Schoodic Institute

Southwest Harbor Coastal Meetup
2025-05-21 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Manset Town Dock, 55 Shore Rd, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 04679
Learn how to document coastal flooding in your community!
Climate change and sea level rise are already driving our high tides higher, causing coastal floods up and down the shores of Maine. In order to adapt, we need to increase our understanding of what water level and weather conditions lead to local flooding.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is collaborating with the Town of Southwest Harbor to conduct a community-driven climate vulnerability assessment to identify and understand the risks and vulnerabilities of the town to the impacts of climate change. Through this project, Southwest Harbor is enrolling in GMRI’s Coastal Flooding Community Science project. That’s where you come in!
Join the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Schoodic Institute to learn about sea level rise and coastal flooding, how to contribute your own observational data to the Coastal Flooding Community Science Project, Schoodic Institute’s sea level monitoring efforts, and other ways to inform the science of change, and what you can do to support Southwest Harbor in preparing for coastal change.
Registration is not required, but encouraged. To register, click here.

2025 Wilderness First Aid by SOLO
2025-05-28 - 2025-05-29 | Wright Hall at Schoodic Institute, 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Thank you for your interest. This event has now reached maximum capacity. Please consider joining us instead for our June 4-5 session or contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org to be placed on a waiting list.
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one – and maybe even save a life.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets ACA guidelines.
Instructor Gerry Brache will teach the 16-hour-long course (spanning two days), which will focus on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. The course will be held on the Schoodic Institute campus in Wright Hall (classroom 110), from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day (May 28th and May 29th), with a 30-minute lunch break. A bagged lunch is included in the cost of registration and will be provided both days. This course will have indoor and outdoor sessions throughout both days, and students should be prepared for various types of weather. Please dress accordingly; we recommend rain gear and warm layers. Energy snacks and a water bottle are also encouraged.
An optional CPR Training and Certification course will be available for an additional fee and will be held at the end of class on May 29th from approximately 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
Registration for this course is $225 (lunch included).
Should You Need to Cancel Your Event Registration
There is a $35 processing fee for any cancellation made 15 days or more prior to the conference date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 14 days of the conference date.
Interested in saving on your commute? Check out our overnight accommodations on campus! To find out what accommodations and meals may be available, reach out to Megan Moshier at (207) 288-1337 or email mmoshier@schoodicinstitute.org to check rates and availability.

MDI Science Cafe: Exploring Future Sea Levels with Science, History, and Art on Mount Desert Island
2025-06-09 17:00 - 18:00
How do we document the changing coastline of Mount Desert Island? How can history, science, and art come together to help us understand and prepare for the future?
On June 9, join MDI Biological Laboratory Science Cafe panelists Raney Bench (Executive Director at Mount Desert Island Historical Society), artist Jennifer Booher, Catherine Schmitt (Science Communication Specialist at Schoodic Institute) at this hybrid event to discuss how the “Coast Lines” project uses community art, and science to track sea levels & storm surges.
Part of the Landscape of Change initiative, Coast Lines is a public science-history-art project focused on documenting past, present, and future storm surges and sea levels on Mount Desert Island. In 2024, this work took on new and greater relevance as multiple record-setting winter storms impacted waterfronts and ecosystems all around the island.
Join us for an update on installations of the “Coast Lines” stencil that involved community partners, teachers, and students, as well as how sea level observations contributed by volunteers have informed scientific models of future sea levels and storms.
The panel will also share some lessons learned from engaging the community in thinking about the coastal landscape and how it is changing, both subtly and dramatically, and where we’d like to go from here.
To register, please click here.

Bird Carving with Wendell Gilley Museum
2025-06-30 09:30 - 15:30, 2025-07-22 09:30 - 15:30, 2025-08-27 09:30 - 15:30
See how it’s done! Join us at Schoodic Institute with special guest carver Jim Vekasi from the Wendell Gilley Museum for hands-on bird carving demonstrations outside the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall.
Visit with Jim and pick up a carving knife yourself – there is no charge to give it a try! Then visit the display of bird carvings from the Wendell Gilley Museum inside the Welcome Center.
Jim is a longtime carver with the Gilley, as well as being a retired Acadia National Park employee who was deeply involved during the establishment of Schoodic Institute 25 years ago.

