On the Penobscot

OLD TOWN – Maine Audubon will offer a canoe trip to explore and learn about the Penobscot River 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.

Led by Registered Maine Guide and Penobscot Nation member Chris Francis, participants will canoe a 9-mile, scenic and largely undeveloped stretch of the river.

Along the way, they will learn about the collaborative project that is bringing together conservation groups, state and federal government agencies, a hydropower company and the Penobscot Indian Nation to restore some of the river’s natural resources.

The group also will learn about the natural history and culture of the waterway while spotting bald eagles and a variety of migratory waterfowl and songbirds.

After paddling, group members will discuss the Penobscot River Restoration Project with project staff and tribal members.

Trip leader Chris Francis is a two-time open-canoe national champion and operates guided tours on the Penobscot River, with which he has had a spiritual connection since youth.

The trip is $45 for members of Maine Audubon or the Penobscot River Restoration Project members, $55 for non-members. Advance registration is necessary; to register, call at 781-2330, Ext. 215.

For more information on other Maine Audubon programs, visit www.maineaudubon.org

Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action.

Support for Maine Audubon comes from its 11,000 members and supporters, including individuals, foundations and corporations. Members are automatically members of their local Maine Audubon chapter and National Audubon Society Inc., of which Maine Audubon is an affiliate.

For information about Maine Audubon, call 781-2330 or visit www.maineaudubon.org.

Learn to skate for adults

ORONO – Registrations are being accepted for the new Orono Adult Learn to Skate program. Four one-hour lessons over two weeks are offered.

The program covers the basics and is suitable for those who do not skate or who have done a little skating.

The schedule began at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, and continues as follows: 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17; 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20; and 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Alfond Arena on the University of Maine campus.

The fee is $50 for Orono residents, $55 for others. Children ages 4 to 7 may register, but only if accompanied by a parent who is in the program. The cost for those children is $35. For more information, call Fiona Hamilton at 866-0897.

Soccer tryouts

BANGOR – Blackbear United FC will hold tryouts for its U11-U14 soccer teams on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Monday, Oct. 9. Tryouts for the U15-U18 teams will be held in November at the Mahaney Dome after the high-school playoffs.

Blackbear coaches will be out evaluating soccer games this fall. Those interested in having a coach watch a game, should e-mail info@blackbearunited.com.

Coaches attend travel, junior high, freshman, junior varisty and varsity games. Players interested in trying out should bring the following to tryouts: Copy of birth certificate (new players only), current 1-inch passport-size photo, completed soccermaine form which can be downloaded at www.blackbearunited.com, and $15 tryout fee made payable to Blackbear United. Players may preregister for tryouts by visiting www.blackbearunited.com and clicking on the “pre-register” link.

The tryout schedule is:

. Boys and girls age 11 and 12, 3-4:30 p.m.; boys and girls age 13 and 14, 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Husson College.

. Boys and girls age 13 and 14, 2:30-4 p.m.; boys and girls age 11 and 12, 4- 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at Hermon Elementary School Fields.