We offer a variety of events throughout the year from Bird Walks, to Costal Cleanups, and Outdoor Photography Workshops, check back often to see what’s new. Join our mailing list to be notified about upcoming events including spur of the moment pop-up events! We look forward to seeing you!
Walks and Talks & Events Calendar
Walks & Talks
VLT is proud to offer numerous opportunities to learn more about the beautiful island of Vinalhaven and connect with nature!
All our Walks & Talks are free unless otherwise noted.
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Atlas of Kinship: Seabirds, People & Place.
Co-Sponsored with Pleasant River Grange
An author talk & writing workshop.
Seabird Book Talk and Nature Writing Workshop
Join author and ecologist Alice Hotopp for an afternoon of reading and writing. Alice will read excerpts from her new essay collection, Atlas of Kinship: Stories of Connection Between Seabirds, People, and Place, which examines the intertwined lives of seabirds and people in the Gulf of Maine. Following the reading, she'll guide participants through a series of writing prompts designed to help us explore our connections with the more-than-human world.
Author Bio: Alice Hotopp is an ecologist and writer. She holds a PhD from the University of Maine in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. Atlas of Kinship is her debut book.
Meet at Pleasant River Grange
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Geology Walk
Join geologist George Kendrick for an exploration of the interesting geological features present in the world around us and under our feet. Please wear appropriate shoes for hiking, as well as suitable clothing and insect repellent. Location to be explored TBD.
Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Norbert Leser
Tick Borne Illnesses
At the Town Office, Wheelchair accessible
Co-sponsored by the Grange
Learn about tick borne illnesses and how to protect yourself and your family. Led by Charles Lubelczyk, MP
Photos Courtesy University of Maine
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Hurricane Island Trip
Take a boat ride to Hurricane Island, a former quarrying town. Explore the history, hike the island and learn more about Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership.
No reservations, first boat trip at 9:30am. Children under 12 must bring life jacket. No parking at Ferry Terminal, park in VLT parking lot. $10 Donation
First return trip around 11:30am
Meet at Ferry Terminal
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Bird Walk
Join us for the Final Bird Walk of the season!
lead by a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
The Lost Mariners Tower
Led by Fred Granger & Dana Peterson
Check back soon for more details about this programs!
Meet at The Tower
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Fairy House Building
Child Friendly
Hannah Noyes and Kelley Frumer will teach us how to build Fairy Houses in the woods! Bring your creative imaginations and love for the mystical, and meet at the Story Trail at Granite Island Preserve . This event is perfect for the young and the young at heart. Young children should be accompanied by a caregiver, please.
Meet at Story Trail at Granite Island
Photo by Norbert Leser
Clams, Everything you Need to Know- Walk (part 2)
Dr. Brian Beal a professor of marine ecology, will continue educating us about clams while leading the group on a learning expedition as we search for clams. Wear clothes that can get damp and muddy
Meet at Lane’s Island
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Clams, Everything you Need to Know-part 1
Dr. Brian Beal a professor of marine ecology will give a lecture based on his research on clams! Learn about clams reproductive biology and how this effects commercial marine industries. The next day Dr. Beal will lead a walk based on his lectures.
At Skoog Park
Zen in the Woods, Zazen, Kinhin, Haiku
Sitting Zen, Walking Zen, Talking Zen. Join VLT steward Tom Crisp among the trees where we will cultivate and appreciate our forest’s greatest gift: silence.
Meet at Skoog Park
Seating Provided
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Supporting Vinalhaven’s Wildlife and Habitat in a Changing Climate
Co-Hosted by Pleasant River Grange
Beginning with Habitat Climate Coordinator Corinne Michaud-LeBlanc will give a talk about unique species and habitats on Vinalhaven and the surrounding Penobscot Bay and Islands Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance. Join us to learn more about how climate change is impacting our species and habitats, and conservation actions we can all take part in to keep our islands healthy and resilient.
At the Grange
Wildflower Walk
Our island is full of beautiful flowers! Join Naturalist Beth Gilford and Janet Gohres as they lead a walk to share knowledge about all the different plants you can find along the trails. Bug spray and hiking shoes encouraged.
Meet at Skoog Park
Photo by Norbert Leser
From RAW to Finished Print
Learn about the art of landscape photography with photographer Ron Rosenstock. Explore how to go from RAW photos on your camera to a meaningful print, that showcases the beauty of the landscape.
Meet at Skoog Park
$10 Supply Fee
Photo By Ron Rosenstock
“Source Water Protection & Saltwater Intrusion"
Maine’s groundwater resources, while renewable, are heavily relied upon by coastal communities. In this talk, we’ll review the geologic history that formed Maine’s coastal fractured bedrock aquifers; explore the complexities of evaluating coastal groundwater availability and quality; and discuss the Maine Geological Survey’s efforts to assess these precious water resources and the realized and potential impacts of saltwater intrusion. Led by Jessie Meeks of the Maine State Geological Survey and Kitty Wilkin.
Jessie Meeks works as a Hydrogeologist for the Maine Geological Survey, a non-regulatory branch of the State Government. In this role, she addresses water related challenges posed by Maine residents and communities, spanning from questions around bottled water, to snow hydrology, to saltwater intrusion.
Kitty Wilkin joined the Maine Rural Water Association in May 2025 as the Source Water Program Manager. Kitty brings years of experience in wetland delineation and land use permitting, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of the natural world to this role. Last year, she teamed up with the Vinalhaven water district and local stakeholders to prepare a Source Water Protection Plan for Vinalhaven, and continues to work toward drinking water resilience.
In partnership with Vinalhaven’s Sea Level Rise and Climate Committee
At Town Office
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers.
Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Pressed Flower Workshop
Co-sponsored with Pleasant River Grange
Naturalist Beth Gilford will teach us how to make pressed wildflowers into cards, in this indoor event. All materials provided, just bring your creativity! Open to both Adults and Children. 🎒
Meet at Pleasant River Grange
Paddle Perry Creek and Hike Fox Rocks w/North Haven Conservation
Partnership with North Haven Conservation.
Enjoy a paddle on Perry Creek, bring your kayak to the thoroughfare. Take a paddle and meet up with North Haven Conservation. After paddling, enjoy a hike up Fox Rocks in Perry Creek Conservation Area. Please bring your own kayak.
Photo by Sheri Romer Brock
Meet at the Thoroughfare
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Annual Meeting
Celebrate 40 Years of Conservation! VLT invites you to the 41st Annual Meeting, Friday, July 24th at 4:00pm! It’s a wonderful event that brings our community together to celebrate and acknowledge all we’ve accomplished in the year. After our guest speaker, and reports from board members and the executive director, please enjoy snacks and drinks while you catch up with friends and make some new ones. See you there!
Our Annual Meeting speaker, Denise Schlener, will discuss The Power of Place: the Land Trust Journey, a worthy topic for our 40th anniversary. Denise is a life-long conservation professional and a regular visitor to Vinalhaven. Childhood camping trips nurtured a love for the outdoors, and a post-college job for The Wilderness Society to work on the Alaska Conservation Act led to a rich career protecting wild and scenic places. She has held Executive Leadership positions at the Land Trust Alliance, The Nature Conservancy’s Connecticut Chapter, Trust for Public Lands’ Chesapeake Field Office and the Open Space Institute’s Northern Forest Protection Fund. Denise holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MS from the Yale School of the Environment. She serves on the board of The Wilderness Land Trust and the Tregaron Conservancy, an urban land trust in Washington DC where she resides.
After the meeting enjoy snacks and refreshments and spend time with fellow members, the board, and VLT Staff.
Please arrive by 3:45 to check in and get your name tag.
At Skoog Park
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Pours & Explores: Tales from Denali
Join local mountaineer and outdoor enthusiast Drew Noyes as he takes us to the summit of Denali. Relax with a beer at Vinalhaven Community Brewery and share the adventure! Donations accepted to support VLT’s acquisition of Grimes Park.
Walk & Talk with Buzz Scott from OceansWide
Come meet the team that has been working on trap removal on land and in the waters off Vinalhaven. Head to the Land Trust office at 12 Skoog Park to hear more about their work and have an opportunity to talk with Buzz and his team.
Meets at Skoog Park
Pollinator Friendly Habitats
Co-Hosted with Pleasant River Grange
Learn how to help create and support Pollinator Friendly Habitats with Louisa Crane, Knox-Lincoln Co. Soil and Water District
At the Grange
Garden Day
Spend time outside in the garden this summer! Every Monday, Dani, VLTs Environmental Educator in the school garden to help weed, harvest and plant. No experience required. Hats and sunscreen recommended. All ages are invited and encouraged to help out!
Meet Vinalhaven School
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Mysteries of Maine Wildlife
Have you ever wanted to know more about the wildlife that calls Maine home? This one-hour presentation led by nature author Ed Robinson will feature Atlantic Puffins, Bears, Northern Saw-Whet Owls, Canada Lynx, the American Mink and a few surprises. With stunning photographs, interesting biological facts and engaging stories, the presentation will entertain and educate,
Ed Robinson has published two books “Nature Notes from Maine” River Otters, Moose, Skunks & More” and “Nature Notes from Maine” Puffins, Black Bears, Raccoons & More. Books will be available to purchase.
Meet at the TOWN OFFICE
Wheelchair Accessible
Hurricane Island Trip
Take a boat ride to Hurricane Island, a former quarrying town. Explore the history, hike the island and learn more about Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership.
No reservations, first boat trip at 9:30am. Children under 12 must bring life jacket. No parking at Ferry Terminal, park in VLT parking lot. $10 Donation
First return trip around 11:30am
Meet at Ferry Terminal
Forest Walk- Climate Friendly Forests & Invasive Species
Co-Hosted by Pleasant River Grange
Take a walk at Folly Pond with Nichol Rogers of the Maine Forest Service, to identify and discuss invasives species.
Meet at Folly Pond Road
Climate Friendly Forests and Invasive Species
Co-hosted by Pleasant River Grange.
Join Nichol Rogers of the Maine Forest Service for a discussion of forest resilience. We’ll review what forest resilience means and strategies that help our forests persist and adapt to changing climate conditions, including resources for landowners.
The next day join her for a walk at Folly Pond to identify and discussing invasive species in the wild.
At the Grange
Wild Flower Walk
One of the beautiful signs of the season is the wildflowers bursting into bloom all over the island. Learn more about these plants from naturalists Beth Gilford and Janet Gohres on a lovely Wild Flower Walk.
Meet at Skoog Park
Photo by Norbert Leser
Bird Walk
Each Thursday this summer, VLT will offer a bird walk with a local knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder. They will show you where to find the most interesting birds, and tips on how to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them. Expect uneven terrain, but it should be generally fine for most walkers. Meet at Skoog Park.
Photo by Kirk Gentalen
Zen in the Woods, Zazen, Kinhin, Haiku
Sitting Zen, Walking Zen, Talking Zen. Join VLT steward Tom Crisp among the trees where we will cultivate and appreciate our forest’s greatest gift: silence.
Location: Meet at Skoog Park, than to Granite Island
Seating Provided
Low Tide Walk
Science teacher Amy Palmer will be back this summer to lead a low tide exploration at Lane’s Island. Come get mucky and wet while finding critters in tide pools. Wear shorts and shoes that can get wet. This walk is fun for all ages!
Meet at Lane’s Island.