Born This Way, and Every Way: Diversity Across the Animal Kingdom
2026-06-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Pentagoet Inn & Pub, 26 Main St, Castine, ME, 04421, United States
Dr. Charles Rolsky will be hosting “Born This Way, and Every Way: Diversity Across the Animal Kingdom,” a fun, Pride Month-themed talk in the pub on Monday, June 15, at 5pm, inclusive of a little game he calls “So You Think YOU’VE got a Weird Relationship?” We will explore the animal kingdom’s most extraordinary connections. During this lecture, we’ll celebrate Pride by uncovering the diverse ways nature’s creatures bond, from same-sex pairings to queer and trans relationships. These fascinating love stories reveal that diverse affection is a perfectly natural part of our world

So come on by, grab a glass of wine, and let’s talk about the animal kingdom, in all its fascinating ways!

Suggested age: 17 & up

Marine Biology Walk & Talk
2026-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Curtis Cove Beach, Milliken Road, Blue Hill, Maine, 04614
Discover how pollution impacts watersheds while learning about marine biology and local ecology. During this session, organized by the East Blue Hill Library, the Shaw Institute, will share insights from its extensive history of beach monitoring. Learn how our ongoing research initiatives work to safeguard both marine wildlife and the local community. Please meet at the beach. Parking is available at either the beach or down the street at the library. Rain date July 29.
Ages 6 and older.

Hanna B. Designs Pop Up at the Shaw Institute!
2026-07-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Hanna B. Designs Pop Up at the Shaw Institute
Come shop and play with Hanna B. at the Shaw Institute from 10 am to 4 pm in her iconic pink trailer on Friday, July 17!
Rain date: July 24

Tide Pool Exploration
2026-07-21 10:30 - 12:00
Learn about local marine ecology, and oceanography and the creatures that call Maine home, but be prepared to get wet!
This activity is for ages 8 and up, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be prepared for wet, slippery, and uneven ground. We recommend dressing lightly, bringing a water bottle, and wearing appropriate footwear such as waterproof shoes, hiking boots, or sturdy sandals.

Stitch and Suds: A Sustainable Clothing Workshop
2026-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Join us for an afternoon of learning sustainable clothes practices! Create your own personalized wool dryer ball and mend your preloved clothes! Ages 10 and up. No experience required. FREE event but registration is required.

Charlie the Shark at Blue Hill Town Park
2026-08-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Blue Hill Town Park, 113 Water St, ME, 04614, United States
Kids are invited to an Ocean Storytime with Charlie the Shark from the Shaw Institute on Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Hill Town Park. Charlie loves to read books to kids about the ocean and teach them why caring about our oceans is important. Join him for a fun ocean themed story, songs about the ocean, and a scavenger hunt!
The Shaw Institute’s mission is to discover and expose environmental threats to people and wildlife through innovative science and to engage in global partnerships to improve human and ecological health. For more information, visit https://www.shawinstitute.org/.
For more information, email Claire at claire.malina@bhpl.net or call the library at 374-5515.

Shaw Institute: Guided Tidepool at The Nub
2026-08-11 15:30 - 17:30 | The Nub, 113 Falls Bridge Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614, 113 Falls Bridge Rd, Blue Hill, ME, 04614, United States

Shaw Institute: Updates on Research, Education, and Public Outreach
2026-08-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Join Executive Director Dr. Charlie Rolsky for an update on the Shaw Institute’s growing impact in the lab and across the coastal communities we serve. Over the past two years, we have expanded our environmental research, launched new educational initiatives, and deepened our partnerships to protect local ecosystems. Discover our latest milestones and hear our vision for the future. Plus, stick around after the talk for a hands-on touch tank experience and a chance to meet our newest aquarium residents, featuring Maine seahorses and a rare blue lobster! Doors open at 4:30 PM for drinks and refreshments. Lecture begins at 5 PM.