BioBlitz for a Resilient Forest Future (at Schoodic Forest)
2025-07-03 09:00 - 11:00
iNaturalist Early-Detection Training with MCHT and Schoodic Institute
Curious about how introduced insects are affecting Maine’s trees? Want to go out in the woods and identify species? Join Schoodic Institute and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) for an iNaturalist early-detection training and be a forest health detective!
Learn how to identify species of management interest, including harmful insects and at-risk species, and report them using iNaturalist. Researchers use these data to monitor the distribution of these species and maintain healthy forests. After the event, you’ll be able to take these skills with you and continue reporting your observations of these species wherever you encounter them.
When and where?
Rain or shine, join us from 9am – 11am on July 3 at Schoodic Forest in Winter Harbor, ME (find on Google Maps or scroll down to view).
We will meet here at 9am, and scientists from Schoodic Institute and MCHT will first lead a training about how to use iNaturalist and identify our focal species. After the training, volunteers will go out into Schoodic Woods to look for and record observations of these species and participate in a BioBlitz to identify as many species as possible.
What to bring?
Please bring a smartphone or other device compatible with iNaturalist (helpful tip: if you don’t already have the iNaturalist app downloaded to your device, we suggest doing so prior to the event!). If you don’t have a device, reach out to us ahead of the event and we will provide tablets for use. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and water, and wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Questions? Reach out to Kyle Lima at klima@schoodicinstitute.org.
Photo by Natalia Portales

No Time to Wait: Science Organizations as the New Adaptation Leaders feat. Doug Parsons
2025-07-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for our 2025 Summer Lecture Series!
Join us in person at Schoodic Institute or online via Zoom on Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00pm for No Time to Wait: Science Organizations as the New Adaptation Leaders featuring Doug Parsons, Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast.
Doug Parsons is the Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast.
As the federal government steps back from climate leadership and science comes under increasing attack, the role of science organizations has never been more critical. At the local level, these groups are essential in not just advancing climate adaptation but also creating widespread awareness of its urgency. Too often, adaptation is overlooked in climate discussions, yet it is vital for protecting communities and ecosystems. In this talk, Doug Parsons, host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast, will explore how research institutions can lead the way in bridging the gap between science, policy, and public understanding. With real-world examples and insights from his global storytelling, Doug will highlight why now is the time for science organizations to step up, ensuring that adaptation becomes a central focus in the climate conversation.
Doug Parsons is the Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast. A recognized leader in climate adaptation, Doug has worked at the intersection of science communication, policy, and media for over a decade. He has traveled the world telling stories of adaptation, highlighting the people, policies, and innovations shaping our climate future. His career includes roles with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Park Service, as well as adaptation work in Australia. Doug is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and storyteller, helping organizations and audiences understand the urgency and opportunities in climate adaptation.

