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Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) sponsors activities throughout the year to educate local residents, encourage healthy recreation and have fun. The following is a list of events that may be of interest to area residents.

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at or start from the DLWA office, which is located at 38 Lake Farm Circle in Jefferson, across from Damariscotta Lake Farm. For more information about any of these events, please contact Julia McLeod at 207-549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

In the list below, click on a month to jump to those entries.

2012

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January 2012

Great Tracks South

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1p.m.

Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 521 Main Street, Damariscotta

Join DLWA naturalist Nancy Holmes to learn how to identify the animal tracks you will (hopefully) see in the snow this winter. This workshop will be held indoors. $5 donation.

Animal Tracking in the Field

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1p.m. 

Castle Rock Farm, 280 Pond Road, Rte 215, Newcastle

Join Nancy Holmes to discover which animals are out and about at this time of year and what they're up to. To register and obtain directions to Castle Rock Farm, call 563-1363. This workshop will take place whether the ground is bare or covered with a new layer of snow.  Please come dressed for the day's weather conditions. Hot chocolate and a snack will be available in the Center's Conversation Corner following the walk. $5 donation in support of Spectrum Generations and DLWA appreciated. 

February 2012

Wood Duck Nest Box Maintenance

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.

Meet at DLWA office

Join DLWA staff as we do our annual monitoring of wood duck nesting boxes. We’ll identify and count shell fragments, waterproof boxes, hang new boxes and maybe even surprise a nest of flying squirrels.

Managing Your Timber Harvest

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m.

DLWA office

Sponsored by DLWA and the Maine Forest Service.

Proper harvesting can meet several goals - providing income, improving growth for the future, maintaining aesthetics, enhancing certain types of wildlife habitat, etc. This program is geared toward any landowner who has ever considered having some of their timber cut. Maine Forest Service District Forester Morten Moesswilde will talk about harvest planning, working with professional foresters and loggers, different harvest methods, wood values, closing out the job, and other aspects of harvesting. A little planning ahead can go a long way in making sure your harvest is successful. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. Maximum of 25, minimum of 10 participants. Please register by contacting DLWA at 207-549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

Great Tracks North

Friday, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.

DLWA office

Join DLWA naturalist Nancy Holmes to learn how to identify the animal tracks you will (hopefully) see in the snow this winter. This workshop will be held indoors.

Animal Tracking in the Field

Date and time TBD

Meet at DLWA office 

Join Nancy Holmes to discover which animals are out and about at this time of year and what they're up to. This walk will be held during good snow conditions. To find out when it will be held, contact Julia at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org. We'll let you know at least two days in advance.

March 2012

Milfoil Summit

Friday, March 2, 8:30 a.m.

Lewiston-Auburn Campus of the University of Southern Maine

Maine Environmental Education Association Conference

Friday, March 23
Chewonki Foundation, Wiscasset

Theme: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Communities: Gathering the Usual and Unusual Suspects

April 2012

Developing Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

Thursday, April 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

DLWA office

This presentation will explore ways in which many of our landscaping and gardening traditions are counter to ecological principles. We will look at issues such as:

  • Types of diverse habitats and wildlife habitiat needs
  • Native vs. alien plants and the impact on wildlife
  • Our phobia about bugs
  • Pollination issues
  • Exploring our assumptions about what constitutes a beautiful and healthy backyard
  • What we can each do

The instructor will bring a map of her own 12 acres to support discussion and questions. Participants are welcome to bring stories, photos and questions about their own properties.

Jody Telfair-Richards, PhD, will lead the workshop. Jody is an avid birder and has been exploring the challenges of planting and gardening to support wildlife habitat on her own 12 acres in Bristol for 10 years. Jody is a certified "Wildlife Habitat Steward," having completed the training offered through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Program and the National Wildlife Federation. She is also a psychoterapist in private practice in Newcastle, and she teaches Tai Chi in Damariscotta and Bristol.

May 2012

Springtime Bird & Botanical Walk

Friday, May 18, 8 a.m.

Location TBD

Join naturalist Al Railsback for a spring walk to learn about birds and plants.

