Camouflage & biomimicry activity kits for kids available from Friends of Sears Island
Friends of Sears Island is currently taking registrations for free camouflage and biomimicry-themed grab-and-go activity kits for children. Learn all about camouflage and mimicry — fascinating adaptations that different animals use to blend into their environment or imitate other species. This kit includes air dry clay, googly eyes, feathers, and other materials for your child to create their own patterned creature, and prompts for building it a suitable environment or shelter. Educational handouts and activity sheets are also included.
The kits are free and intended for children ages 5-12. Donations to Friends of Sears Island are always gratefully accepted to allow the organization to continue to offer programming to all at no cost. Activity kit quantities are limited and will be distributed to families on a first come, first served basis. To request a kit for your child, please email outreach@friendsofsearsisland.org. After receiving a confirmation email, families can pick up their kits at the Carver Memorial Library in Searsport between Oct. 1-10.
Friends of Sears Island’s children’s programs and activity kits are sponsored by First National Bank. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island check out www.friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland.
Fall tree walk on Sears Island
Join Friends of Sears Island for a guided tree walk on Friday, Oct. 3, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered how to tell a sugar maple apart from a red maple, or why trees lose their leaves in the fall? We will learn how to identify common trees of Maine and build our understanding of their unique adaptations to their environments. The walk will be led by Sky Milstein (they/them) who is currently serving as the Maine Conservation Corps environmental steward for the Belfast Department of Parks and Recreation. Sky’s background is in biology, plants, conservation, ecology, and land management. They are excited to share their knowledge with you and learn from you as well!
This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to pre-register for this event. Sears Island is located at the end of Sears Island Road off Route 1, just east of Searsport. Participants should park along the causeway at the end of the road and meet at the picnic tables just beyond the island gate by 3:30 p.m. Please note that hunting is allowed on Sears Island from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, with the exception of Sundays, so it is recommended that attendees wear blaze orange or brightly colored clothing. Pets are not permitted at this program. In the event of rain the program will be canceled. For more information and updates, visit friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland.
Hey Sailor! presents a benefit for FOSI with BookHead SweetTooth!
Get ready for an evening of live gypsy-soul rock and blues on Saturday, Oct. 4 when the Starboard Lounge at Hey Sailor! presents a benefit for Friends of Sears Island featuring BookHead SweetTooth! Enjoy live music, delicious food and drink and great company while supporting a good cause.
Bring your friends and family along for a night of entertainment and community spirit. Come early for drinks and dinner at Hey Sailor! Buy a few raffle tickets for our 50/50 raffle and you might even go home a winner! Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds go to Friends of Sears Island after the band is paid. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://bookheadsweettoothatheysailor.eventbrite.com
Buy your tickets in advance to be sure of seating! Tickets will be sold at the door if still available. Help make a difference and show your love for Sears Island.
Trails and Treats: Halloween scavenger hunt and spooky animal hike on Sears Island
Friends of Sears Island will be installing a self-guided Halloween-themed nature scavenger hunt and “spooky animal trail” along the Homestead Trail. From Oct. 15-31, scavenger hunts will be available to island visitors at the kiosk just beyond the island gate. Families are encouraged to take scavenger hunts for their children and try to find all of the items on the list. The display signs along the Homestead Trail will also have interesting facts and jokes about the “spooky” animals associated with Halloween, such as bats, spiders, owls, and more. After completing the scavenger hunt, families are invited to stop by the Carver Library before the end of the month for a free treat bag (non-food goodies).
Please be advised that hunting is allowed on Sears Island from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 with the exception of Sundays. Families are encouraged to either do the scavenger hunt and spooky animal hike on a Sunday, or wear blaze orange and explore at your own risk. A stack of Halloween scavenger hunts will also be available at the desk at Carver Memorial Library for those who would prefer not to visit the island during hunting season.
This Friends of Sears Island “Science Squad” activity is made possible with support from First National Bank.