Acadia’s Puffins, Peregrines, and Loons with Schoodic Institute
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-18
Thank you for your interest! This event is reached max capacity.
For more information on our 2025 bird tours, please click here. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for this tour, please contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org.
Schoodic Institute’s Seth Benz will lead this leisurely tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds, especially those that nest in Acadia National Park or its immediate surroundings.
We’ll move at a leisurely pace while learning about sight identification, bird habitats and behavior, and we’ll pay extra attention to enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. The entire tour will be based out of Schoodic Institute, ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point, a migration checkpoint that tallies tens of thousands of passing birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by birdsong – Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, and Magnolia Warbler. Blue-headed vireos and Northern Parula warblers often serenade you as you walk to Schooner Commons, the Institute’s dining hall. Maine has a way of spoiling birders – and this mid-July tour is designed to do just that.
Registration is required. The program cost is $1,295 per participant. Space is limited so register quickly!
Day 1: Check-in is at 3pm. “Acadia’s Puffins, Peregrines, and Loons begins on the Schoodic Institute campus at 4:30pm with introductions and orientation. This late afternoon will feature the start of field birding. A reception will precede dinner. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. An evening presentation on puffin restoration efforts will follow dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s special boat trip to an active seabird colony.
Day 2: An optional morning bird walk on campus – think warblers – before breakfast! Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 8:00am in Schooner Commons. We’ll then pack for a day afield and travel 40 minutes or so to the boat launch in Steuben for a 2-hour cruise to Petit Manan Island. This is our best chance to see Atlantic puffin, razorbill, common murre, and several tern species as we circumnavigate the island, one of just 5 islands in Maine inhabited by Atlantic puffin, thanks to restoration efforts. Seals and other wildlife are also possible. After lunch, which will be a field lunch at a bird-rich picnic spot, we’ll then inspect some nearby Blueberry barrens habitat to look for an assortment of birds, including upland sandpiper, vesper sparrow, and American kestrel. Of course, there will be other birds to see along the way. An evening discussion on the day’s experience, identification tips and review, and how to get the most out of eBird use will follow dinner (6:00pm – 7:00pm).
Day 3: Optional campus bird walk before breakfast. We’ll visit a loon sanctuary with the possibility of seeing a recently hatched loon chick or two. We’ll also visit a Peregrine Falcon eyrie site. Lunch will be in the field (carefully packed in a cooler along with water). The Cadillac Mountain Summit is included. We’ll return to campus by 5:00pm for leisure time before the 6:00pm dinner. Dinner this last night features your choice of lobster or a delicious alternative. Afterward, we’ll sum up the day and complete a checklist review.
Day 4: Optional before-breakfast bird walk. After breakfast, we’ll have the option of a culminating stroll to Schoodic Point. Checkout is at 10:00am.
Price of $1,295.00 is based upon double occupancy. Lodging upgrade options possible while available. To register, contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 or fill out the form below.
Price includes lodging and meals, van travel, boat fare, and guiding fees. Not included in price: airfare, trip insurance, alcohol beverages not offered by host, gas stop snacks, and gratuities. An Acadia National Park pass may be necessary if you will be traveling in the park in your own vehicle while not on this tour. These will be available to purchase at check-in or while on campus for $35.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

You can drive directly to Schoodic Institute
Get picked up in Bangor, Maine at either the airport (at 2 pm), or
Pick up at Odlin Road Park & Ride (at 2 pm) near the airport (this is a safe, patrolled parking lot).
We’ll return you to Bangor by 12pm noon on Day 4. If you are making a plane reservation, please plan your departure after 2pm.

2025 Sea & Sky at Acadia National Park with Carol Douglas
2025-08-03 - 2025-08-08
Transform your plein air painting skills in this week-long oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor workshop on the beautiful coast of Maine! All that while spending a week at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park.
Far from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula has dramatic rock formations, windblown pines, pounding surf and stunning mountain views that draw visitors from around the world.
You might look up from your easel to see dolphins, humpback whales or seals cavorting in the waves. Herring gulls visit while eiders and cormorants splash about.
A day trip to the harbor at Corea, ME is included. Far off the beaten path, Corea, ME is a village of small frame houses, fishing piers and lobster traps. Its working fleet bustles in and out of the harbor.
Concentrate on painting
Meals and accommodations at the beautiful Schoodic Institute are included in your fee. That includes a lobster boil by a real Corea fisherman. We’re right on Schoodic Point so we have unrivalled (and permitted) access to the park.
All mediums welcome
This workshop is aimed at helping painters refine their personal technique in watercolor, pastel, oils and acrylics. It will help you find your own voice and style, without becoming anyone’s clone. This is an intensive class, with morning and afternoon on-site painting sessions and lunch-time demos. Classes are kept small so every student gets the attention they deserve.
Carol Douglas has 20 years’ experience teaching students of all levels in watercolor, oils, acrylics and pastels. Her Acadia workshops are very popular. “This was the best painting instruction I have ever had. Carol’s advice in color mixing was particularly eye-opening. Her explanations are clear and easy to understand. She is very approachable and supportive. I would take this course again in a heartbeat.” (Carol T.)
Easily accessible
It’s easy to get to painting locations on the Schoodic Peninsula. A ring road with frequent pull-offs means you never walk more than a few hundred feet to your painting destination.
Fly or drive
Schoodic is only 90 minutes from Bangor International Airport. Or wind your way up from Boston along historic, scenic coastal Route 1.
The one-week workshop is $1,818, including five days accommodation in a private room with shared bath, meals, snacks, and instruction. Or, take the workshop as a commuter for $913. Accommodations for non-painting partners and guests are also available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Questions? Please reach out to Carol Douglas at malerincd@gmail.com.

