Led by renowned terrestrial ecologist Tom Wessels - professor emeritus and founder of the conservation biology master’s program at Antioch University New England - we will explore how to interpret a forest's history, including previous agricultural use, wind and wildfire disturbances, plus former logging histories, as well as how to date each of these events. We will also explore some of our tree's unique adaptations and interesting, coevolved interrelationships that occur within our woodlands. For over 50 years, Tom has studied forest, desert, arctic, and alpine ecosystems around the world, but he has made Mount Desert Island home in large part due to its epic geological story and natural and cultural histories. This workshop is inspired by the teaching in Wessels’ seminal book Reading the Forested Landscape. Full of wonderful signs and clues, with careful attention and specific knowledge the landscape reveals profound stories.

Maine’s forests and wetlands are home to an incredible diversity of species. In Build Your Own Herbarium, we’ll create individual, portable flower presses before heading out onto the Camp Beech Cliffs property with Christopher Brahan, an outdoor educator at CBC and a trained environmental and wetland scientist passionate about inspiring curiosity in the outdoors. There, you’ll learn the basics of plant identification, wild edibles, wetlands, phenology, and more, all while collecting specimens to include in your herbarium. By the end of the class, you’ll have the beginnings of your own field guide, built from real examples in the surrounding environment.

With over 6000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, Maine has a lot of water to explore! What better way to do so than fly fishing?! Participants will receive an introduction to fly fishing in Maine, the gear needed to get started and the techniques to get you casting on the water! Wading along Maine’s rivers and streams is one of the best ways to see the untouched beauty of the outdoors and see some incredible wildlife along the way. Participants do not need a fishing license for this workshop as we will focus on techniques and no actual fishing is involved.

New England is home to a vast diversity of plant life—some edible, some medicinal, and some best avoided. Participants will learn to identify common plants of Mount Desert Island, explore ethical foraging practices, and understand how native plants support local wildlife and ecosystems. Whether you're curious about wild foods, plant medicine, or simply looking to deepen your connection to the land, this workshop will sharpen your observation skills and broaden your ecological awareness. We'll sample a few wild flavors, make a medicinal tincture to take home, and walk the forest with fresh eyes—learning to recognize the gifts and cautions nature provides. This hands-on session is led by Karen Olga Zimmermann, a Maine Master Naturalist and Registered Maine Guide, and Carol Leonard, a Maine Master Naturalist and author of Bad Beaver Tales.

From an afternoon on a local trail to a multi-month expedition, there are key steps that set us up for success. This workshop will walk through the planning process, helping you answer essential questions of what, when, where, who, why, and how so you can step confidently into new adventures. Led by Camp Beech Cliff Outdoor Educator Valery Gillis, participants will explore how to choose destinations, read weather forecasts, build flexible route plans, and create effective safety and communication plans. You’ll also learn how to develop efficient packing systems, read maps, estimate travel times, and prepare for the unexpected so you can adapt when plans change. Whatever your next adventure may be, you’ll leave with practical tools to plan with purpose.

Led by the experts at New England Fly Company, participants in this session will be introduced to the basic art of fly tying. Perfect for beginners or for those looking for a new hobby, this workshop explores a skill that is handy for any angler to know: how to tie your own flies. Fly tying dates back before fishing as we know it, and fly fishing anglers have developed a keen sense of how to read the streams and how to “match the hatch.” All materials and tools will be provided for the workshop, though participants who have their own tools and equipment are welcome to bring their own.

Maine’s lakes and coastal waters offer endless opportunities for exploration, and sea kayaking is one of the best ways to experience them. This workshop, held on the calm waters of Echo Lake, is designed for those new to the sport or looking to refine their foundational skills. Led by Master Maine Sea Kayak Guide, Paige Steele, participants will learn essential paddling techniques, safety considerations, and how to maneuver efficiently on the water. Topics may include proper boat fit, basic strokes, self-rescue concepts, and strategies for building confidence in a kayak. Whether you’re interested in recreational paddling or aspiring to explore Maine’s coastal waters, this session will provide a solid introduction to the fundamentals of sea kayaking in a fun and supportive setting.

Maine is home to some of the most beautiful, serene, and remote gravel riding and adventure cycling opportunities in the country. This workshop is designed to help participants prepare for rewarding two-wheeled travel in Maine’s varied landscapes. Led by Camp Beech Cliff Outdoor Educator Christopher Brahan, this session will cover where to go for adventure rides, how to build routes using accessible planning resources, what to bring for trips ranging from short rides to overnights, and how to pack your bike to meet the demands of the journey. Participants will also learn how to build a practical repair kit, manage basic bike repairs in the field, and prepare for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable ride. By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident and better equipped to plan your next cycling adventure in the Maine wilderness and beyond.

Curious about the wildlife and plant communities around you? Ever wonder how your observations can contribute to real conservation work? This workshop will introduce you to some of the projects happening in Maine and how you can join in the effort to study and help protect our native species and habitats. Led by Camp Beech Cliff’s Head of Nature Programs, Molly Stewart, this session will explore current projects, along with programs and applications such as iNaturalist, that can help build your field observation, identification, and naturalist skills while contributing meaningful information. Many projects rely on people just like you to gather the information scientists need to continue their studies and support conservation efforts.