BRIDGTON – To explore the dynamic nature of wetland systems in spring, join the Lakes Environmental Association on Thursday, May 8, for two separate programs.

First, at 10 a.m., LEA educator and conservation biologist Bridie McGreavy will lead a vernal pool walk on the Narrow Gauge railbed. The focus will be vernal pool ecology and egg mass identification.

Participants should meet at the LEA Lakes Center, 230 Main St., to carpool to the trailhead. Rubber boots or old sneakers are recommended.

In the morning, LEA will explore the smallest of wetlands, but in the afternoon it will visit one of the largest wetland systems in the state: the Brownfield Bog.

LEA is teaming up with Nurture Through Nature for a sunset canoe trip in the bog. Participants may meet at LEA at 3:30 p.m. or at the Brownfield Bog parking area at 4 p.m.

The Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area, maintained by the state, contains hundreds of acres of bog to explore. As participants travel the shores and wetlands by canoe, the group will focus on bog ecology and ways to increase awareness toward the natural environment.

Novice and experienced paddlers are welcome. Pace will be gentle to connect with the wildlife and the landscape and the group size is limited to six to 12 participants. The fee is $30 for LEA members and $40 for nonmembers. It includes paddling and safety lesson, healthy snacks, guided excursion, canoe, paddle, lifejacket and programming.

For more information and to register, call Jen Deraspe at Nurture Through Nature, 452-2929 or LEA at 647-8580. For more information, go to www.ntnretreats.com.

The programs are part of the Caplan Family Environmental Education Series at LEA. For more information on these and other educational programs, visit www.mainelakes.org.