BOWDOIN – The Delta Institute of Natural History in Bowdoin and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay are collaborating to cosponsor a series of New England Wild Flower Society programs for beginning and advanced plant and natural history enthusiasts in Maine.

Maine residents can more easily participate in America’s most extensive native plant education program as part of more than 275 courses, trips and events held year-round across New England. The society is headquartered at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, Mass.

Members receive special discounts on courses, as well as on select Maine nurseries. Join online at www.newenglandwildflower.org.

Some of the programs are free, including the volunteer training for those making a commitment to participation. The society’s fee-based courses require advance registration. Contact [email protected] or phone 508-877-7630, ext. 3303, for details.

The society’s Conservation Department seeks volunteers to join the conservation programs, including invasive plant mapping and other critical field projects throughout New England. A focus is the early detection and response to new invasions. No previous experience is necessary.

Comprehensive free training will be provided, as well as field trip and advanced training opportunities. Volunteers are needed in Maine. Apply now for training beginning in April. For more information, visit www.newfs.org and contact [email protected] or phone 508-877-7630, ext. 3204.

“Plant Systematics – Module 4,” which focuses on family-level identification with a focus on modern taxonomy, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Delta Institute. Module 5, which provides students with the broadest topics in the series, including evolutionary history, will be held Jan. 22. Instructor will be Arthur Haines, research botanist and author of “Flora of Maine.”

“Winter Twig Identification” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, Boothbay. Learn a way to identify woody plants and have a winter outdoor activity. It is designed for beginner to intermediate level. Instructor will be Haines. Preregistration required at [email protected]. Cost is $50.

The New England Wild Flower Society maintains three sanctuaries in Maine: the Annie Sturgis Sanctuary in Vassalboro, Harvey Butler Rhododendron Sanctuary in Springvale and Robert Tristram Coffin Wildflower Reservation in Woolwich. Visits are free and the sanctuaries are open year-round. For a listing, visit www.newenglandwildflower.org.

A field trip, “Wildlife Tracking Weekend in the North Woods Greenville,” will be held Feb. 3 and 4. Professional wildlife tracker C. Diane Boretos will lead the trip. Cost of $210 includes instruction and some meals. Does not include lodging. Members receive discounts on fees. Preregister at [email protected].