Bird walk

AUGUSTA – Pine Tree State Arboretum Executive Director Steve Oliveri and retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Don Mairs will present an “indoor bird walk” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19.

The two birding enthusiasts will lead visitors through the natural science scenes inside the Maine State Museum and will identify the birds displayed.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free that day. For more information, contact the museum at 287-2303 or visit www.mainestatemuseum.org.

Hiking workshop

SOUTH PORTLAND – An “Introduction to Hiking” workshop, sponsored by Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the South Portland library.

Experienced Maine Chapter leaders will discuss a variety of topics for those who are new or relatively new to the hiking experience. Safety will be emphasized. Everyone is welcome to the free workshop.

To register and for more information, contact Joleen Rice at 892-2685.

Lyme disease

GRAY – A display on Lyme disease will be presented at the Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26, on Saturday, May 19.

Wildlife Days will be held on consecutive weekends through the summer, sponsored by the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park. Presenters featuring a variety of wildlife topics will set up exhibits and demonstrations from roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on most Saturdays.

Lyme disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975 after an unusual outbreak of arthritis near Lyme, Conn. Since then, reports of Lyme disease have increased dramatically.

The Maine Medical Center Research Institute will have lots of information about ticks and control of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

The park has more than 25 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Nov. 11.

Admission is free for ages 3 and under; $4 ages 5 to 12; $6 for adults; and $4.50 for seniors. For more information, call 657-4977 or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Fort programs

AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Landmark fort, store and house historic site on the riverfront in downtown Augusta, will re-open for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 27 and 28. The fort will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.

Saturday, May 26, will be Friends’ Day. Members are encouraged to attend, celebrate the beginning of the new season and learn about what’s new in collections, research and interpretation.

A special period dinner will be prepared by chef Tom Girard. The dinner is open to the first six people to register. The cost is $60 per person, $50 for Friends of Old Fort Western. The registration deadline is Friday, May 18. Call 626-2385 to register.

Sunday will be Augusta Open House Day. All Augusta residents and their guests will be admitted free. A new Augusta-resident membership program will be introduced.

On Monday afternoon, the fort’s interpretive staff will read the names of Augusta’s war dead. Visit www.oldfortwestern.org for more information.