Since Coastal Rivers relocated its headquarters to Round Top Farm in Damariscotta last April, the farmhouse at Salt Bay Farm on Belvedere Road has become a dedicated nature center and a hub for outdoor education. The building will be open to the public at certain times through the winter.

Visitors are encouraged to check the website for nature center hours. In January and February, the center will be open most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:00 to 5:15 PM, Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:15 PM, and closed on holidays.

When the center is open, a volunteer docent will be available to answer questions and offer suggestions for hikes, paddles and other recreational opportunities on Coastal Rivers’ properties. Visitors are invited to browse a selection of books, preserve brochures, and maps. Sleds and snowshoes in a variety of sizes are also available to borrow while visiting the farm.

In addition to permanent displays, docents also offer special monthly ‘topic table’ displays and interactive activities for children. January’s topic is birds. Visitors of all ages can dissect an owl pellet and learn about winter birds in Maine.

The nature center is occupied during school hours by many different school groups, in addition to Coastal Rivers’ regular after-school, preschool and homeschool programs.

The walking trails at Coastal Rivers’ Salt Bay Farm are open to hikers and other visitors every day during daylight hours.

For more information about Coastal Rivers, call (207) 563-1393, email info@coastalrivers.org, or visit www.coastalrivers.org