This is Memorial Day weekend, the “unofficial” beginning to an all-too-short summer, so it’s not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor activities beginning this weekend and next, many of which will continue through the summer.

For instance, Mid-coast Audubon has scheduled a field trip out to Monhegan Island on Saturday, May 24.

The warblers are coming…the warblers are coming. Spring migration is well underway and the warblers are the stars as they make their way from their tropical homes to their breeding grounds in the northeast. Mid-coast observers have already spotted many of these very colorful little birds as they flit through the tree tops. More are coming, and Monhegan is one of the places they stop while they are winging their way north.

Those who wish to participate will meet at the Monhegan Boat Line dock in Port Clyde for the 7 a.m. ferry. Participants can call the boat line at 207–372–8848 to schedule a reservation. Questions can be addressed to trip leaders Dennis McKenna at 563-8439 or John Weinrich at 563-2930.

Nothing says “Summer is here” like a journey to a far island, but the river islands are almost just as fun. Fortunately, we have our own, right in the Kennebec River.

On Saturday May 31st from 9am – 1pm, bring the kids for this great ‘learn to fish’ opportunity on Swan Island in Richmond. The Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs program (HOFNOD) is one of the Maine Department of Inland

Fisheries and Wildlife’s most active youth educational programs, promoting family togetherness through fishing within the State of Maine. The Hooked on Fishing Program offers the opportunity for children 15 and under to learn basic angling skills. All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided at no charge, and volunteer instructors will be on hand to assist. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event is limited to the first 30 people to sign up, you can make reservations by calling 287-5252. Fee is $8 per person, and for this event, children 8 and under are free. Meet at the Swan Island dock promptly at 9 a.m. Bring a lunch and beverage and dress for the weather.

Swan Island, known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife, is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town called Perkins Township, and has long been recognized for its varied and interesting history. There are five standing homes that date back to the 1700s. The wildlife management area, about 1,755 acres in size, is located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. The Island’s public visitation season generally runs from May 15th through Labor Day (with limited access through the fall). There are ten Adirondack type shelters available for overnight use; picnic facilities for day use; modern bathroom facilities at campground; and drinking water.

If you wish to visit the Swan Island Wildlife Management Area, you must make reservations for the ferry and/or campground. You may access the island, for day use, via personal canoe or kayak without a reservation; admission fees may be deposited in iron rangers. All visitor fees are as follows: day use, 3 years and under – free; 4 years and older – $ 8. For overnight camping, 3 years and under – free; 4 years and older – $14. Please visit our website at www.maine.gov/swanisland for more information and details about the island; or call 287-5252.

If fishing isn’t your thing, you might like to try your hand at archery. Visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on Saturday May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to join Ron Fournier, certified Firearm & Archery Safety Instructor for the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center in Bryant Pond, for hands-on fun and practice with a great introduction to the sport of archery.

Last year there was a constant stream of excited kids (and their parents) waiting to try their hand at hitting the bulls-eye. Several enthusiastic visitors appeared to be natural archers after trying it out for the first time ever.

Archery has had a long history in recreational sports; and participants range from grade school age children to senior citizens. Archery is an extremely safe sport, easily learned, a great hobby, and becoming increasingly popular in Maine.

Staff from the UMaine 4-H camp will set up targets, showcase a variety of bows and provide instruction so you and your kids can try your hands at archery.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5 ages 4-12; $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.50 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.