The Maine Wildlife Park is starting a new program called the Junior Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park. Nate Barnes, the Park’s Americorps volunteer, will supervise this group. The Maine Wildlife Park has a large and active corps of close to 80 active adult volunteers; but with this new program, there is an opportunity for high school students in the surrounding area to volunteer on a variety of projects at the park.

Although volunteers are not able to work directly with our wild animals, we do need youth who are interested in wildlife, animal enrichment, web design, photography, conservation education, zoo and business management, landscaping, trail construction and general maintenance.

By beginning to volunteer at the wildlife park in this capacity, it may open the door to future summer seasonal employment opportunities at the park. Any interested high school students and their parents are invited to a free orientation and tour of the Maine Wildlife Park on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. If you are interested, please register by e-mail with the number of people planning to attend, to natebarnes@maine.rr.com. If you need additional information, please contact the park at 657-4977 ext 1 and ask for Nate Barnes, or visit the park website at www.mainewildlifepark.com.

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 plans to open for the 2005 season on Friday April 15th, weather permitting, and will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6:00pm. Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $3.25 ages 5-12; $5 for adults, and $4 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $2.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available for purchase now.