Join Us!

Our learning units last for 12 weeks, with each unit covering a season. New units start on:

Spring: March 24, 2025
Summer: June 23, 2025
Fall: September 22, 2025
Winter: December 22, 2025

Mondays,
Class one: 9 am - 10 am
Class two: 10 am - 11 am

Class Schedule:

Wednesdays,
Class one: 9 am - 10 am
Class two: 10 am - 11 am

Fridays,
Class one: 9 am - 10 am
Class two: 10 am - 11 am

Nature Links empowers young adults with disabilities to engage with the natural world on a personal, local, and global level. Grounded in the local environment of coastal Maine, our learning opportunities connect participants with community members through classes, workshops, and collaborative projects. Through this process, participants are supported in learning life skills that create a foundation for their lifelong exploration as students and citizens.

Criteria:

Nature Links is open to curious, motivated adults who are ready to grow. Whether you’re from Maine, across the U.S., or beyond, if you have a high school diploma (or equivalent), you’re welcome here. We believe in lifelong learning and building community through nature, skills, and connection.

What we learn:

  • Practical job and life skills through real-world activities such as workplace simulations, collaborative projects, and community engagement.

  • Independent living skills, including personal organization, food planning and preparation, self-advocacy, and decision-making.

  • Environmental education and conservation, learning about local ecosystems, sustainability practices, and the impact of humans on nature.

  • Communication and interpersonal skills through teamwork, public speaking, storytelling, and digital expression.

  • Civic engagement by learning how local, state, and national government systems work—and how to participate meaningfully.

  • Creative exploration and cultural learning through art-making, music, nature-based crafts, and connection to regional traditions and stories.

  • Improved digital literacy through structured online learning, responsible use of technology, and virtual collaboration tools.

  • Friendship and connection by building community, fostering social connection, inclusion, and emotional wellness.

  • Healthy nutrition and cooking skills with a focus on preparing meals from natural and locally sourced ingredients.

  • Skills for increased confidence as lifelong learners, prepared to contribute to their communities and explore personal goals with curiosity and purpose.

To learn more about the Nature Links experience, check out our ‘Recent Classes’ page to review course highlights and reflections by our lead teacher.