Fishing, family fun and nature programs on tap through Maine Parks and Lands

Range Pond State Park:
POLAND — March 4: “Hooked on Fishing” Kid’s Ice Fishing Derby at Range Pond State Park from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free ice fishing rig for 1st 500 registered children ages 12 and under who arrive before 10 a.m., compliments of Kittery Trading Post. Free ice fishing basics, drilled holes and bait for kids; first come, first served.

XC-ski trails — 2 miles of groomed trails, sliding hill (snow permitting) and food vendor. Download the Ice Fishing Derby website & release form from the Maine Parks and Lands web site. Special reduced park entry fee of $1.50 for adults and youth 12-64; all others free Park Location: 26 State Park Road, Poland (off Empire Rd.)

Lily Bay State Park:
GREENVILLE — March 11: Take-it-Outside Winter Family Fun Day at Lily Bay State Park from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing demo, tote sled rides, wildlife exhibit and bonfire. Ski & Snowshoe Trailer on site for free equipment loans. Winter survival skills demonstration by the Boy Scouts. Hot dogs, burgers, coffee and cocoa while they last! Door prizes too! $1.50 for adults and youth 12-64; all others free. Park Location: State Park Road, Beaver Cove (9 miles north of Greenville on the east shore of Moosehead Lake). For More Information call: (207) 695-2700.

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park:
FREEPORT — Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers nature programs on weekends in March, except March 11, at 2 p.m.. Nature programs start at the benches by the end of the second parking lot unless otherwise noted and may include walks, talks, and activities in a beautiful natural setting. Programs last about one hour unless otherwise noted, weather permitting. No reservations are needed, unless otherwise noted. Nature programs are free with park admission — $1 ages 5-11; $4 for Maine residents ages 12-64; $6 for non-residents ages 12-64; $2 for non-residents 65 and older. Persons under 5 and Maine residents 65 and older are free. For more information or to arrange for group visits, call 207-865-4465.

March events:

* 3/4 Reading Animal Tracks — Experience the joys of snowshoeing as we track animals through the park. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free rental of snowshoes.
* 3/5 Winter in the Woods — Join us for a guided walk to enjoy and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting.
* 3/12 Winter Tree Identification — Learn how to identify trees in the park’s forest using their winter characteristics. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting.
* 3/18 Winter in the Woods — Join us for a guided walk to enjoy and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting.
* 3/19 Stories in Stone — Get to know the story of Maine’s beautiful rockbound coast on this walk with short talks and activities. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting.
* 3/25 Casco Bay Walk — Enjoy views of islands and rocky shores on this one-mile walk along the scenic Casco Bay Trail. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting.
* 3/26 Signs of Spring — Look for signs of spring including flowering trees, emerging chipmunks, and migrating birds. 2 p.m., meet at the benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting.

For more information about Maine State Parks visit www.parksandlands.com or view a calendar at Year at a Glance of Park Events Calendar.