The St. George science students have been very busy this spring. By participating in a number of hands-on experiences as well as talking to local experts, these students are seeking better understanding of how the lands and animals in and around the Marsh affect its health and movement. This post provides a sampling of what Read More
Nature of Maine Blog
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s “Nature of Maine” blog gives you the inside scoop on some of the latest issues facing Maine’s environment. From environmental news to threats to opportunities, NRCM is on the frontlines of the latest goings-on—and we’re often leading the charge on efforts to protect Maine’s precious lands, air, waters, and wildlife. Read what NRCM staff members have to say and get the perspective of some of our members and supporters who have been guest contributors.
Perhaps you have an issue you’d like to write about. Maybe you’re an expert on a particular topic and are inspired to share your expertise. Maybe you’ve recently made a visit to a spectacular Maine nature preserve or other natural area and would like to write about it (captioned photos welcome!). For submission guidelines, email nrcm@nrcm.org.
Gorham Middle School Weeds Out Invasive Species – Part I
As a continuation of their grant project last year, Gorham Middle School science classes are working to eradicate the invasive Japanese Knotweed from their school grounds. Students are taking their knowledge from the classroom and implementing it through experiments and observations. Here is what they’ve been working on. —Sarah Oberink, NRCM Protecting the Nature of Read More
The Future of Maine’s Environment…It’s All About the Kids
On May 8 and 9, my wife Alix and I, accompanied by Gabrielle Grunkemeyer from NRCM, were hosted by Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School and the Edna Drinkwater School in Northport. Sarah Oberink, the University of Maine NRCM intern, joined us at Edna Drinkwater. Visiting these schools and learning about the work they are doing helped Read More
Memorial Middle School Students Enjoy Learning in Maine’s Environment
Although it was 90 degrees this past week, Memorial Middle School students remind us of the tremendous winter we had and the ways they got to enjoy the snow. The trails surrounds the Carter Outdoor Classroom provided great fun for the students as they explored the area on snowshoes. Come spring, with help from their Read More
Ecology, Loss, and Triage
“I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that remains.” –Anne Frank On Sunday, 30 April 2017, the New York Times reported that global marine fisheries are being pushed to the brink. This and countless other imminent losses prompt me to once again point out that management of the global biosphere Read More
Learning about the History of “the Marsh” in Tenants Harbor
In the spring of 2016, the 8th grade students at St. George conducted water flow measurements of the Tenants Harbor Marsh, or as the locals refer to it, “the Marsh,” and studied how it relates to the alewife restoration efforts of the town’s Conservation Commission. The 6th grade students continue their studies this spring to Read More
Sharing the Sugar Shack
On March 31st, the Brewer Community School science classes held an open house so that parents and community members could learn more about the Maple Project. The Mobile Sugar Shack was on full display and people were able to go inside and see how sap becomes syrup. Several enthusiastic students waited inside to explain the Read More
Normalizing Disruption and Loss
“A planet that can’t sustain its greatest reef will eventually become a place that won’t support human life.” – Tim Winton, 2017, Australian Marine Conservation Society For the first time, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced two back-to-back bleaching events, which have been driven entirely by extreme sea-surface temperatures. The devastation is hard to miss, unless Read More
Northport Students Study Aquaponics
What is Aquaponics? Aquaponics is a form of farming in which plants receive nutrients from fish waste in a symbiotic relationship, decontaminating the water. The fish produce waste, and plants use that waste for nutrients to grow. This creates a cycle, with the fish eating, the plants purifying the water, and us, the farmers, harvesting Read More
