We always hear people say that living in Maine through the long winter months is only bearable because we have the wonderful summer months. Whether you agree or disagree (some of us just love all this snow!) it’s not hard to see why people love when it’s warm here. The trees bloom, the flowers come out and everything just feels a little more leisurely. While we always advocate for getting to the beach, lakes and mountains, don’t forget about our other wonderful attractions – public gardens. We have many, but one of our favorites is one you may not be familiar with.
Merryspring Nature Center in Camden is one of the best places to explore all that Maine ecology has to offer.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
Their mission is one of teaching and advocating for ecology.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook Specifically, it is to: “practice, teach and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment.”
While the garden is beautiful and full of flowers, it’s one of the only gardens that also functions as a place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
Merryspring is about 66 acres and features open fields, hiking trails, an arboretum and cross-country skiing trails.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
But one of our favorite things about Merryspring are the education opportunities.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
Visitors love the workshops put on throughout the year.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
There are also group trips around the property for bird watching and other wildlife learning.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
If you want to spot this guy, you’ll want to go to Merryspring!
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
While you might expect events to be best when the flowers are blooming, Merryspring even hosts festivals such as the beloved Winter Ecology Festival.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
Over the years, the garden has seen some wonderful additions.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook Hiking Trails were added all through the 1970s and 1980 saw the addition of the Kitty Todd Arboretum. In 1984, the Herb Garden was created, followed by the Hexagon in 1987, the Rose Garden in 1987, the Rose Cottage in 1987 and the Perennial Border in 1992.
For 40 years the garden has been expanding and adding new areas for exploration, as well as new places for education and workshops.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
The Merryspring Nature Center in Camden is both a garden and a wonderful place for education and learning.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook Today, there are over 500 members and volunteers that add to the garden’s beauty.
Merryspring Nature Center is located at 30 Conway Road in Camden. They can be reached via phone on (207) 236-2239 or check them out on Facebook to stay abreast of all their upcoming events.
Merryspring Nature Center / Facebook
Specifically, it is to: “practice, teach and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment.”
Hiking Trails were added all through the 1970s and 1980 saw the addition of the Kitty Todd Arboretum. In 1984, the Herb Garden was created, followed by the Hexagon in 1987, the Rose Garden in 1987, the Rose Cottage in 1987 and the Perennial Border in 1992.
Today, there are over 500 members and volunteers that add to the garden’s beauty.
Click here to learn about another great garden to visit in Maine – Asticou Azalea Garden.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
