RANGELEY — Inspired by Wilhelm Reich’s interest in the natural environment, the Wilhelm Reich Museum began its Natural Science Program in 1989. Today this program provides year-round environmental educational and recreational activities for all ages, available free of charge to the general public.

Throughout the summer, naturalists and environmental educators will utilize Orgonon’s 175 acre property of fields, forests, trails, wetlands and shore frontage on Dodge Pond along with the sheltered outdoor classroom and conference building–to share their knowledge of the Rangeley Lakes habitat. During the other seasons, the museum sponsors family-oriented workshops, community events, and outreach programs to local schools.

The programs, which are free, take place rain or shine from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, meeting at the Outdoor Classroom of the Wilhelm Reich Museum. Participants should expect hiking on the museum’s trails and wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and bug conditions.

Programs include:

July 5: Bat Monitoring at Lake Umbagog with Wildlife Biologist Sierra Marchacos

July 12: Herbal Medicine Making with Herbalist Abbi Mountain

July 19: Exploring the Natural World with Expert Naturalist Warren Balgooyen

July 26: Climate Change in Maine with Maine Climatologist Sean Birkel

Aug. 2: Animals of Maine with State Park Manager Bruce Farnum

Aug. 9: Hiking the Grounds of Orgonon with Americorps hiking trail expert Amanda Gardner

Aug. 16: Permaculture with Natural Ecosystems with Scott Vlaun from Center for Energy-Based Economy

Aug. 23: Mushrooms in Maine with Michaeline Mulvey

Aug. 30: Signs of the Changing Season with Maine Master Naturalist Beth Maddaus

FMI: 207-864-3443.