Courtesy Boat Inspector Training

Saturday, May 19, Time TBD

Nobleboro Town Office

Protect Biscay Pond, Pemaquid Pond and Damariscotta Lake frominvasive aquatic plants! The Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) and Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) are offering a joint training for new and returning volunteer Courtesy Boat Inspectors. After the training, volunteers sign up for summer shifts at public boat launches to educate boaters about invasive plants and check boats for plant fragments. For more information, contact PWA at 563-2196 or DLWA at 549-3836. Please RSVP.

June 2012

July 2012

Lush Lawns Without Chemicals: Part one of a series on Conservation Landscaping

Wednesday, July 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friends Meeting House, 77 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta

Do you want a healthy and safe lawn? Just because weed and insect controls can be bought at a store doesn't mean they are safe. Weed and insect controls are designed to be toxic. Fertilizers are often used unnecessarily, wasting money and polluting our waters. We can help you reduce the use of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides and still have a lush, green lawn! Co-sponsored by Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Muscongus Pond Association and DLWA.

Native Plants for Water Quality, Wildlife, and WOW!: Part two of a series on Conservation Landscaping

Wednesday, July 25, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friends Meeting House, 77 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta

When choosing plants for your home landscape, why not choose a native or native cultivar that will be well-adapted to the environment, provide habitat for wildlife, and add a certain something special to your landscape? Join us to meet native perennials and shrubs that can be found locally and learn which non-natives to avoid. Learn tips and techniques on how to improve your landscape with all of these elements in mind. Co-sponsored by Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Muscongus Pond Association and DLWA.

August 2012

Beef Up Your Buffer: When More is Better...and Why: Part three of a series on Conservation Landscaping

Wednesday, August 1 , 7-8:30 p.m.

Friends Meeting House, 77 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta

Whether you are building a “living fence” along your property or your aim is to improve water quality by reducing erosion and run-off along your waterfront, a buffer is what you need! Vegetated buffers absorb water and nutrients, trap excess soil, provide wildlife habitat, and mimic natural systems to create a dynamic landscape to enjoy in all seasons. Co-sponsored by Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Muscongus Pond Association and DLWA.

September 2012

October 2012

November 2012

December 2012

2011

January 2011

February 2011

Animal tracking workshop
Friday, Feb. 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

DLWA office
Join experienced animal tracker Nancy Holmes for an informative and interesting workshop on how to identify animal tracks and signs. This workshop will be held indoors.

Animal tracking in the field
Date and time TBD

Meet at the DLWA office
Join Nancy Holmes to discover which animals are out and about in one of DLWA's preserves and what they're up to. The workshop will be held when conditions are right, probably in February. Those interested will be contacted two days in advance. Send an email to Julia@dlwa.org or call 549-3836 if you want to know when this workshop will happen.

Wood duck nest box maintenance

Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Meet at the DLWA office

Join DLWA staff as we do our annual monitoring of wood duck nesting boxes. We’ll identify and count shell fragments, waterproof boxes, hang new boxes and maybe even surprise a nest of flying squirrels.

Land protection and management in the Damariscotta Lake watershed

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m.

DLWA office

Two speakers will talk about DLWA’s land protection and management programs. First, Forester Mitch Kihn will discuss the forest management plans he completed on two sections of the 470-acre West Branch Preserve in Jefferson and Somerville. Join the discussion, and let us know what you think our priorities should be for this preserve. Mitch will speak from 1 p.m. to just before 2 p.m. After a break (snacks provided), you will have the chance to learn about DLWA’s new focus area identification report, which was created by experienced field ecologist Mark Ward. Mark will talk from just after 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. about the field research he did and what he discovered in completing the report, which identifies priority areas in the watershed for land protection.

Ski/snowshoe outing
Monday, Feb. 21, 2-3:30 p.m.

Meet at the DLWA office
Celebrate Presidents' Day by enjoying the outdoors in the West Branch Preserve. Join Julia McLeod for some fun outdoor recreation, no matter the weather. All ages welcome! Trails are groomed for easier skiing and snowshoeing.

March 2011

Woodcock ecology and conservation

Thursday, March 3, 6 p.m.

