Schoodic Institute

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 (America/New_York)
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.

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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.
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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

Cardholder Name

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
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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.

2026 Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Schoodic Institute
2026-08-27 19:00
Get your tickets today!
The Maine Outdoor Film Festival returns to Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on August 21, 2026 for an evening of outdoor adventure and conservation films under the stars!
Tickets Here
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.
DID YOU KNOW? Schoodic Institute is the conservation science expert leading the response to rapid change facing parks, people, and the planet. By participating in events at Schoodic Institute, you are contributing to our mission of inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world and helping to support vital ecosystem research and education for all ages.

2026 Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-06 | Schoodic Institute, 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
© Ravens Nest Afternoon Light by 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 $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **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 upcharge. 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 May 1, 2026.
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

“I have taken many YouTube workshops, two workshops abroad, and several online, and Frey is my favorite teacher—so clear, so many helpful techniques to apply, and so kind and insightful in his critique. This sets the stage always for a wonderful experience for everyone.” – Patricia R., NH
“Everyone has a different approach to a painting project—its composition, shapes and forms, the colors, and, of course, the process of applying paint. I think of it as a puzzle to solve, and Frey taught me how to break down the process into solvable pieces. The discussion after painting was invaluable. I’ve been in reviews where an instructor would say, ‘Did you think about this…,’ or ‘Perhaps a little more color here…’ However, Frey’s approach using Procreate to ‘adjust’ the composition, color, or depth of the image is amazing and powerful. Great tool, and a great way to learn more about the process of thinking about painting composition and technique.” – Bruce H., Melrose MA

www.philipfrey.com
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey

Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park with Earthwatch III
2026-09-06 - 2026-09-12

Organization of Biological Field Stations Annual Meeting at Schoodic Institute
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-18
Save the Date!
We look forward to hosting the 2026 Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) Annual Meeting on September 14-18 at Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, Maine.
Acadia National Park is especially beautiful in September, making the Annual Meeting a perfect time to connect, refresh, and renew our commitment to sharing and growing.
Many thanks to OBFS for the opportunity to host this year’s Annual Meeting.
Stay tuned for more information, coming this spring.
Founded in 2004, Schoodic Institute is located in the homeland of the Wabanaki, People of the Dawn. A nonprofit partner in science and education, we work with Acadia National Park to manage the largest of 17 National Park Service Research Learning Centers.
About OBFS
Based in the United States, OBFS is a volunteer-run non profit composed of member field stations and marine labs from around the globe. The mission of OBFS is to help member stations increase their effectiveness in supporting critical research, education, and outreach programs, a goal pursued in a manner that maximizes diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, and transparency.
Each year, OBFS holds an annual meeting for members. Here, you will not only meet lifelong friends, you will also learn ways to improve your station’s fundraising, education, outreach, and research while finding new collaborators and colleagues.
More on OBFS here.
