Join us in Augusta on Saturday, June 19th, for a fun field day at the founding-home for the M.E.S.!

The Viles Arboretum, with about 6 miles of trails, on 224 acres, has 22 living botanical collections. Open fields, meadows, and forested areas are available for exploring and collecting. Arboretum trails are open from sunrise to sunset, and the visitor is center open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday.

We'll meet at the kiosk 0.1 miles north of the actual Arboretum entrance at 9:30. The public park-and-ride lot at the Piggery Road corner here holds 60+ vehicles, so we won't affect the parking area at the actual Arboretum.

Directions:

From the north: Starting where 201 intersects Route 9 at Cony circle on the eastside of the Kennebec, head south on Route 9 (Hospital Street) for 1.1 miles, and turn left at the light onto Piggery Road. Take an immediate right into the public parking lot. The kiosk at the northwest corner has a trail that goes to the Arboretum.

From the south: Drive up Route 9, which becomes Hospital Street in Augusta. The Arboretum will be on your right, at 153 Hospital Street; go past it for 0.1 miles. Turn right at the light onto Piggery Road, and hang an immediate right into the park-and-ride lot.

We'll meet there and walk to the main Arboretum building, to begin the field trip. Someone will be there to open early for the occasion.

Bring collecting equipment, food and drink. If you have any questions, call Dana Michaud at 207-872-7683, or email him at djmichaud1@gmail.com

Photo of MES members Hillary Peterson and Dana Michaud at Viles Arboretum in 2020. Photo by MES member Kate Wilcox.