Location
Date & Time
About This Event
Explore Maine's natural world through a new monthly program featuring free guided walks and talks with the High Peaks Alliance's volunteer Maine Master Naturalists.
Each session is scheduled at 10 AM on the second Wednesday of the month. Participants are welcome to join for one, some, or all of the monthly sessions based on their interests and availability.
The hour-long sessions will cover topics ranging from animal tracking and birding to wildflowers, fungi, and the region's geology, all on lands stewarded by the Alliance across the High Peaks Region.
Programs are designed for adults and older teens of all experience levels. Participants should dress for outdoor terrain and Maine weather.
Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Program locations are listed in the description. Weather cancellations will be communicated via email by 8 AM on the day of the event.
2026 Program Schedule:
1/14 – “Ecological Principles” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
2/11 – “Mammals of Maine - Tracking” at Bigelow Preserve, Stratton (School St/Dead River Rd)
3/11 – “Phenology” (the study of the natural seasonal cycles of Maine’s plants and animals) at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
4/8 – “Mammals of Maine - Beavers” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
5/13 – “Vernal Pools - Reptiles & Amphibians” at Center Hill Nature Walk in Mt Blue State Park, Weld
6/10 – “Birding, eBird, Merlin” at Prescott Field Accessible Trail, Farmington
7/8 – “Wildflowers & Nature Journaling” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
8/12 – “Insects” at Shiloh Pond Community Forest, Kingfield
9/9 – “Ferns” at Mosher Hill Falls, Farmington
10/14 – “Fungi & BioBlitz” at Fly Rod Crosby Trail, Amble Street, Phillips
11/11 – “Geology” at Daggett Rock, Phillips
12/9 – “Mammals - Skulls & Furs” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
Leaders
Darin S. Schwartz, PhD, Master Naturalist
Darin grew up exploring the Appalachian Mountains and brought that love of the outdoors with him to Maine over a decade ago. A retired U.S. Army Special Operations officer, he graduated from the Maine Master Naturalist Program in October 2025 and now volunteers to help others connect with and learn about the natural world. When he's not leading programs, you'll find Darin hiking, camping, photographing wildlife, SCUBA diving, or spending time outdoors with his family.
Vicky Charbonneau, Master Naturalist
Born in Canada, raised in Maine, and well-traveled through the Army, Vicky has always been passionate about exploring the outdoors. After years away, she and her husband recently moved to the High Peaks region to reconnect with the mountains she loved as a teenager—a passion she's now passed on to her own kids. As a Maine Master Naturalist, Vicky hopes to inspire better environmental stewardship so future generations can enjoy nature's beauty. When she's not working, you'll find her hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or skiing.
About This Event
Explore Maine's natural world through a new monthly program featuring free guided walks and talks with the High Peaks Alliance's volunteer Maine Master Naturalists.
Each session is scheduled at 10 AM on the second Wednesday of the month. Participants are welcome to join for one, some, or all of the monthly sessions based on their interests and availability.
The hour-long sessions will cover topics ranging from animal tracking and birding to wildflowers, fungi, and the region's geology, all on lands stewarded by the Alliance across the High Peaks Region.
Programs are designed for adults and older teens of all experience levels. Participants should dress for outdoor terrain and Maine weather.
Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Program locations are listed in the description. Weather cancellations will be communicated via email by 8 AM on the day of the event.
2026 Program Schedule:
1/14 – “Ecological Principles” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
2/11 – “Mammals of Maine - Tracking” at Bigelow Preserve, Stratton (School St/Dead River Rd)
3/11 – “Phenology” (the study of the natural seasonal cycles of Maine’s plants and animals) at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
4/8 – “Mammals of Maine - Beavers” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
5/13 – “Vernal Pools - Reptiles & Amphibians” at Center Hill Nature Walk in Mt Blue State Park, Weld
6/10 – “Birding, eBird, Merlin” at Prescott Field Accessible Trail, Farmington
7/8 – “Wildflowers & Nature Journaling” at Perham Stream Birding Trail, Madrid
8/12 – “Insects” at Shiloh Pond Community Forest, Kingfield
9/9 – “Ferns” at Mosher Hill Falls, Farmington
10/14 – “Fungi & BioBlitz” at Fly Rod Crosby Trail, Amble Street, Phillips
11/11 – “Geology” at Daggett Rock, Phillips
12/9 – “Mammals - Skulls & Furs” at Phillips Public Library, Phillips
Leaders
Darin S. Schwartz, PhD, Master Naturalist
Darin grew up exploring the Appalachian Mountains and brought that love of the outdoors with him to Maine over a decade ago. A retired U.S. Army Special Operations officer, he graduated from the Maine Master Naturalist Program in October 2025 and now volunteers to help others connect with and learn about the natural world. When he's not leading programs, you'll find Darin hiking, camping, photographing wildlife, SCUBA diving, or spending time outdoors with his family.
Vicky Charbonneau, Master Naturalist
Born in Canada, raised in Maine, and well-traveled through the Army, Vicky has always been passionate about exploring the outdoors. After years away, she and her husband recently moved to the High Peaks region to reconnect with the mountains she loved as a teenager—a passion she's now passed on to her own kids. As a Maine Master Naturalist, Vicky hopes to inspire better environmental stewardship so future generations can enjoy nature's beauty. When she's not working, you'll find her hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or skiing.