5/15/2007

Maine Wildlife Park Hosts 2007 Summer Wildlife Days

Contact: Lisa Kane Tel: 287-3303, or Lisa.Kane@maine.gov
www.mainewildlifepark.com or 207-657-4977 X 0
Open daily mid-April-November 11, 9:30am-4:30pm
Sponsored by the ‘Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park’
These special displays may be viewed from approximately 11:00am to 2:00pm unless otherwise noted.

May 26-28 Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park Annual Plant Sale
From Saturday May 26th through Monday May 28th, the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park will be holding their Annual Plant Sale during regular park business hours. The Friends volunteers raise a wonderful variety of large, healthy perennial and annual flowers and vegetables in their own greenhouse, for use in gardens, beds, planters and pots all around the park; and to sell to you at great prices! All proceeds from these extremely reasonably priced plants, pots and hanging baskets go to benefit the park, its wildlife and its programs. Shop here before you go to your local nursery for great plants and to support a worthy cause.
The Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park are a 501C3 organization formed to support the wildlife exhibits and wildlife education aspects of the wildlife park. Many dedicated volunteers also spend countless hours gardening, gate keeping, helping in the nature store, operating the Snack Shack, leading tours and much more. This year, the Friends’ goal is to raise enough funds to complete a new red and gray fox exhibit. Next time you are at the wildlife park, check out the progress at the new fox exhibit site!

A summer series of wildlife exhibits and demonstrations targeted for the general public is offered throughout the season at the Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray. 'Wildlife Days' are held on consecutive weekends through the summer, and are sponsored by the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park. Presenters featuring a variety of wildlife topics will set up exhibits and demonstrations from roughly 11:00am to 2:00pm on most Saturdays. We encourage visitors to stop by, ask questions and even participate in some activities.

Three popular ‘Night Visits’ will also be offered, when the park opens on moonlight evenings for a June “Creatures of the Night” Hike from 8-10pm; a July “All about Owls Hike”, from 8-10pm, and the very popular October “Halloween Night Hike”, from 6-8pm.

The Wildlife Park Nature Store is full of new wildlife and nature merchandise for all ages; and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park ‘Snack Shack’ sells ice cream, soda and light snacks, with all monies raised donated to the Wildlife Park for wildlife exhibit improvements and new construction.

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 25 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily through November 11th from 9:30am-4:30pm; visitors must leave the premises by 6:00pm.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4.00 ages 5-12; $6.00 for adults, and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.00 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available, and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer.

For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977; or check us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com.