduce participants to the techniques and secrets of fly fishing, including casting, fly tying, and the habits and habitat of fish will be held from 7 p.m. July 1 to 1 p.m. July 4.

Leader Greg Drummond has been a Registered Maine Master Guide for 25 years, guiding for hunting, fishing and hiking as well as leading nature trips in the Bigelow area afoot and on the water. He and his wife, Pat Drummond, have owned and operated the Claybrook Mountain Lodge since 1985.

Limited to 10 participants, the trip is $295 for Maine Audubon members, $310 for nonmembers. Price includes lodging and meals at Claybrook Mountain Lodge beginning Friday evening. Fishing equipment can be rented at the lodge.

For more information on these and other Maine Audubon trips and programs, call 781-2330.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.