2026 Monarch Festival
August 29 & 30
About The Festival
The annual Habitat For All Monarch Festival is MLT's largest educational event. Spanning two days, the Festival is a free, family-friendly event that promotes habitat and biodiversity conservation by inspiring us to reimagine our backyards as sanctuaries for pollinators and ourselves. It reminds us that being outdoors for play, discovery, and habitat creation makes for a better world for all.
Keynote address
Saturday, August 29
Telstar High School Auditorium
6:00-7:00 PM
Since 2018, Barbara Murphy, together with a team of dedicated volunteers, have designed and established the Habitat For All Garden at Valentine Farm. Over the seasons and years, she has witnessed how the garden evokes awe and wonder in visitors of all ages, offers habitat for a diversity of insects and wildlife, and provides peace and sanctuary as a balm to our hectic lives. While working in the garden, she has also witnessed funny encounters with humans and insects, head scratching behaviors, and sheer joy. Come and hear the story of the garden!
What I Have Learned From the Garden
By Barbara Murphy
2026 Monarch Festival
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All Day Opportunities (12:00- 4:00)
Activities
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Habitat For All Garden is Open
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Self-guided Birding Trail
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Natural Dye Painting
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BAAM Activity - Make A Pollinator Headband
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Self-guided Storybook Walk
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Scavenger Hunt at the garden
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Lawn Games
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Artisan Vendors
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Play Alchemy
Educational Booths
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Sebago Clean Waters
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Western Maine Audubon
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Appalachian Mountain Club
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Xerces Society
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Turtle Rescue League & Live Turtles
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An observation bee hive
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Bugs in Maine and Beyond
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Museums of the Bethel Historical Society
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Re-Pant
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Bethel Food Pantry
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Renewal By Andersen
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Mahoosuc Land Trust Information
Timed Activities (subject to change)
12:00-3:00 - Lunch Available: Burgers, Dogs, Salads,
Cookies, Drinks (as supplies last)
1:00-1:30 - All About Monarchs with Ann Speth (Big Tent)
1:30-2:00 - Children's Storytime (West Loop Picnic Table)
1:30-2:00 - Bird Walk with Tim Flight, Western Maine Audubon
(Meet at parking lot kiosk)
1:30-3:00 - Monarch Tagging (Pollinator Alley)
2:00-3:00 - Chocolate! A Force for International Conservation with Charles Kerchner, founder, Zorzal Cacao
2:30-3:00 - BAAM Pollinator Parade (meet at parking lot kiosk)
3:00 - Raffle Ticket Sales End
3:30 - Raffle Winners Announced
4:00 - Festival Ends
2025 Highlights
2026 Festival Sponsors
The Gamble Family
