Education is an important component of our mission. One of our goals is to provide resources to inform and educate the public about the many aspects of the Park, both natural and human. From identification of flora and fauna to the benefits of native species and the problem of invasives, we strive to serve as a model of the Environmental Literacy Plan of the United States and Maine Departments of Education.

If you would like more information about any of the topics discussed on this site or from visits to the Park, please use the resources provided below for further information.

Websites

Maine's Quality of Place
“As the search for quality places grows in importance, Maine possesses a globally known ‘brand’ built on the image of livable communities, stunning scenery, and great recreational opportunities.”

Environmental Literacy - Maine Audubon
Environmental issues will present some of the most complex, challenging, and important issues of the next century. Our kids and grandkids need to be ready to tackle them. Maine Audubon is assisting Maine’s Department of Education (DOE) and other state agencies and organizations to draft an Environmental Literacy Plan for Maine.

Sustainable Sites Initiative
SITES is an interdisciplinary effort by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden to create national guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance. Right now these guidelines are voluntary, but not for long. After the SITES program finishes its pilot projects, the standards will soon be adopted by municipalities across the country.

Landscape for Life
Information on sustainable strategies and practices for the home gardener. Based on the principles of The Sustainable Sites Initiative.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Helpful Tips & Resources for Gardens, Lawns and Landscapes.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Education Programs for Adults
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers short courses and workshops for amateurs and professionals on a wide range of garden and plant topics, from gardening skills and design to plant identification and natural history. Whether you’re just starting to learn or already have a lot of experience, we can help you learn more..

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Education Programs for Children, Families & Schools.
Engage your natural curiosity with a program at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Children and their families can delve into the intriguing worlds of plants, gardens, nature, science, art, and culture.

Let's Go!
Let's Go!is a community-based initiative to promote healthy lifestyle choices for children, youth and families in 12 Greater Portland communities. Our goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating for children and youth - from birth to 18.

Maine Audubon Programs
Maine Audubon offers trips, sanctuary programs, camps, and local chapter events at Gilsland Farm and elsewhere. Check their website for selected activities or to browse all of their offerings by date, location, or the subjects that interest you.

New England Wildflower Society's Adult Courses
View current Adult courses offered at Garden in the Woods and sites across New England. Pre-registration required for most courses; contact the registrar at 508-877-7630 x3303 for more details.

New England Wildflower Society's Children and Family Classes
New England Wild Flower Society offers a wide range of children's and family programs year-round. Pre-registration is required for all programs.

Arnold Arboretum's Adult Education & Children's Education Programs
The Arnold Arboretum's adult education program offers one-day and multisession horticulture, botany, and landscape-related courses for the beginner, avid amateur, and professional. The Arnold Arboretum also offers nature programs with a focus on plant science to elementary and preschool children and their teachers..