BioBlitz for a Resilient Forest Future (at Cousins River)
2025-08-19 09:00 - 11:00
iNaturalist Early-Detection Training with MCHT and Schoodic Institute
Curious about how introduced insects are affecting Maine’s trees? Want to go out in the woods and identify species? Join Schoodic Institute and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) for an iNaturalist early-detection training and be a forest health detective!
Learn how to identify species of management interest, including harmful insects and at-risk species, and report them using iNaturalist. Researchers use these data to monitor the distribution of these species and maintain healthy forests. After the event, you’ll be able to take these skills with you and continue reporting your observations of these species wherever you encounter them.
When and where?
Rain or shine, join us from 9am – 11am on August 19 at Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve in Yarmouth, ME (find on Google Maps).
We will meet at 9am, and scientists from Schoodic Institute and MCHT will first lead a training about how to use iNaturalist and identify our focal species. After the training, volunteers will go out into Cousins River to look for and record observations of these species and participate in a BioBlitz to identify as many species as possible.
What to bring?
Please bring a smartphone or other device compatible with iNaturalist (helpful tip: if you don’t already have the iNaturalist app downloaded to your device, we suggest doing so prior to the event!). If you don’t have a device, reach out to us ahead of the event and we will provide tablets for use. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and water, and wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Questions? Reach out to Kyle Lima at klima@schoodicinstitute.org.

2025 Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Schoodic Institute
2025-08-21 19:00 - 22:00
The Maine Outdoor Film Festival returns to Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on August 21, 2025 for an evening of outdoor adventure and conservation films under the stars!

The Maine Outdoor Film Festival is an outlet for Maine filmmakers’ creativity. By attending a Maine Outdoor Film Festival screening, thousands of Mainers get the chance to see specially curated outdoor adventure and conservation filmmaking in their area.
The film program will last approximately two hours, including a 10-minute intermission. Event begins at 7:00PM, and screening will start at 7:45PM. We recommend bringing a chair and/or blanket, warm layers, a headlamp, bug spray, and your favorite snacks!
Tickets are $15 per person, or you can take advantage of our Friends & Family pack – 4 tickets for $50! You may register up to 6 people – tickets after the 4-pack will be priced at the discounted rate of $12.50 per person.
Many thanks to our sponsor, Design Group Collaborative. Offering architectural and interior design services at all stages of your project, collaboration is at the heart of DGC’s practice. DGC takes a unique approach to participatory design with customers to achieve responsive project solutions that fit your needs. Learn more at dgcarchitects.com.
Scheduled Program:
*Film Program Subject To Change*
OCEAN PURSUITS | 11.67 minutes | by Casey Nava | Maine | Short synopsis: Surfing and creativity intersect in Maine in winter.
TENDING THE TIDES | 5.25 minutes | by Trixie Betz | Maine | Short synopsis: Maine hosts the nation’s first registered Seaweed and Shellfish Aquaculture Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs. Tending the Tides follows young participants as they build careers on the water. Through hands-on training and mentorship, these future sea farmers gain skills to thrive in Maine’s growing aquaculture industry – while helping sustain the state’s working waterfronts.
THE SNOWY OWLS OF LOGAN AIRPORT | 8.98 minutes | by Anna M Miller | United States | Short synopsis: Norman Smith, often referred to as the “Owl Man of Logan Airport” has been relocating snowy owls from Boston’s busiest runways for the last 43 years.
YOUR LAST BEST: A MEMPHIS ROX STORY | 16.32 minutes | by Glen Janssens | United States | Short synopsis: Hope comes to a South Memphis neighborhood that has struggled with basic resources. It takes the unlikely form of a climbing gym, where Jarmond Johnson and others experience different outcomes on the wall.
2 LEGS IS 2 EASY | 6.42 minutes | by Tamara Susa | United States | Short synopsis: Steve Karczewski was born with bone cancer in his leg. After a year of chemotherapy, his leg was amputated above the knee. Nowadays, Steve is seen on the slopes of Roaring Fork Valley. He was recruited by Challenge Aspen in 2008 to join their Paralympic racing team. There, coaches trained him to ski without a prosthetic, on one ski.
FOOTPRINTS ON KATMAI | 21.83 minutes | by Max Romey | United States | Short synopsis: Following his Grandmother’s footsteps to one of the most remote and bear-strewn beaches in Alaska, painter Max Romey discovers that an ocean of problems is closer to home than he could have imagined.
ABOUT DAMN TIME | 25.9 minutes | by Dana Romanoff | United States | Short synopsis: A boatman’s tale about the women who row the iconic dories in the Grand Canyon, their struggles to break into the current, and the passing of the oars to the next generation.

