Very few things in life are achieved alone. As we reflect on the past decade, we are pleased to share the remarkable journey of our youth programming, including some of the wonderful activities and thoughtful contributors who made and continue to make this magic happen. Building a successful program takes longer than you think. The unwavering commitment, dedication, and hard work of visionaries like Walter “Doc” Phillips, Mary Ann Nahf, and former Executive Director Julia McLeod have really paid off.

At HHLT, we are committed to engaging young minds through imagination, science, and the love of nature. Equitable and accessible programs like the Forest Playground and Nature Day Camp are innovative and engaging. We support a ‘learning through doing’ approach which helps children create an emotional bond and deep appreciation for their local environment. And our programming doesn’t stop with the kids. We also provide training associated with our programs, and we even offer events that appeal to the entire family including the Winter Solstice Lantern Walk and Tide Pool Exploration.

2014-2016: Laying the Groundwork
We are incredibly lucky to have fostered amazing local partnerships along our journey. Some of our early supporters in helping lay the groundwork and champion outdoor education include the Harpswell Community School (HCS), Holbrook Community Foundation (HCF), Harpswell Coastal Academy (HCA), and Cathance River Education Alliance (CREA).

Starting in 2014, HHLT worked closely with HCF and HCS to launch educational programming for students. For example, whether it was during a field trip or a lesson in class, students used scientific skills to learn about threats to the Atlantic Salmon population, animal life cycles, and the significance of native and invasive plants to Harpswell.

By 2016, elementary students at HCS were getting muddy for science – learning about the type of bait that attracts Great Blue Herons in a salt marsh off of Long Reach Lane. Since the 1990s, outdoor learning and discovery activities have been a staple of HHLT because it sparks enthusiasm for nature in children. It helps them connect a sense of adventure and classroom concepts with real-world applications. It’s clear that we were on to something special.

2017-2019: Expansion and Innovation
Got books? In 2017, if there was a car in the parking lot, then visitors were welcome to stop by the HHLT office to borrow a book from the Lending Library. You could find a book on anything from amphibians to insects to mushrooms. Let’s say you were interested in becoming a Harpswell Junior Ranger – we had the book just for you! Emma Levy, a high school senior at the time, created a 68-page, full color book that introduced kids to the wonder of the trails, parks, and preserves that her hometown of Harpswell had
to offer.

Over the next few years, our partnerships with local organizations continued to flourish. In 2019, we created a pop-up play area or Forest Playground for kids to to explore, use their imaginations, and have outdoor fun. We had no idea how crucial it would become in the following year, as COVID came into view and we all sought out more opportunities to be outdoors.

2020-2022: Adapting to Challenges
The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, but HHLT adapted swiftly. The decision to cancel the Nature Day Camp in 2020 broke a 22-year run. After staff consulted with a local pediatrician about safety precautions, it was decided that the camp would reopen in 2021. The news was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. The 171 campers who participated enjoyed some much-needed outdoor fun and a little normalcy.

During this time, we offered exploration kits for families to use as inspiration to get outside and explore nature. We also posted a list of 50 activities online to help support parents or guardians homeschooling children during the pandemic. These activities ranged from scavenger hunts to building obstacle courses to making magical fairy dust. The resilience of our community is evident and a testament to our capacity to help each other through tough times.

2023-2024: Remembering the Mission
HHLT joined forces with the Harpswell Historical Society in 2023 for a traditional handcrafts and subsistence skills celebration. This free event had something for everyone including live fiddle music, storytelling, and guided tours.

As 2024 closes, we are reminded of our mission – “to preserve and protect Harpswell’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and access to the outdoors now and forever through conservation, stewardship, and education.” Our youth programming underscores our commitment to this mission and to helping foster the next generation of environmental stewards and conservation leaders.

Looking Ahead
Good things happen when we let our imaginations lead the way. There are so many people to thank who over the years have selflessly contributed to the success of our youth programming. These past ten years have been filled with exploration, education, and growth. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community, volunteers, staff, board members, partners, and the children who participate in our programs.

HHLT’s Outreach & Education Director Lindy Magness joined the team in 2024 and is excited to continue this important work. This fall Lindy said, “when I think about the future of these education programs, I think about the relationships with the libraries, schools, and community groups that have made this work possible, and I feel so grateful for those partners.” As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to inspiring children and adults alike to connect with the natural world and become stewards of our precious environment. Thank you for being a vital part of our story. We cannot wait to see what the next decade holds.