The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) has released its fall schedule of programs for children. There are limited scholarships available for all programs. All programs meet at the DRA Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center (110 Belvedere Road), Damariscotta unless otherwise indicated. Call DRA at 207-563-1393 to register.

Wild Encounters: A regular program for homeschool families and groups. These classes are held 10 a.m. - noon the second Monday of each month (except September). Hike and nature journaling always included. Prepay for five classes and get a sixth class free. For ages 5 and up (younger may come). Fee: $5/child.

Sept. 28 - Oysters: Learn how oysters are raised for food and dissect an oyster.

Oct.12 - Wabanaki Living: Hands-on Wabanaki living skills with Passamaquoddy birch bark artist David Moses Bridges. (Note: Special date. Choose one session: 10 a.m. - noon for ages 6-9 or 1-3 p.m. for ages 10-plus)

Nov. 9 - Mammal Tracks and Signs: Investigate skulls and skins and make a plaster track.

Dec. 14 - All About Owls: Dissect an owl pellet and learn all about owls of Maine.

Jan. 11 - How Animals Survive Winter: Study the subnivean layer and compare adaptations.

Feb. 8 - Outdoor Living Skills: Dogsledding and snow-shelter building.

E.A.r.t.H. (Ecology for Advanced Homeschoolers) For homeschool youth ages nine and up with a serious interest in natural history. Regular homework is assigned. Classes held the last Tuesday of each month (except December and June) from 10 a.m. to noon. Application available for limited spaces at DamariscottaRiver.org. Fee: non-members $65/student for three month session; members at “Mussel “ level $40/student for three month session. Prepayment due before new session begins: 9/28, 12/31 and 3/31)

Session I

Sept. 29 - “Get to Know You” Hike: Meet at Dodge Point Preserve.

Oct. 27 - Fibonacci Numbers in Nature: Apply math skills to study patterns in nature.

Nov. 24 - Nature Journaling: Use nature journaling to hone observation skills - guest artist.

Dec. 8 - Winter Tree Identification: Hike to identify trees and other plants in the winter.

Session II

Jan. 26 - Nature in Winter Hike: Hike the NORGAL preserve and focus on animal tracks.

Feb. 23 - Scientific Method: Develop a hypothesis and conduct an experiment.

March 29 - Phenology: Study how timing impacts nature with a focus on tree budding.

Session III

April 26 - Birds: Dissect a bird and go birdwatching to observe behaviors in the wild.

May 31 - Horseshoe Crabs and Saltmarshes:Explore a saltmarsh and learn about horseshoe crabs.

June 7 - Island Ecology: Visit an island and discover some special aspects of life on an island.

Frogs and Pollywogs. For preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their parents/guardians. Hike always included. These classes are held 10-11 a.m. the third Friday of each month (except October and February). Prepay for five classes and get a sixth class free. Fee: $3/child.

Sept. 18 - What is a Flower For? Learn about flowers, fruits and seeds. Read a story.

Oct. 23 - White-tailed Deer: See mammal skulls, hike for animal signs.

Nov. 20 - Animal Homes: Search for animal homes and learn about hibernation.

Dec. 18 - Can You Be a Bird? Look into hollow bird bones, meet a live duck, make binoculars. 

Jan. 15 - Give a Hoot for Owls: Dissect an owl pellet and learn all about owls in Maine.

Feb. 12 - Winter Wonderland: Dogsledding and snow-shelter building.

Jr. Naturalist After-School Program (Grades 1-5) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:15-5 p.m. Inquiry-based, hands-on learning in a safe outdoor environment. The DRA Great Salt Bay Farm is on a bus route from local elementary schools and close to Route 1. Month-long sessions. Fee: $55 non-members/$50 members at “Mussel” level (scholarships available).

November - Wildlife in Winter: Study animal tracks and signs, play games, nature journaling.

February - Winter Wonderland: Dogsledding, snow-shelter building, nature discovery.

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their website at www.damariscottariver.org.