WAYNE — The Kennebec Land Trust has announced its 12th Lyceum series, “Birds, Fish, and Butterflies: The Breeding and Foraging Habitats of Some Maine Migrants.”

Maine biologists and conservationists Herb Wilson, John Lichter and Rebecca Holberton will present informative, free, programs for the public in March and early April. Nate Gray, Lisa Kane and Bob Gobeil will present Lyceum field trips in May and July. All Lyceum events are open to the public.

KLT’s annual spring programs are modeled after the early New England lyceums that began in 1826 in Massachusetts. For many years New England lyceums hosted lectures, debates and concerts for public audiences. The Lyceum is supported by Gloria, Lincoln and Robert Ladd. This year’s series is co-sponsored by Colby College’s Biology Department and Environmental Studies Program.

All programs are held at the Ladd Recreation Center in Wayne. Snow date for any cancelled program is Thursday, April 10.

* The Ecology of Maine Migratory Butterflies, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20. Herb Wilson, Leslie B. Arey Professor of Biosciences, population and community ecologist, coordinator of the on-going Maine Butterfly Atlas Colby College, will discuss the importance of butterfly migration in Maine and beyond, and the diversity of the life histories of Maine butterflies.

* Ecological Recovery in the Kennebec Watershed: Fish passage and Habitat Recovery, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27. John Lichter, ecosystem ecologist, director of environmental studies, Bowdoin College, will discuss Kennebec River restoration from a historical ecology viewpoint; current obstacles to ecological recovery; and benefits Maine communities may realize from ecological recovery.

* Birdlife in the Gulf of Maine: What are the Challenges Facing Birds in our Region?, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3. Rebecca Holberton, professor of biology, director of Laboratory of Avian Biology, School of Biology & Ecology, University of Maine, Orono will focus on bird movements in the Gulf of Maine region; new technologies about bird behavior and ecology; the challenges birds face in our region; and the role the public can play in helping protect resources critical for bird survival.

2014 Lyceum Field Programs

* Benton Alewife Festival, 10 a.m. to evening, Saturday, May 17, Benton Family Fun Park, 269 Neck Road, Benton. Celebrate World Fish Migration Day with a celebration of Benton’s annual alewife harvest and successful fish ladder program. A number of free activities that focus on the Maine outdoors while learning about the importance of the alewife to the Maine ecosystem will be offered. For more information, visit the 2014 Benton Alewife Festival on Facebook or email antlori@myfairpoint.net.

* Loons and Eagles on Cobbossee Lake, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18. Join Lisa Kane, MDIFW wildlife educator, and learn about the loons and eagles of Cobbossee Lake. Participants will meet at Lakeside Motel and Cottages in East Winthrop for a short loon and eagle natural history program, and then head out on pontoon boats for the two-hour tour. Bring water and binoculars. This program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed. Cost is $15 adults, $5 children 8-18, 7 and under free. Maximum of 18 participants; preregister by calling 377-2848 or emailing glamarche@tklt.org.

* Butterfly Field Trip at the Small-Burnham Conservation Area, Litchfield, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19. Join Bob Gobeil, a former biology professor who specializes in butterflies, to explore butterflies at the reclaimed gravel pit area (ponds) of the Small-Burnham Conservation Area. Bring cameras and butterfly nets if you’d like.

Rain date will be Sunday, July 20, same time. Maximum of 20; preregister by calling 377-2848 or emailing glamarche@tklt.org.

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