Welcome to the Milky Way
2025-08-21 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Less than half of the world’s people can see the Milky Way—our home galaxy—because of urban light pollution. But here in Acadia it shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. The collective glow of its 200+ billion stars arches from horizon to horizon throughout the summer.
Amateur astronomy Richard Luecke will explain our current understanding of the Milky Way, our place in it, and how you can view and appreciate its splendors. His image-enhanced, indoor presentation will acquaint you with some of our galaxy’s most stunning features.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursday, August 21st. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (8:30 – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
Banner Photo by Harley Grady

Stars Over Schoodic
2025-08-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
As darkness falls over the Schoodic Peninsula, the Milky Way arches across the sky from horizon to horizon. Late summer’s most prominent constellations are suspended within its pale glow.
Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will take you on an indoor, 50-minute image-enhanced journey along that river of starlight and introduce you to summer’s most prominent constellations. You’ll learn to identify Perseus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila, Zeus’s pet eagle. Your journey will end in the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. It glistens with star clusters and glowing clouds of interstellar gas that even our naked eyes can perceive in the Schoodic’s dark sky.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Saturday, August 23rd. Weather permitting, we’ll venture outside for a green laser tour (8:30 – 10:00pm), where you’ll meet these sky wonders face-to-face – and likely see a few flashing meteors! A large astronomical telescope will provide stunning views of the ET Cluster, the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the Dumbbell Nebula and more. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!

Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors... and Close Encounters
2025-08-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
There are more things in our solar system than the eight planets and their moons. Millions of small bodies of rock, ice and metal – asteroids, comets and meteors – orbit the Sun. Many are awesome to behold against the dark night sky, but some are potential threats to our planet. Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will offer an indoor, image-enhanced introduction to these celestial neighbors, how to observe them, and the risks they pose when their trajectories cross the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Join us in Moore Auditorium on the Schoodic Institute campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Monday, August 25th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (approximately 8:30pm – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!
Space is limited! Please register below.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
NASA Photo / Comet NEOWISE 2019

Welcome to the Milky Way II
2025-08-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of Welcome to the Milky Way!
Less than half of the world’s people can see the Milky Way—our home galaxy—because of urban light pollution. But here in Acadia it shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. The collective glow of its 200+ billion stars arches from horizon to horizon throughout the summer.
Amateur astronomy Richard Luecke will explain our current understanding of the Milky Way, our place in it, and how you can view and appreciate its splendors. His image-enhanced, indoor presentation will acquaint you with some of our galaxy’s most stunning features.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Tuesday, August 26th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (8:30 – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
Banner Photo by Harley Grady

Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors… and Close Encounters II
2025-08-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of ‘Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors… and Close Encounters’!
There are more things in our solar system than the eight planets and their moons. Millions of small bodies of rock, ice and metal – asteroids, comets and meteors – orbit the Sun. Many are awesome to behold against the dark night sky, but some are potential threats to our planet. Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will offer an indoor, image-enhanced introduction to these celestial neighbors, how to observe them, and the risks they pose when their trajectories cross the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Join us in Moore Auditorium on the Schoodic Institute campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursday, August 28th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (approximately 8:30pm – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary.
Space is limited! Please register below.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
NASA Photo / Comet NEOWISE 2019

Stars Over Schoodic II
2025-08-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of ‘Stars Over Schoodic’!
As darkness falls over the Schoodic Peninsula, the Milky Way arches across the sky from horizon to horizon. Late summer’s most prominent constellations are suspended within its pale glow.
Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will take you on an indoor, 50-minute image-enhanced journey along that river of starlight and introduce you to summer’s most prominent constellations. You’ll learn to identify Perseus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila, Zeus’s pet eagle. Your journey will end in the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. It glistens with star clusters and glowing clouds of interstellar gas that even our naked eyes can perceive in the Schoodic’s dark sky.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Friday, August 29th. Weather permitting, we’ll venture outside for a green laser tour (8:30 – 10:00pm), where you’ll meet these sky wonders face-to-face – and likely see a few flashing meteors! A large astronomical telescope will provide stunning views of the ET Cluster, the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the Dumbbell Nebula and more. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!

2025 Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey
2025-09-10 - 2025-09-14
© 2025 Philip Frey
We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.
The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.
Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.
Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,175 is the base package while Residential for $1,740 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to Dinner on September 10, Bag Lunch on September 11 and 13; A social hour and Lobster Dinner on September 13; and Lunch on September 14. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 10–13; Dinner on September 11–13; and Breakfast September 11–14. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an up-charge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.
To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is July 15, 2025 (please note, as of June 30, there is only ONE SPOT remaining!).
Click Here to Apply
Please note, a National Park pass valid for Acadia National Park is required.
About the Instructor
In the past twenty years, Philip Frey has developed into one of Maine’s finest landscape painters. Known as a brilliant colorist, Frey paints Maine’s harbors and islands with a bold and sensitive palette that captures the light and moods of his home state, from the streets of Ellsworth and Portland to Monhegan and Acadia National Park.
Student Testimonials
“My four week private mentorship with Philip went beyond my expectations. Philip’s style of teaching and one-on-one zoom sessions were efficient and extremely helpful. The exercises and lessons were thought provoking and challenging, and his feedback was clear and constructive, offering tools and resources I could immediately put to use. New to online learning, I found it delightful – I could immediately integrate it into my daily practice in my own studio. His friendly demeanor made for an absolutely wonderful experience. I look forward to more workshops with Philip in the future.” – Sally Dean, Marshfield MA
“Philip Frey is not only an inspiringly dynamic artist but a patient and insightful teacher. His workshop transformed the way I look at the world and how I now approach the ever daunting blank canvas….which is now with confident intention! Having access to and learning from an artist of his caliber is truly a gift.”– Queenette Santiago, Petaluma, CA
www.philipfrey.com

2026 Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure
2026-01-17 08:00 - 12:00
Discover winter birds on the Schoodic Peninsula!

Embrace the magic of winter on the Schoodic Peninsula with a free, self-guided birding adventure open to all ages and experience-levels on Saturday, January 17th from 8am to 12pm.
This event is a great way to explore Acadia’s winter wildlife at your own pace. Meet us at Schoodic Institute’s Gatehouse for warm drinks, snacks, and fun activities before walking the loop road to the point.

Meet Gillian, Abby, and Julia—our 2025 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellows
Borrow binoculars and explore bird ID guides
Play games to learn more about birding

Then, set out to discover the region’s winter birds at your own pace! Located at the entrance to Schoodic Institute’s campus in Winter Harbor, ME, swing by the gatehouse first to meet the team, enjoy refreshments and games, then explore the area.

All ages and experience levels are welcome—beginners encouraged!

