About
Celebrate Big Night with CMTM
March 14 - 16, 2025
Every spring in Maine, hundreds of thousands of amphibians awaken to leave their underground homes in the pouring rain to journey to vernal pools, an event known as Big Night. Salamanders and frogs can travel up to ½ a mile, crossing roads throughout the state to begin the next phase of amphibious life cycles.
Let’s celebrate this upcoming natural phenomenon with special programming exploring amphibious life. Experience a dramatic frog lifecycle, construct a sensory vernal pool, and create a jumping frog and a mini pond in MakerSpace–can your frog jump into or over the pond? Check our chalkboard for daily offerings, all included in the general admission price.
While we explore and create, we will gain an understanding of how humans can help support and protect amphibians in the neighborhoods we share.
Daily Schedule
Friday, March 8
11 am - Visiting Scientist: Greg LeClair
Have you ever caught a frog or discovered a salamander scurrying over a rock? Come meet scientist Greg LeClair, an amphibian expert and the founder of a citizen science project called Maine Big Night. Big Night is a special night of the year when folks help amphibians cross roads to reach their breeding grounds. Explore the amphibians in Maine and get tips on how you can help them at Big Night!
Included with Admission.
Location: IDEXX STEM Learning Hub (3rd Floor)
11:30 am - Pop-Up Play - Salamander On the Move
Work together to make sure the weather conditions are right, that the roads are safe to cross, and help our yellow spotted Salamander find her way back to her vernal pool.
Included with Admission.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)
2 pm - Pop-Up Play - Salamander On the Move
Work together to make sure the weather conditions are right, that the roads are safe to cross, and help our yellow spotted Salamander find her way back to her vernal pool.
Included with Admission.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)
Saturday, March 9
11:30 am - Meet a Frog with the Center for Wildlife
Join The Center for Wildlife to meet a live frog. Make observations and explore the adaptations of a live frog.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)
1:30 pm - Pop-Up Play - Salamander On the Move
Work together to make sure the weather conditions are right, that the roads are safe to cross, and help our yellow spotted Salamander find her way back to her vernal pool.
Included with Admission.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)
Sunday, March 10
11:00 am - Pop-Up Play - Salamander On the Move
Work together to make sure the weather conditions are right, that the roads are safe to cross, and help our yellow spotted Salamander find her way back to her vernal pool.
Included with Admission.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)
1:30 pm - Pop-Up Play - Salamander On the Move
Work together to make sure the weather conditions are right, that the roads are safe to cross, and help our yellow spotted Salamander find her way back to her vernal pool.
Included with Admission.
Location: Maddy’s Theatre (1st Floor)