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
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
Four Fossil Quarry Tour
Take a tour of the Four Fossil Quarry! Learn about quarrying and the granite industry on this interesting walk!
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!
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 (Copy)
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.
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
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
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
Phil Crossman Talk
Phil Crossman pithy humorous talk titled 'Living Here Then'.
Co-sponsored by Vinalhaven Reads. $10 Donation.
Meet at Smith Hokanson Auditorium
*Postponed* Zen in the Woods, Zazen, Kinhin, Haiku
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.
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
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.
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
Wildflower Walk
Our island is full of beautiful flowers! Join Naturalist Janet Gohres 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
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
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
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
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.
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
**Canceled** Native Hedges and Hedgerows: Beauty & Biodiversity for Resiliency **Canceled**
*Canceled*
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
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.
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 & 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
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.
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.
Annual Meeting
We hope you will join us under the tent at Skoog Park for VLT’s 39th Annual Meeting! Learn about this year’s activities, meet staff, enjoy snacks and reconnect in person.
The speaker this year will be Molly Miller, PhD, a researcher and consultant in social science research and natural resource management. Her research focuses on marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture. She will share her research and her insight on resilience in coastal communities and ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.
We hope you will linger after the meeting to 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
Clams, Everything you Need to Know-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.
Meet at Vinalhaven Town Hall
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 Throughfare. 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