Please note: heated and accessible bathrooms will be located at the gatehouse. Parking on the Schoodic Institute campus can be found near Rockefeller Hall and at the North Lot (there will be directional signs to help point you in the right direction). If you have mobility issues, there will be parking spots available near the gatehouse.

Questions? Please reach out to Gillian Audier at gaudier@schoodicinstitute.com.

Schoodic Marine Touch Tank and Art Program
2026-04-21 13:00 - 15:00
Join Acadia National Park and Schoodic Institute educators at Dorr Hall on Schoodic Institute’s campus (Winter Harbor, ME) on April 21st for a fun and interactive event!
What happens to marine animals when the tide goes out? Learn about the challenges that these animals face at low tide and how their adaptations help them to survive. Then, create a print to bring home as a reminder of your favorite creature’s adaptation.
All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more here.

Black Fly Writers Retreat at Schoodic Institute
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-03
The Black Fly Writers Retreat is an inspiring four-day, three-night weekend of workshops, readings, and writing.
The 2026 Black Fly Writers Retreat will be held from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3 at Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, Maine.
Black Fly Writers Retreat attendees will spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings (8:30 AM to 12 PM) in workshops of no more than ten participants working with one instructor. Afternoons will be open for writing and an optional small-group meetings with the instructor. There will be Thursday and Friday evening faculty readings and an optional Saturday evening open reading, giving attendees a chance to share their work with each other.
This year’s instructors include Brandon Keim (nonfiction), Gretchen Legler (memoir), and Brock Clarke (fiction). Workshop and registration details here.

Schoodic Institute Business After Hours
2026-05-21 17:00 - 19:00
Join us from 5pm – 7pm at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park for Business After Hours with Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce!
More details coming soon.

2026 Wilderness First Aid by SOLO
2026-05-29 - 2026-05-30
Registration is now open!
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one – and maybe even save a life.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets ACA guidelines.
Instructor Gerry Brache will teach the 16-hour-long course (spanning two days), which will focus on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. The course will be held on Schoodic Institute’s campus in Wright Hall (classroom 110), from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day (Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th), with a 30-minute lunch break. A bagged lunch is included in the cost of registration and will be provided both days. This course will have indoor and outdoor sessions throughout both days, and students should be prepared for various types of weather. Please dress accordingly; we recommend rain gear and warm layers. Energy snacks and a water bottle are also encouraged.
An optional CPR Training and Certification course will be available for an additional fee ($50) and will be held at the end of class on May 30th from approximately 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
Registration for this course is $250 (lunch included).
Should You Need to Cancel Your Event Registration
There is a $35 processing fee for any cancellation made 15 days or more prior to the conference date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 14 days of the conference date.
Interested in saving on your commute? Check out our overnight accommodations on campus! To find out what accommodations and meals may be available, reach out to Megan Moshier at (207) 288-1337 or email mmoshier@schoodicinstitute.org to check rates and availability.

"*" indicates required fields

Registration InformationRegistration*The fee for this course is $250.00.

I would like to register for WFA by SOLO.
CPR Training and Certification*A CPR Training and Certification course is available as an optional add-on. This additional training will take place at the end of the first day (Friday, 5/29) after a 10-minute break and will last approximately two hours. Additional fee of $50.00.

I require the additional CPR Training.

I do not require the CPR Training.
Recertification option for current SOLO Wilderness First RespondersThis WFA course may also be used as recertification for current SOLO Wilderness First Responders.

I require recertification.
Name*Please type your name as you would like it to appear on your nametag.

