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.

Energy on Vinalhaven
May
24

Energy on Vinalhaven

In Partnership with Fox Island Electric Cooperative (FIEC).

Learn how Vinalhaven gets electricity to power our community. Amy M. W. Turner, CEO of FIEC, leads a tour of the wind farm, while discussing future possibilities for the grid, turbine re-powering, battery storage & community solar.

Meet at entrance of FIEC wind Turbines, 4.5 miles along North Haven Road.

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Geology Walk
Jun
1

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

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Bird Walk
Jun
19

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

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Bird Walk
Jun
26

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

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Bird Walk
Jul
3

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

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Wildflower Walk
Jul
8

Wildflower Walk

Our island is full of beautiful flowers! Join Naturalist Janet Gohres and Beth Gilford as they leads a walk to share their knowledge about all the different plants. Bug spray and hiking shoes encouraged.

Meet at Skoog Park

Photo by Norbert Leser

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Bird Walk
Jul
10

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

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Hurricane Island Trip
Jul
14

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 8:15am. Children under 12 must bring life jacket. No parking at Ferry Terminal, park at town wharf or VLT parking lot. $10 Donation

First return trip around 11:30am

Meet at Ferry Terminal

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Bird Walk
Jul
17

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

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Native Hedges and Hedgerows: Beauty & Biodiversity for Resiliency
Jul
22

Native Hedges and Hedgerows: Beauty & Biodiversity for Resiliency

In Partnership with Pleasant River Grange

Lead by Heather McCargo of Wild Seed Project learn about Native Hedges and Hedgerows. Planting a corridor of natives shrubs and groundcovers is a beautiful and low maintenance way to bring biodiversity to your landscape. The layers of woody vegetation bring three-dimensional habitat, providing year round support for fauna such as birds, insects, amphibians and small mammals. Come learn how you can do this in your yard or community, and watch your landscape come alive.

Photo by Heather McCargo

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Bird Walk
Jul
24

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

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Annual Meeting
Jul
25

Annual Meeting

We hope you will join us under the tent at Skoog Park for VLT’s 40th Annual Meeting! Learn about this year’s activities, meet staff, enjoy snacks and reconnect in person.

The speaker this year will be Dan Gardoqui, naturalist, educator and Maine’s best bird-mimic. Dan Gardoqui has spent over three decades sharing his passion, knowledge and joy for the more-than-human-world with people of all ages. In his talk titled, “Look Up & Listen: Stories of Deep Nature Connection & Bird Conservation on the Maine Coast.” Dan will share inspiring tales of time spent learning from birds and update us on the many successful bird conservation initiatives underway along the Maine coast and beyond

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 you name tag.

At Skoog Park

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Bird Walk
Jul
31

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

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Pressed Flower Workshop
Aug
5

Pressed Flower Workshop

Co-sponsored with Pleasant River Grange

Naturalist Beth Gilford will teach us how to make press 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

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Bird Walk
Aug
7

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

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Drawn to the Nature of Vinalhaven
Aug
12

Drawn to the Nature of Vinalhaven

Co-Sponsored by the Grange

Wednesday, June 10, 9am-12:30pm
Meet at Skoog Park and carpool to the site

Grab a sketchbook and explore Lane’s Island Preserve with pencil, pen, and paint. Artist and educator Jean Mackay will share simple approaches to field sketching designed to help you get started, hone your observational and artistic skills, and deepen your understanding of the nature of Vinalhaven. We will work primarily in pen and ink, but please bring a small set of watercolors or colored pencils if you like. All skill levels welcome, though some experience with sketching and watercolor will be helpful.

