Join Queerly ME, Mahoosuc Land Trust, and OUT Maine for Queer Bug Weekend, dedicated to all the insects across Maine who play big and small roles in our ecosystem!

LGBTQIA+ people who are 21+ are welcome to join us for the overnight portion of our weekend where we will block print bugs onto bandanas while watching a bug-themed film outdoors near our tent camping site. All materials are provided + we can lend you camping gear at no-cost via Maine Gearshare.

If you would like to join us for just the entomology walk or just the Cultivating Connection training, you can! Check out the registration link above to select which parts of Queer Bug Weekend you want to engage with. Overnight spots + all activities are $75 - $100. Individual activities vary from no-cost to sliding scale. Queerly ME is dedicated to offering programs without a strict financial barrier to entry. If set costs are a financial barrier to your participation, please reach out to info@queerlyme.org!

Schedule:

Saturday August 29th 5:30PM - 7:30PM: Cultivating Connection at Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm Conservation Center. Queerly ME’s touring community training entitled “Cultivating Connection” examines the decline of community spaces, the loneliness and isolation epidemic, and how we can revitalize opportunities for affirming, inclusive social connection to improve societal well-being. This training encourages community conversations, and will be a great way to connect with fellow bug weekend participants! Food will be provided.

Saturday August 29th 8:00PM - Overnight: Our Bug Weekend overnight begins! The exact location will be sent to registered participants. We will block print bug silhouettes onto bandanas which we can wear to the entomology walk the next day! Registered participants will vote on a bug film they wish to watch outdoors near the tent camping site.

Sunday August 30th 8:00AM - 10:00AM: A group breakfast will be provided and we will pack up, leaving no trace behind, before heading back to Valentine Farm for our entomology walk and the Monarch Festival.

Sunday August 30th 10:30AM-12:00PM: Our entomology walk will be led by Dr. Katherine Burns, an ecologist and science communicator currently based in Midcoast Maine. Dr. Burns has worked in the fields of ecology and conservation for over 13 years, focusing mainly on native insect pollinators. She is deeply passionate about introducing folks to the miniature worlds that surround us, but so often go unnoticed! During our entomology walk, we will explore the pollinator garden and learn all about insects. At the same time, OUT Maine is partnering with us and Mahoosuc Land Trust to offer a youth centered entomology walk—families with kids also interested in learning about bugs can register here.

Sunday August 30th 12:00PM-4:00PM: The Monarch Festival begins! Strengthen your connections with fellow participants by engaging in the festival activities and having a free community lunch provided by Mahoosuc Land Trust. Festival activities are located here.

Questions? Reach out to info@queerlyme.org.