DLWA office

DLWA will host woodcock expert Dan McAuley for a public presentation on the ecology of woodcock and the Northern Forest Woodcock Initiative. McAuley is a research wildlife biologist with the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and he is currently engaged in research on adaptive habitat management and habitat use of American woodcock in the Northeast and survival of American woodcock during fall migration. This workshop will be followed by a field adventure in April (see below).

Wood duck habitat and biology

Tuesday, March 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

DLWA office

Wood duck ecology and habitat needs will be the topic of a talk given by Wildlife Biologist Kendall Marden of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Today the wood duck is quite common, but this was not always the case. By the beginning of the 1900s, wood ducks had virtually disappeared from much of their former range due to unregulated hunting and destruction of woodland and wetland habitat. The combination of hunting restrictions and habitat conservation and management measures enabled wood duck populations to rebound. One of these measures is installing nesting boxes, which mimic the tree cavities wood ducks use for nesting. Marden coordinates the waterfowl nest box program, through which department staff and local volunteers, including DLWA, maintain and gather data on hundreds of waterfowl nesting boxes on approximately 90 wetlands each winter.

Discover vernal pools

Wednesday, March 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

DLWA office

Vernal pools are seasonal water basins that serve as essential breeding habitat for certain species of wildlife, including salamanders and frogs. Species that must have access to vernal pools in order to survive and reproduce include wood frogs, spotted and blue-spotted salamanders (two types of mole salamanders) and fairy shrimp. Ecologist Mark Ward will give a presentation on vernal pools and the animals that use them. Participants will learn how to identify egg masses and how to recognize and document significant vernal pools. Ward has been counting frog and salamander egg masses for 10 years, and he did his masters thesis on vernal pools. This workshop will be followed by an outdoor vernal pool exploration when conditions are right (likely April). Please contact Julia McLeod at 207-549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org know if you’d like to attend the outdoor workshop, and we’ll let you know the date and time.

April 2011

A peek into woodcock nuptials

RESCHEDULED for Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.

Meet at the DLWA office

Did you know that woodcocks are also called timber doodles? Have you ever been captivated by the males’ twirling, twittering mating flights? Join DLWA staff in a hunt for this intriguing bird. Most of the time will be spent in vehicles as we search for the timber doodle.

How to Lead an IPP Plant Paddle

Monday, April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Brackett Center, Auburn
Have you gotten involved with the invasive plant patrol and now you want to train others? If so, this workshop is a great opportunity for you. This workshop is for trained Plant Patrollers, IPP Lake Team Leaders, and Regional IPP Leaders who wish to expand community involvement in local early detection efforts. "Plant Paddles" are short (1 - 2 hour) events that take place on shore and on the water.They provide a fun, informal way to introduce community members to the threat of invasive aquatic plants and the importance of early detection. These guided learning experiences are well suited to community events such as lake days, civic group meetings, school outings, lake association meetings, etc. How to Lead an IPP Plant Paddle will provide you with everything you need to organize and lead your own community event. Email christine@mainevlmp.org to register. If you'd like to carpool with other folks from DLWA, contact Julia at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

Celebrate Earth Day at Chimney Farm in Nobleboro

Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Chimney Farm, 617 East Neck Road, Nobleboro
Celebrate Earth Day this year by helping to restore the fields at Chimney Farm in Nobleboro. Chimney Farm was the home of authors Henry Beston, Elizabeth Coatsworth and Kate Barnes. It is now protected from development with a conservation easement held by the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association. From 9 a.m.-noon we will cut back brush that is encroaching on the fields. From 12-1 p.m. we will enjoy lunch (please bring your own) by the old writing shack with a view of Damariscotta Lake. Caretaker and poet Gary Lawless will read aloud. Drinks and dessert will be provided. After lunch, we will hang a plaque designating Chimney Farm as a literary landmark. Bring your own loppers and saws. There will be extra tools for those that don’t have them. Please bring gloves and boots, and dress appropriately for the weather.

