Looking forward to spring and being outside?  Try these wonderful trips...

2012 Field Trip Calendar - Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition

Add these dates to your calendar for a refreshing respite from the everyday in 2012.

“Anyone is welcome on outings,” they tell us. “We offer an easy alternative to the more challenging trips. For more information, or in questionable weather, call 338-1147 for details or check our website www.belfastbaywatershed.org”

March 10, Saturday. Ski/snowshoe Ducktrap River Trail, Northport. Meet on Rt. 52 at Coastal Mountains Land Trust parking for Ducktrap River, 7 miles south of  Rte. 1 light in Belfast. Bring warm layers, water, lunch. Call Skip for time: 338-4427.

April 7, Saturday. 9:30 am. “Connecting Community” Walk at NewForest Institute in Brooks. Explore the wet wilds with naturalist Mike Shannon.  Venture beyond Newforest's established trails to the northern streams and bogs of the 286-acre site.  Discover the fascinating natural history of plants and birds along the way.  For families with children, environmental educator Lisa Packard will lead a walkabout and activities at the pond's edge. Bring a sack lunch to eat during discussion and slideshow to follow. Directions to Newforest Institute: From the intersection of Route 7 & 139 in Brooks, head east 0.3 mile on route 139.  Turn left into Newforest, # 66 Monroe Highway.

April 21, Saturday. 10:00 am. Lichen Walk, Dr. Steve Selva, UMFK botanist. Meet at Stover Preserve, Doak Road, Belfast. Bring water, a snack, magnifying glass, rain gear.

BIRD WEEK, May 3-18.

Thurs. May 3, 6:30 pm, "Get Ready, Get Set, Go! Learn Warblers" with Seth Benz at the Belfast library. To many local birdwatchers Spring bird migration is most exciting when the many colorful, singing warblers come through midcoast Maine. Come tune up for how to best enjoy the coming parade. Bring your favorite bird field guide for a lively interactive activity or two.

Sat. May 5,  7:30 am. Birding at Sears Island with  Seth Benz, jointly with Mid-Coast Audubon.

Wed., May 9, 7:00 am. Birding at Sandy Point Beach State Park with William and Kyle Nichols. Meet at the beach parking lot at the end of Steamboat Wharf Road, Sandy Point (Stockton Springs).  567-3967.

Sat. May 12, 10:00 am. Goose River paddle/birding trip, Swanville. Choice of 4 or 6 miles of flatwater. Meet at 10:00 am at Swan Lake dam put-in behind Swan Lake Grocery off Rt. 141. Bring kayak or canoe, paddle, PFD, binoculars, water, lunch, sun, rain, wind protection. If you need (or have extra) space in a canoe, call 338-1147.

Sun. May 13, 7:00 am. Bicycle Birding Bonanza with William and Kyle Nichols. Meet at Frankfort Elementary School on the North Searsport Road. Bring bicycle, helmet, water, lunch, sun and rain protection, binoculars. Ten miles, 3-4 hours.  567-3967.

Mon. May 14, 7:00 am.  Bird Walk at the farm of Cloe Chunn and David Thanhauser in Swanville. Call 338-1147 for directions. Birds of fields, woods, and pond.

Mon. May 14, 7:00 pm. Evening Woodcock Watch with Mike Shannon. Meet in the YMCA parking lot, at the far end. Wear warm clothes and waterproof boots.

Tues. May 15, 8:30 am to noon. Bird Bus, Warbler Express with Seth Benz. Call the YMCA 338-4598 to make your reservation. Trip fills fast, call ahead.

Wed. May 16, 6:00 am. Bird Walk of Ducktrap River Trail with Kristen Lindquist and Cloe Chunn. Cosponsored by Coastal Mountains Land Trust. Meet at 6:00 am at the parking space on Rt. 52 in Lincolnville, 6.7 miles south of the Rt. 1 traffic light in Belfast. Wear waterproof boots.

Fri. May 18, 7:00 am. Bird Walk on the Little River Community Trail with Ron Harrell. Meet at the Walsh Ball Field parking lot on Rt. 52, diagonally across from the YMCA.

May 12, Saturday. Paddle the Goose River, Swanville. 4 miles or 6 miles of flatwater. Meet at the Swan Lake dam put-in behind Swan Lake Grocery off Rt. 141. Bring kayak or canoe, paddle, PFD, water, lunch, binoculars, sun, rain, and wind protection. If you need (or have extra) space in a canoe, call 338-1147.

June 9, Saturday.  11:00 am. Paddle the Passagassawakeag River from the Boathouse to Head of Tide. Bring kayak or canoe, paddle, PFD, water, lunch, binoculars, sun, rain, and wind protection. If you need (or have extra) space in a canoe, call 338-1147. Meet at 11:00 at the Boathouse in Belfast.