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2026 Wilderness First Aid by SOLO II
2026-06-06 08:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00
Register now for this second offering!
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one – and maybe even save a life.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets ACA guidelines.
Instructor Gerry Brache will teach the 16-hour-long course (spanning two days), which will focus on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. The course will be held on Schoodic Institute’s campus in Wright Hall (classroom 110), from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day (Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th), with a 30-minute lunch break. A bagged lunch is included in the cost of registration and will be provided both days. This course will have indoor and outdoor sessions throughout both days, and students should be prepared for various types of weather. Please dress accordingly; we recommend rain gear and warm layers. Energy snacks and a water bottle are also encouraged.
An optional CPR Training and Certification course will be available for an additional fee ($50) and will be held at the end of class on June 7th from approximately 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
Registration for this course is $250 (lunch included).
Should You Need to Cancel Your Event Registration
There is a $35 processing fee for any cancellation made 15 days or more prior to the conference date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 14 days of the conference date.
Interested in saving on your commute? Check out our overnight accommodations on campus! To find out what accommodations and meals may be available, reach out to Megan Moshier at (207) 288-1337 or email mmoshier@schoodicinstitute.org to check rates and availability.

"*" indicates required fields

Registration InformationJune 6-7, 2026Registration*The fee for this course is $250.00.

I would like to register for WFA by SOLO.
CPR Training and Certification*A CPR Training and Certification course is available as an optional add-on. This additional training will take place at the end of the first day (Saturday, June 6) after a 10-minute break and will last approximately two hours. Additional fee of $50.00.

I require the additional CPR Training.

I do not require the CPR Training.
Recertification option for current SOLO Wilderness First RespondersThis WFA course may also be used as recertification for current SOLO Wilderness First Responders.

I require recertification.
Name*Please type your name as you would like it to appear on your nametag.

First

Last

Affiliation(s)Please type your affiliation or organization as you would like it to appear on your nametag.Email*

Cell Phone*Please provide your cell phone number in the event we need to contact you.Bag Lunch*A bag lunch is included each day of class. Please choose which option you would prefer.

Meat

Vegetarian
Allergies/Dietary RestrictionsPlease list any additional dietary needs we should be aware of.Total

Please check here if you are Schoodic Institute staff.

Yes, I am a Schoodic Institute staff member.
Coupon Credit Card*Card Details

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Additional InformationMailing Address*

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands
Country

Newsletter*Would you like to sign up to receive monthly updates about what is going on at Schoodic Institute?

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No, thank you

I am already signed up!
How did you find out about this event?*

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Bird Carving with Wendell Gilley Museum
2026-07-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-04 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-18 09:00 - 16:00
See how it’s done! Join us at Schoodic Institute with special guest carver Jim Vekasi from the Wendell Gilley Museum for hands-on bird carving demonstrations outside the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall (9am – 12noon, and 1pm – 4pm).
Visit with Jim and pick up a carving knife yourself – there is no charge to give it a try! Then visit the display of bird carvings from the Wendell Gilley Museum inside the Welcome Center.
Jim is a longtime carver with the Gilley, as well as being a retired Acadia National Park employee who was deeply involved during the establishment of Schoodic Institute 25 years ago.

Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park with Earthwatch II
2026-08-23 - 2026-08-29
Join Earthwatch in Acadia National Park to help scientists uncover the impacts of climate change on one of New England’s most iconic and biodiverse landscapes, contributing to crucial conservation efforts for its future.
The granite mountains and craggy coasts of the islands that make up Acadia are famous for their beauty and wildlife. This is classic, unspoiled New England. Our partner, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, is based near the tip of Schoodic Point, feet away from the crashing surf.
Acadia is home to a stunning diversity of wildlife. It is on a bird “superhighway,” a route heavily traveled by birds that migrate between Canada and South America. Researchers have recorded 23 species of warblers alone here. The park’s lakes and coastal waters also provide a home for 30 fish species and a wide array of invertebrates, such as sea stars and urchins.
But global changes–like warming temperatures and ocean acidification–are significantly impacting the park, threatening the diversity of wildlife within. Acadia’s scientists have compiled over 120 years of detailed natural history observations to compare current patterns to. On this expedition, you’ll help collect similar data that can be compared to this extended time-series data set, revealing how a changing climate influences Acadia. Few places in the country have such a rich pool of observations to draw from and make comparisons to.
Join us in helping scientists tell the story of how humans are transforming Acadia. Your efforts will contribute to research to inspire management strategies to protect this unique and vital national treasure. This is your chance to impact the future of one of the nation’s most beloved parks.
Find more information, including registration and full daily itinerary, here.
