In-person

As most of us know, Western Maine has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts in all four seasons. This Gold LEAF opportunity combines paddling trips, light hikes, walks and snowshoeing into one package geared to take advantage of local resources and seasonal conditions. For this term, we will focus on beginner/moderate trails to walk, hike, or snowshoe in Western Maine. Participants should have comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, ice cleats, and snowshoes. Trekking poles are recommended but not necessary. We will keep a close eye on the weather before each event and keep participants posted about changes. Our goal is to be safe, have fun, and get outside!

February 27

March 26

April 16 

May 21

10 a.m., locations to be determined.

Ray Stillman and Deb Stahler will be organizing the Out and About Group for Gold LEAF for the spring term.  They both enjoy exploring the outdoors of Maine with others.

In-Person

This is an introduction to Siesta Sanctuary which provides a permanent home for parrots that are displaced from their homes due to their owner moving or passing away, changes in a home situation, or sometimes for disruptive behavior.  

While no parrot has likely lived alone and rarely with other birds, the Sanctuary has a goal of providing each new arrival the opportunity to become a part of a flock of their choosing. They can fly about when they wish, eat what they like, find a perch that looks and feels right, and find friends of their choosing.  In some cases, residents of the Sanctuary are successfully adopted by other families.

April 30, 2024

Tour time:  11 am -1 pm

Carpool:  Meet at 9:30 am, Leave at 9:45 am, Park N Ride Lot next to Walgreen's, Farmington, ME.  Also, stopping for lunch will be an option if desired.

Location:  Siesta Sanctuary, 104 Brown Rd, Harmony, ME 04942

For more info: https://www.siestasanctuary.org/ 

Margaret & Fritz Buschmann, founders of the non-profit Siesta Sanctuary fell in love with parrots during a visit to Busch Gardens many years ago and have owned parrots for many years. After a couple of years of raising parrots for sale, they chose to establish Siesta Sanctuary in 1999. Although about 40 birds live there now some of whom are senior members, the Sanctuary has often served nearly twice that number at any one time.

In-Person

The course will include a little history of Robin's Flower Pot and what makes us different. It will include a tour of our gardens and facilities. Robin will answer gardening questions, from pruning to seeding to planting along with any other questions you may have. The facility is park-like, so please wear comfy footwear. Creating a floral arrangement may be possible depending on the flowers available at the time of class.  

June 24, 2024

11 am - 1 pm

Location: 387 Webster Rd, Farmington, ME 04938

Jim and Robin started their business over 25 years ago, with one greenhouse. Robin had worked in a greenhouse as a teenager and grew up on a farm, so she had always done gardening. Robin received her BS degree from UMF in 1980. She was employed by UMF for 20 years as a Groundskeeper and grew flowers for the campus. She has taken gardening courses over the years along with floral design and cut flower farming classes. Much of her knowledge is from experience and mentors.