Damariscotta River Association (DRA) offers a variety of programs for kids of all ages during the school year, from the Frogs and Pollywogs class for preschoolers to the Jr. Naturalist After-school program for kids age 6 to 11.

All programs listed meet at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. Scholarships are available for all programs. To register, call DRA at 207-563-1393, except where online registration is required.

Jr. Naturalist After-School Program – for kids ages 6 to 11. This program is offered for one-month sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants will explore the woods, fields and wetlands with a naturalist. Artwork, games, nature journaling and other activities are incorporated into each program. An after-school snack is provided. DRA Great Salt Bay Farm is on bus routes from local elementary schools and close to Route 1.

The monthly fee is $55, or $50 for members at the “Mussel” level or above. Registration for this program must be done online at www.damariscottariver.org/jr-naturalists.

The theme for the November program is birds. The group will discover how birds prepare for winter, dissect owl pellets, and play nature games. During January’s “Wildlife in Winter” session, kids will search for animal dens, learn about wildlife from their tracks and signs, build shelters, and more. February’s “Winter Wonderland” offers snowshoeing, dogsledding and exploring wintery habitats.

Frogs and Pollywogs – For preschoolers ages 2 to 5 and their parents or guardians. These classes take place 10-11 a.m. on the third Thursday (note the new day) of each month. A hike is always included.

The fee for each class is $3 per preschool-aged child. Call DRA to register.

The theme on Oct. 18 the class will go on a “Spider Safari,” turning over logs and rocks to see how many spiders can be found! During the Nov. 15 program, “Turkey Tails and Tales,” the group will search for turkeys and other birds and do an art project. The theme of the Dec. 20 class is “Red Fox, Grey Fox.” The children will have the opportunity to touch a fox skull, followed by a hike to search for fox signs, and other natural treasures, on the trail.

Wild Encounters – A regular program for homeschool families and groups geared toward kids ages 5 and up, though younger kids may come along. The classes are held from 10 a.m. to noon, the fourth Monday of each month, except in October and December. A hike and nature journaling are included in every class.

The fee for each class is $5 per eligible child, or participants may prepay for five classes and get a sixth class free. Call DRA to register.

On Sept. 24, the group will discover how plants are adapted to specific pollinators. The theme on Oct. 8 is “Wabanaki Ways” with educator Judy Dow. Participants will build wigwams, taste wild edibles and make cattail ducks. Note the special day and time for this class, meeting from 10 a.m. to noon and then from 1 to 3 p.m.

On Nov. 26, the class will explore how birds prepare for winter by going on a bird walk, dissecting an owl pellet, and discovering bird adaptations. The focus will shift to Maine’s mammals on Dec. 17, looking for tracks and signs outdoors.

Migration Mini Day Camp on Friday, Oct. 5 – For ages 6 to 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The fee is $50, or $45 for members at the Mussel level and above. Registration must be done online at damariscottariver.org/events-programs/

Activities will include playing migratory hopscotch, making clay animals, and going on a migration safari to look for birds, dragonflies, monarchs and more. Participants will need to bring lunch and snacks.

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit www.damariscottariver.org.