Herring Gut Coastal Science Center invites community members to experience one of Maine’s most remarkable natural events during a special Spring Fever Series field trip to the historic fish ladder in Damariscotta Mills on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Participants will meet at Herring Gut at 9 a.m. to carpool by van to the fish ladder, where millions of alewives make their annual migration upstream to spawn.

"This annual migration is one of Maine’s most important ecological events and offers a unique opportunity to witness the connection between the Gulf of Maine, freshwater ecosystems, and the state’s coastal economy," said Herring Gut, in a news release. "Alewives are an important anadromous fish species that play a vital role in Maine’s marine and freshwater food webs. Their migration supports wildlife, commercial fisheries, and overall ecosystem health throughout the region."

“This is an incredible opportunity for people of all ages to see a true natural phenomenon up close,” said Katie Liberman, Marine Science educator. “The alewife run at Damariscotta Mills is both educational and inspiring, and we’re excited to share the experience with our community.”

Following the field trip, participants will celebrate a successful fish run with a stop at Round Top Ice Cream before returning to Port Clyde.

The program is free and open to the public, but van space is limited and advance registration is required.

To register, visit Herring Gut Coastal Science Center at herringgut.org.

Herring Gut Coastal Science Center is a nonprofit environmental education organization based in Port Clyde, Maine. Through hands-on programs and community engagement, Herring Gut connects people of all ages to Maine’s coastal ecosystems, working waterfronts, and marine science.