BELFAST — In January, the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition will host several winter nature outings and a book discussion at the Belfast Free Library. All events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, January 13, from 8:30 - 10 a.m., join the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition to watch birds in Belfast Harbor. Winter is the best season for seeing birds in this watershed. There are several arctic species who migrate to this region. From January through March, Ron Harrell and Gary Gulezian will lead the monthly bird watch, on the second Saturday of each month. They’ll have their spotting scopes to observe birds in the harbor area and answer questions about them. Meet at the Belfast Footbridge at 8:30 a.m. Bring personal binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. (The initial press release said to meet at the footbridge at 10 a.m.)

Saturday, January 13, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe Party in Swanville.

All levels of skiers welcome; beginning techniques taught. Choice of different trips for distance and level of challenge. At noon, have fun and friendship as we eat our bag lunch around a campfire. Bring skis or snowshoes, boots, poles, water and lunch. Wear warm layers.

Meet at 210 Oak Hill Road in Swanville. For more info contact Cloe Chunn at 207-338-1147 

Tuesday, January 23, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Book Discussion: Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change by Sherri Mitchell (Weh'na Ha'mu'Kwasset) 

Winter is a time for introspection and Sherri's Mitchell's Sacred Instructions provides much to reflect upon. Using her perspective as a member of the Penobscot Nation, she considers how our values shape our relationships with each other and our environment and how values differ between Western and Indigenous cultures. Her book is both a history of indigenous wisdom and a roadmap for bringing collaboration and respect to our lives. Discussion to be facilitated by Kate Hanson. Meet in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library at 3 p.m.   

To learn more about the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition, please visit belfastbaywatershed.org as well as on Facebook and Instagram.