 Jean Mackay Bio
Artist and educator Jean Mackay has been exploring and sketching nature for more than 25 years. She began visiting Vinalhaven in 2005 and has been inspired by the island’s rocky coast and spruce woods ever since. She is the author/illustrator of The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook, published in 2020, and she teaches in person and online workshops nationally. Discover the ordinary, yet extraordinary things that she encounters close to her home in upstate New York and farther afield on her blog, Drawn Inhttp://www.jeanmackayart.com

Sample of Jean Mackay Nature Journal

Meet at Skoog Park and carpool to the site

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Bird Walk
Aug
14

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

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Bird Walk
Aug
21

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

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Bird Walk
Aug
28

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

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Geology Walk
Aug
31

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

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Bird Walk
Sep
4

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

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Community Roadside Clean Up
May
4

Community Roadside Clean Up

Join us in keeping Vinalhaven beautiful! We will be picking up trash along the roadside. Please wear reflective clothing, boots and gloves. Meet in the parking lot of Skoog Park to pick up trash bags and road suggestions.

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Bird Walk
Sep
12

Bird Walk

Don’t miss the last bird walk of the summer, led 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

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Bird of Prey: Raptor Migration
Sep
5

Bird of Prey: Raptor Migration

Jay Manning will give a presentation at Skoog Park on the birds of prey that migrate through our island community After the presentation he will lead a walk to try and catch a glimpse of these spectacular birds!

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Coastal Storms, Coastal Floods, Coastal Resilience: Sea Level Rise and Climate Committee
Aug
23

Coastal Storms, Coastal Floods, Coastal Resilience: Sea Level Rise and Climate Committee

What are members of the Vinalhaven Sea Level Rise and Climate Committee doing to help the Town address sea level rise, storm surge, and other climate change impacts on the island? Join members of this committee to learn about the programs and projects we are undertaking with the Town, community volunteers, and our North Haven neighbors. We'll meet at the tide gauge in the parking lot at 2 PM to learn about TideTrackers, the committee’s signature citizen science project. Then we’ll walk to the ferry terminal to learn about the committee’s tidal and weather monitoring project, as well as some great planning tools for community

Easy walking.

Meet at the tide gauge in Downtown Parking Lot

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Aug
18

Cemeteries of Vinalhaven

In partnership with The Vinalhaven Historical Society, Eric Davis leads a walk around one of the local cemeteries, discussing the lives of the people who came before on the island.. Meet at Carvers Cemetery

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What is Climate-Smart Forestry
Aug
15

What is Climate-Smart Forestry

Thursday August 15, 7:00pm @ Pleasant River Grange!

Description: Climate-smart forestry is the practice of forestry, including preservation, to both mitigate climate change and help forests adapt to climate conditions that are expected. Climate-smart forestry includes -- as appropriate to the site, stand conditions, and circumstances -- both active management (e.g., harvesting, planting, etc.) and preservation. Co-Sponsored by Pleasant River Grange

At Pleasant River Grange

 

Bio: ALEC GIFFEN works for the New England Forestry Foundation as their representative in Maine and works on a number of specific projects; for example, efforts to accelerate the pace of conservation in Maine, efforts to define “exemplary forestry” and increase the use of wood in construction.  He previously served as a Senior Science and Policy Fellow for the Clean Air Task Force heading up their efforts to capitalize on the role that forests can play in reducing global warming. He also was the Director of the Maine Forest Service and has over 40 years of experience in natural resource planning and program administration. 

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Mat Cutting With Ron Rosenstock
Aug
9

Mat Cutting With Ron Rosenstock

Co-sponsored by Pleasant River Grange.

You’ve taken the perfect picture of a beautiful Vinalhaven Landscape, but here on the island it’s hard to get photos matted and ready to frame. Learn how to cut your own mats from professional photographer Ron Rosenstock in this fun hands-on workshop at the Pleasant River Grange. $20 fee, all materials provided. Class is limited to 10 people RSVP by emailing vinalhavengrange@gmail.com, or (207) 200-1764   

Meet at Pleasant River Grange

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Lichen & Moss
Aug
7

Lichen & Moss

Explore Vinalhaven’s Moss and Lichen draped landscape with Botanist Javier Peñalosa. Learn about the different types and ways to identify them. Bug spray recommend.

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Dog Walk
Aug
6

Dog Walk

What could be better than a relaxing hike through the forest. A hike that includes your best four legged friend. Bring your dog for a walk! Meet at Tip Toe Mountain Preserve and enjoy a fun filled hike with other dog lovers!

Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and children.

Photo by Andrea Hogan

Meet at Tip Toe Mountain Preserve

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Barton’s Quarry
Aug
5

Barton’s Quarry

Tom Crisp, VLT steward, leads a walk along the rugged, somewhat steep trail loop. Accessible only by boat, there is a fairly protected spot to anchor. Please arrive on site by kayak, canoe, punt or private boat. VLT will not provide transportation for this walk. Meet at Barton’s Quarry.

Entrance to preserve is just north of the entrance to the Basin. The large old pier cannot be used for landing. 

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Zen & the Art of Photography
Jul
31

Zen & the Art of Photography

Led by Ron Rosenstock. A Zen approach to making a photograph is based on attention and awareness. It’s about connecting, or communing with what you are photographing and sensing the connection between what is out there and a part of you as well. He will go into detail with a few exercises, to increase presence of the moment.

Meet at Skoog Park

Photo By Ron Rosenstock

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Quarry Walk
Jul
29

Quarry Walk

John Frumer leads a walk and discussion of the quarrying process. Please be prepared for a strenuous walk, with uneven footing. Bug and tick spray, highly recommended. Meet at Skoog Park to carpool.

Meet at Skoog Park

No photography or recording of any kind.

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Low Tide Walk
Jul
27

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.

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Bird Walk
Jul
25

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

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Clams, Everything you Need to Know-part 1
Jul
24

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.

Meet at Vinalhaven Town Hall

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Dog Walk
Jul
22

Dog Walk

What could be better than a relaxing hike through the forest. A hike that includes your best four legged friend. Bring your dog for a walk! Meet at Lower Mill River, Overlook Trail and enjoy a fun filled hike with other dog lovers!

Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and children.

Photo by Andrea Hogan

Meet at Lower Mill River Preserve, Overlook Trail

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Fairy House Building
Jul
20

Fairy House Building

Hannah and Maisie 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 at 9:00am. This event is perfect for the young and the young at heart. Young children should be accompanied by a caregiver, please.

Meet at Granite Island Preserve, Story Book Trail

Photo by Norbert Leser

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Human Ecology and Red Paint People
Jul
12

Human Ecology and Red Paint People

Kerry Hardy will lead a walk on the human ecology of Vinalhaven. Discussing the period between glacial retreat and the Moorehead Tradition (i.e. Red Paint) people. The location of this walk is TBD. Please meet at Skoog Park to carpool.

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Art & Algae
Jul
11

Art & Algae

Meet at Lane’s Island

Being on an island the beaches are often covered in various types of algae. Join Josie Iselin on a walk along the beaches of Lane’s Island to discover the beautiful and interesting world of seaweed.

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Bird Walk
Jul
11

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

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Bird Walk
Jul
5

Bird Walk

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

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Wildflower Walk
Jul
2

Wildflower Walk

Our island is full of beautiful flowers! Join Naturalist Beth Gilford as she leads a walk to share her knowledge about all the different plants. Bug spray and hiking shoes encouraged.

Meet at Skoog Park

Photo by Norbert Leser

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Seaweed
Jun
29

Seaweed

Join us for a seaweed walk at low tide on Lane's Island with seaweed enthusiast Yvonne Thomas. We will hunt for different types of seaweeds, classify them into groups of reds, browns and greens, and learn about the many benefits of seaweed. And there will be an opportunity to sample seaweed snacks. This walk and talk is geared towards children of all ages. Please wear boots and clothes that can get muddy and bring a bucket.

Meet at Lane’s Island

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Upcoming events.

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