The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is working with area community groups to put on a day of fun and education to celebrate the Sheepscot River and the communities of the Sheepscot watershed. In addition to the 5K Salmon Run, and the kids Smolt and Fry runs, there will be a variety of activities for kids and adults.

The Darling Marine Center will be there with its touch tank to share many interesting facts about the creatures that depend on the saltwater ecosystems of the Sheepscot River. A watershed model from the Maine Cooperative Extension will be available, as well as a freshwater tank with invertebrates and amphibians, to help make the connections between the headwaters of the Sheepscot River and its estuaries to the south.

The Chewonki Foundation will be presenting a live Birds of Prey Program with their non-releasable raptors making up their “non-human” teaching team. Chewonki’s birds of prey have injuries which make them unable to fly and hunt in the wild, providing participants with close up views of their many unique adaptations. An abundance of natural history information about common raptors found in Maine, and hands on opportunities with wings, skulls and feet, will allow visitors to learn about these important predators and their roles as “mother nature’s living mousetraps.”

Great Horned owls, Barred Owls and Red-tailed hawks are just a few of the raptors that use forest and field habitats throughout the Sheepscot watershed. The SVCA stewards a number of preserves that support habitat for raptors including Trout Brook Preserve in Alna where hikers can often hear Barred owls calling in the bottom lands along the Brook. Undeveloped forests and fields provide important cover, hunting habitat and space for raptors to raise their young. 

Mid-Coast Audubon will also have a table with information on birding, binoculars, and activities for kids to learn about birds. The shrubby habitat around the Harriet ball field will be a good spot to practice birding skills as fall migration has already begun. A Migration Game will be set up for families to explore the risks of bird migration and the importance of habitat along winter and spring migration routes. Come give it a try and see if you survive the 1,000-5,000 mile migration route.

Hidden Valley Nature Center will have its post and beam set up, and information about the 1,000 acre property in Jefferson. Visitors can learn about tree identification and forestry practices. In addition to the recreational opportunities at HVNC, they work hard to maintain a working sustainable forest, providing timber resources as well as educational opportunities.

The day of fun and educational opportunities begins with the Salmon Run at 9 a.m and wraps up at 3 p.m. with the drawing of the winners of the SVCA’s fundraising raffle. Lunch, beverages and baked goods offered by the Alna Volunteer Fire Department, Jefferson Boy Scout Troop 216, Big Barn Coffee, Lincoln County Historical Society, Sheepscott Community Church and the Wiscasset Yacht Club, will be available for purchase throughout the day. Visit the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association website www.sheepscot.org for schedule and activity updates, and to register for the Salmon Run, or call the office at 207-586-5616.