View Scope Clinic

Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Brackett Center, Auburn
Back by popular demand, this engaging hands-on clinic is a must for anyone working to build an IPP team on their favorite waterbody. Leave the workshop with everything you need to construct a variety of view scopes and/or lead your own a scope clinic in your community. Email christine@mainevlmp.org to register. If you'd like to carpool with other folks from DLWA, contact Julia at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

May 2011

Wednesday Walkers do the West Branch Preserve

Wed., May 11, 9:30 a.m.

Join the Wednesday Walkers as they hike the West Branch Preserve in Jefferson. Trails at the preserve descend to a beautiful section of the rocky West Branch of Davis Stream. As usual for carpooling purposes, Wednesday Walkers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Friends Meeting House on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. If going directly to the preserve,expect to gather at around 9:30 at the West Branch Preserve parking lot on North Mountain Road (look for a new sign and kiosk). For more information, contact Jack Brown at jjbro@roadrunner.com or 563-3827. (The Wednesday Walkers is an independent group not affiliated with DLWA.)

Courtesy Boat Inspector training

Saturday, May 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Nobleboro Town Office

Protect Biscay Pond, Pemaquid Pond and Damariscotta Lake frominvasive aquatic plants! The Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) and Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) are offering a joint training for new and returning volunteer Courtesy Boat Inspectors. After the training, volunteers sign up for summer shifts at public boat launches to educate boaters about invasive plants and check boats for plant fragments. For more information, contact PWA at 563-2196 or DLWA at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org. Please RSVP.

Birding by canoe on Davis Stream

Sunday, May 22, 8-11 a.m.

Meet at Damariscotta Lake State Park

Join ornithologist Tom Arter to search for spring migrants while taking a trip up Davis Stream in canoes. Please bring your own canoe, lifejacket, and other equipment. If you don't have a canoe but would like to come, let us know and we'll try to match you up with someone. Please RSVP.

June 2011

Second annual Damariscotta Lake Hooked on Fishing Event

Sat., June 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Damariscotta Lake State Park

Join DLWA and its partners for this free youth fishing event on Damariscotta Lake. Sign up in advance for a fishing trip on the lake with experienced anglers. Enjoy lunch and activities on shore.

Courtesy Boat Inspector training

Saturday, June 25, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

State boat launch on Route 213, Jefferson

Protect Damariscotta Lake from invasive aquatic plants! After the training, volunteers sign up for summer shifts at public boat launches to educate boaters about invasive plants and check boats for plant fragments. Please register by contacting Julia McLeod at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

Beginner Invasive Plant Training

Mon., June 27, 6-8 p.m.

DLWA office

Learn to identify hydrilla and how to determine if a plant is a suspected invasive or not. Also learn survey techniques so you can complete an invasive plant survey on a small section of shoreline. Please register in advance by contacting Julia McLeod at 549-3836 or Julia@dlwa.org.

July 2011

Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day

Thursday, July 7, 1-3 p.m.

Davis Stream Preserve and Damariscotta Lake (meet at the DLWA office at 38 Lake Farm Circle in Jefferson)

Fathers and daughters, grandfathers and granddaughters, take time from your busy days to take a walk together. Venture out for a streamside hike at the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association's Davis Stream Preserve in Jefferson, led by Julia McLeod. Walk, talk, bond and enjoy each other's company. Then cool off with a dip in Damariscotta Lake (no lifeguard provided). With the beautiful weather outside now is the perfect time to take a father/daughter walk. Enjoy the beauty of the summer and the enjoyment of each other. Co-sponsored by Spectrum Generations and DLWA. Advanced registration required. Call 563-1363 by July 6. For more information about the preserve and hike please contact Julia at 549-3836.

DLWA Annual Meeting

Sun., July 17, 3:30 p.m.

Willow Grange, Jefferson

The keynote speaker is Lisa Pohlmann, executive director of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. She will discuss the importance of strong safeguards for Maine's land, air, wildlife, and water. She will describe NRCM's work over the last 50 years to ensure such protections and will specifically discuss the recent legislative session and the potential implications for Maine's environment. Lisa will talk about the role Maine citizens have in the legislative process and also share ways groups such as the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association can get involved to advance their own mission. There will also be commitee presentations, a potluck dinner, and a short business meeting. All are welcome. Please bring food to share.

