Dear Editor:

2012 marked the 20th anniversary of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. We welcomed more than 90,000 visitors to help celebrate this milestone. Now as we look to the end of the year, I want to thank the Boothbay region community for the support, generosity and friendship we’ve shared in 2012.

We’re proud to be part of this community and encourage visitors to extend their stay to discover the many varied things to do in and around the Boothbay region. Innkeepers, trolley drivers, shopkeepers, waiters, and others have directed tourists to the gardens. In 2012, 600 volunteers spent 10,000 hours working in the gardens, in the offices, gift shop, at events, and behind the scenes to welcome visitors and tourists to our community. We are grateful for the support we receive from all of you.

We were honored to host nine concerts from the DaPonte String Quartet, Y-Arts, and Music Going Good; put on 12 botanical- and nature-themed art exhibits; and have more than 2,400 Maine children visit on school trips. The collaboration with Maine Aubudon brought the interpretive theme of “Feathers and Foliage,” which featured 30 bird-related programs. A new variety of events and education programs to fulfill our commitment to horticulture, education and research will be scheduled for 2013.

On November 17, we invite you and your family to our annual Frozen Turkey Hunt. This year we’re hiding 600 apples throughout the gardens. Children who find one of the more than 150 specially marked apples will win prizes such as a frozen turkey or Thanksgiving meal essentials and one lucky winner will win 150 gallons of heating oil from Dead River Company.

As is custom, we do not charge an admission fee November through April. We welcome everyone to see the “bones” of the gardens, the fine stonework, and dramatic sculpture. Then, when the snow flies, bring your snowshoes, cross country skis, or hiking boots and explore the gardens blanketed in white. Thank you for the past 20 years. We look forward to seeing you at the Gardens.

Kris Folsom
Director of Marketing
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens