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

Lead by Kerry Hardy

Learn about Thoreau’s three trips to Maine. The first 30 minutes will be an in office presentation, and is “all-ability friendly”

After the presentation, you can join Kerry on a hike around Fish Hook and Over look. Explore the various plants and animals that Thoreau observed, not only in his book “The Maine Woods” but in other writings as well, such as “Wild Fruits” and “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack River.” Please dress for the weather, the hiking portion of the event will end at around noontime!

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

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

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

At the Town Office, this event is “All Ability Friendly”

Take a walk through one of VLT preserves with our Environmental Educator Dani Stewart! This hike is perfect for families with children to get outside and explore! Please dress for the weather.

Meet at Skoog Park!

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

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 9:00am. 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

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

Join Environmental Educator Dani Stewart at Granite Island for a family-friendly Scavenger Trivia adventure! Bring a team and explore the island as you search for hidden trivia questions. Work together to find and answer each one as quickly and accurately as you can! Dress for the weather.

Meet at Granite Island

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

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.

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

Get to know VLTs Executive Director Andrea Hogan, while exploring VLT preserves. Join her as she leads the group on a hike through the Lower Mill River Preserve. Hiking shoes and bug spray recommend. Parking is limited at the trail, meet at Skoog Park.

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

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

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.

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

Nothing announces springtime like the melodies of songbirds. On this 1-2 hour walk, ornithologist John Drury will show us the many varieties of warblers as they migrate through our island. Join us and learn techniques to identify unique plumage and calls. Expect damp and uneven terrain. Bring boots, binoculars, and a camera if you have them. Meet in the Lanes Island Preserve parking area.

Photo by John Drury

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

Take a tour of the Four Fossil Quarry! Learn about quarrying and the granite industry on this interesting walk!

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!

Phil Crossman pithy humorous talk titled 'Living Here Then'.

Co-sponsored by Vinalhaven Reads. $10 Donation.

Meet at Smith Hokanson Auditorium

Postponed! New Date: Weds, Aug 28th 10am @ Skoog Park

Sitting Zen, Walking Zen, Talking Zen. Join VLT steward Tom Crisp in the trees at Granite Island Preserve where we will cultivate and appreciate our forest’s greatest gift: silence.

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. 

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

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.