Introductory Invasive Plant Patroller workshop

Wed., July 20, 2:30-8 p.m.

DLWA office

Learn how to identify invasive aquatic plants and how you can protect your favorite waterbody at this free workshop. There will be a meal break, so bring food or plan to join a group order to Damariscotta Lake Farm Restaurant. Presented by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants and sponsored jointly by the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Washington Lakes Watershed Association, and Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. Register by emailing your name, phone number and workshop choice to vlmp@mainevlmp.org.

Washington Lakes Watershed Association Annual Meeting

Thursday, July 21, 7 p.m.

Evening Star Grange Hall, Washington.

Maggie Shannon, Executive Director of the Maine Congress of Lake Associations (Maine COLA), will be the guest speaker.

Underwater Adventures: Intro to Snorkeling and Underwater Scavenger Hunt for Kids and Families

Sat., July 23, 9-11:30 a.m. for kids, 12:30-2:30 p.m. for adults

DLWA office

Learn how to use a mask and snorkel and discover the beauty of the underwater world. Masks and snorkels provided. Please bring your own lifejackets.

Invasive Plant Paddle

Tues., July 27, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Wilt & Judy Jones' house, 27 High View Road, Newcastle

Learn how to patrol for invasive plants during this on-the-water training.

August 2011

Coyote Presentation

Wed., August 3, 7 p.m.

DLWA office

Join us for slides and a talk about coyotes by Conservation Biologist Geri Vistein. Vistein is the Maine Representative for Project Coyote, which promotes educated coexistence between people and coyotes by championing progressive management policies that reduce human-coyote conflict, supporting innovative scientific research, and fostering respect for and understanding of America's native wild "song dog."

 

Invasive Plant Patroller Field Methods Workshop

Sun., August 7, 1-4 p.m.

Bristol Mills Landing, Pemaquid River

Learn how to conduct an invasive plant survey through this free hands-on workshop. Bring your own canoe/kayak and PFD. Previous attendance at an Introductory IPP workshop is recommended but not required. This is an outdoor workshop, so bring whatever you need to be comfortable. Bring your own munchies if you'd like to; light refreshments and beverages will be provided. Directions: From Main St. Damariscotta, go about 6 miles on Bristol Rd (Rte. 130). Just after entering Bristol Mills, where the speed limit reduces to 30 mph, the launch is on the left with a parking area. Presented by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants and sponsored jointly by the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Washington Lakes Watershed Association, and Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. Pre-register by emailing your name, phone number and workshop choice to vlmp@mainevlmp.org.

Beginner Invasive Plant Training

Tues., August 16, 6-8 p.m.

DLWA office

Learn to identify hydrilla and how to determine if a plant is a suspected invasive or not. Also learn survey techniques so you can complete an invasive plant survey on a small section of shoreline.

Volunteer Appreciation Cruise and Cookout

Wed., August 17, 5-7:30 p.m.

DLWA office

All DLWA volunteers invited!

September 2011

October 2011

Trail day

Sat., Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m.

Meet at the DLWA office

Help maintain DLWA's trails in the Davis Stream Preserve and the West Branch Preserve. We'll be lopping branches, cutting blowdowns, painting blazes, fixing bridges, and more. Please bring your own gloves and pruners if you have them. Please let Julia know if you plan to come by sending an email to Julia@dlwa.org.

AppleFest

Sat., Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nobleboro Central School

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District fall bus tour

Thurs., Oct. 6, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m.

Leaving from the district office on Route 90 in Warren

For more information and to register, contact Hildy Ellis at 273-2005 x101.

Invasive Plant Patrol Committee Meeting

Fri., Oct. 21, 3:30 p.m.

DLWA office

Events Commitee Meeting

Fri., Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m.

DLWA office

November 2011

Board of Directors Organizational Assessment meeting

Mon., Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m.

DLWA office

December 2011

Second Annual Christmas tree cutting

Sun., Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

West Branch Preserve, North Mountain Road, Somerville

Join DLWA for sweets and a wagon ride, and choose and cut your own Christmas tree to take home. Cost per tree is a $25 donation to DLWA.

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