Story Time at Valentine Farm

Alice Lee, a second grade teacher at Crescent Park School shares at a recent Story Time. 

Each Saturday at 3:00 pm families are invited to gather at the Habitat For All Garden at 162 North Road, Bethel, Maine, to hear a nature story. And, that’s just the start! Each story will be followed by a discovery activity - a scavenger hunt, plant a bean, draw a picture, build a bug house, learn about a worm’s life – all designed to give families dedicated time experiencing the outdoors together.

Sue Radway, the Story Time organizer, says, “Coming to the garden with my 2-year-old granddaughter, watching what she discovered and how much she loved exploring - that is what we hope the Story Time provides to others.” 

The Storybook Trail at Valentine Farm is a regular stop for families. 

Sue, a life-long educator, recently took over the management of the Valentine Farm Storybook Trail and has now pulled together a host of volunteers from all walks of life, including local school teachers, grandmothers, gardeners, staff from the Mineral & Gem Museum and more. Each volunteer picks a nature book to share and works with Sue to create a fun activity. 

Story Time topics will be wide-ranging and targeted for children ages 2-7 years old.

The Habitat For All Story Time occurs weekly through October 10^th and will be held rain or shine under the garden pavilion. No registration is required. Click here to learn about upcoming topics. 

Other Activities at Valentine Farm for Children and Families

Valentine Farm Storybook Trail 

In 2019 Sue Lowe and Julie Reiff began placing pages of nature books around the east trail at Valentine Farm on specially designed stands built by the Congo Craftsmen, a group of retired volunteers who build community items for local non-profits. The Bethel Recreation Department supported their effort by printing and laminating each page of the selected book. Now, children and their parents can be found following the Trail, page-by-page, most months of the year!

The Birding Trail

Each spring, a special group of birds – bird signs, that is – migrate from storage out onto trails at Valentine Farm. Each of the 25 signs is a painting of a real bird which can be found in our region during the summer and spring raising their young. Some of these birds have traveled here from as far away as South America. Pick up a Birding Trail Map at the office and see how many of the bird signs you can find. 

Anna & Oliver Basecamp

Vine-covered archways, whimsical art, strange plants to touch and smell, and puzzles and games that lead children (and adults) to explore the garden are all part of the Basecamp experience. This inviting, colorful, unique space provides families with opportunities for discovery and can add a bit of magic to the garden experience. Click here to watch a short video to learn about Basecamp!

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