Press Release

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Holbrook Island Sanctuary, located in Brooksville, will hold a number of natural-history and activity presentations through the coming summer months.

The programs, which range from beekeeping to bagpipes, will be held at the park and are free with park admission.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary, managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, is a state park known for its scenic natural area of upland forests, rocky shores, and an offshore island. It provides numerous opportunities for hiking, nature appreciation, swimming, fishing and winter activities. Picnic tables are available, along with an area to launch canoes and kayaks.

For more information about park activities, call Tammy Bishop, park manager, at (207) 326-4012

Or go to: http://www.maine.gov/holbrook

For more information about all Maine state parks, go to: http://www.parksandlands.gov

Holbrook Island Sanctuary’s 2012 Summer Programs

-- Saturday, June 30 – “Inter-tidal Pools”; Learn about different species of sea life that live along the ocean shores. A scavenger hunt will follow the presentation. All ages welcomed. Meet at the picnic area at 1 p.m.

-- Thursday, July 5 – “How many bears can live in a forest?” Presented by Kendall Mirda; Come be a “bear” and understand how limiting factors affect animal populations. Ages 6-plus preferred. Meet at the picnic area at 1 p.m.

-- Saturday, July 14 – “Maine’s Edible Wild Plants,” presented by author Tom Seymour; Come learn about unique wild plants that are right outside your back door. All ages welcomed. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Backshore parking lot. Bring bug spray.

-- Sunday, July 15 -- Goose Pond Paddle, with Zack Holderbery; Learn about, and possibly see, shellfish, various birds, muskrat and beaver. Meet at Goose Falls Bridge at 7 a.m. off Back Road. Bring your own canoe or kayak, paddle, life jacket, water and bug spray.

-- Friday, July 20 – “Backyard Bees,” presented by Maine beekeeper Jim Reed. Come and learn the about the fascinating world of beekeeping. All ages welcomed. Meet at 1 p.m. in the picnic area. Bring your own blanket or chair.

-- Wednesday, July 25 – Pine Cone Bird Feeders, presented by Matt Campbell; Learn how to build a bird feeder with just a few simple items: bird seed, peanut butter, pine cone and string. All ages welcomed. Meet at 1 p.m. at the picnic area.

-- Saturday, Aug. 4 – “Bagpipes are back!” presented by Tom Seymour. Listen to Tom play various songs on the bagpipes and other unique instruments. All ages welcome. Meet at the picnic area at 1 p.m. Bring your own blanket or chair.

-- Wednesday, Aug. 8 – “Oh Deer!” Find out that some variations in wildlife populations are natural as ecological systems undergo constant changes. Ages 6-plus preferred. Meet at picnic area at 1 p.m.