Nature’s Love Stories: An R-Rated, Wildly Queer Exploration
2026-08-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Pentagoet Inn & Pub, 26 Main St, Castine, ME, 04421, United States
Join us for a whimsical exploration of the animal kingdom’s most extraordinary connections as our executive director shares a lecture on how critters find love in the natural world. These fascinating love stories reveal that diverse affection is a perfectly natural part of our world. He’ll speak about interesting mating strategies, wacky habits, strange mate choices, and relationship drama in the animal kingdom. From eating your mate’s head or doing silly bird dances in hopes of securing a partner, we’ll cover all the best of the wild and zany love stories in nature. Suggested age: 17 & Up
Location:
Pentagöet Inn & Pub
26 Main Street
Castine, ME 04421
207-326-8616

Hanna B. Designs Pop Up at the Shaw Institute!
2026-08-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Hanna B. Designs Pop Up at the Shaw Institute
Back by popular demand! Come shop and play with Hanna B. and special guest, Griffin Tyler Art at the Shaw Institute from 10 am to 5 pm in her iconic pink trailer on Saturday, August 29!

Nudibranch Needle Felting Workshop
2026-08-30 09:00 - 11:30 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Discover the world of nudibranchs, the vibrant and colorful sea slugs that roam the ocean without shells. This hands-on workshop offers a chance to explore their biology—including their habitats, diets, and local species—while crafting your very own felted sea slug.
Instructor: Reese Wolfe
Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 9:00 am-11:30 pm
Ages 10 & up
Registration Waiver
Instructor Bio:
Reese is a local Blue Hill artist who has a passion for the fibre art of needle felting. Reese is studying Ecology and Environmental Sciences with a focus on Marine Ecosystems at UMO.
He is enamored with North American wildlife and ecosystems. You’ll notice that most of his work focuses on recreating their likeness as detailed as possible. In doing so, he hopes to spread the word of each and every animal’s conservation efforts through his artwork. Reese is excited to share his love for the art and the animals he recreates with the community.

Demystifying Plastic Pollution with Dr. Charlie Rolsky
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Wilson Museum, Hutchins Education Center 112 Perkins Street, Castine, ME, 04421, United States
Explore the complexities of our relationship with plastic in an engaging discussion led by plastic pollution expert, Dr. Charlie Rolsky of the Shaw Institute. He will cut through the confusion, separating the facts from the fiction surrounding the widespread use of this material. Dr. Rolsky will address critical issues, including the threats posed by microplastic pollution to environmental and human health, and the deceptive practices of “greenwashing.” Join us for insights that offer hope for a more sustainable future.
Wilson Museum-Hutchins Education Center
112 Perkins Street, Castine, ME 04421

Oceans to Orbits: Science, Art & Action
2026-09-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Shaw Institute, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, 04614, United States
Featuring Nicole Stott, Christina Korp, and Dr. Charles Rolsky
Join us for a community celebration of science, art, and environmental stewardship. Explore a unique exhibition featuring work created by Blue Hill Harbor School and George Stevens Academy students using marine debris. This event is part of the “Oceans to Orbits: Science, Art and Action” initiative featuring astronaut Nicole Stott and astronaut wrangler Christina Korp.

Carter Nature Preserve Beach Cleanup with Blue Hill Heritage Trust (BHHT)
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Carter Nature Preserve, 99 Cross Road, Surry, ME, 04684, United States
Celebrate Maine Coastal Cleanup month with the Shaw Institute and Blue Hill Heritage Trust. All community members are welcome to participate. Bags and gloves will be provided. Please note that trails and shoreline areas have varied terrain. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for both the outdoor weather and the tasks involved. Rain date: Sunday, September 20. No registration required.
For additional details or inquiries, please contact:
BHHT Office: (207)374-5118
Shaw Institute: info@shawinstitute.org or (207) 374-2135
Location: Carter Nature Preserve, 99 Cross Rd, Surry, ME 04684
