LEWISTON — As part of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, the Stanton Bird Club plans to host a snowshoe trek from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 19.

One hundred years ago, the club accepted the first gift of 45 acres from the Anthony Family to begin the process of creating a model bird sanctuary. Over the next few years Professor Alfred Anthony, his wife Gertrude (1911 Bates graduate), and his sister Kate bought and donated another 175 acres to expand the sanctuary, according to a news release from the bird club.

The Stanton Bird Club had been organized two years earlier to promote the study of birds and the understanding of nature and named in honor of Professor Jonathan Stanton, a long-time and beloved teacher at Bates College.

At 10 a.m., Gary Maurer, chair of the Stewardship Committee for the Bird Club and the longtime steward for Thorncrag, will lead a walking tour to share some of the history of the Thorncrag.

At 10:30 a.m., master naturalist and board member Paula Everett and her husband, Michael, will lead a tracking tour for families.

Both walks will end at the Anthony Fireplace, where Boy Scouts from Troop 111 will roast marshmallows and serve hot chocolate for all. Community members can walk on their own to the fireplace or to participate in one of the walking tours.

For more information about this event and directions to the sanctuary, email board member Nancy Long at nernaid57@yahoo.com.