From left to right: Craig, Ellie, Kara and Nora Douglas (Tim McCreight photo). What’s the hardest part?” I asked. “Hardening!” came the instant answers from Nora and Ellie Douglas, ages 14 and 11. Along with their parents, Kara and Craig, they are stewards of the Curtis Farm Preserve. When I asked their favorite part, Ellie… Read more
Fred Gay is delightful. Not too many people deserve that moniker, but Fred does. From his engaging smile, to his Amish hat, to—and this is how I became acquainted with Fred—his immunity to poison ivy, Fred is one of a kind! Over the summer Fred offered to remove poison ivy from the McIntosh Lot Preserve… Read more
“I love the plants and the land, it is an organism to be fostered,” Laura Grady stated as she tried to explain her engagement with the 100 acres upon which Two Coves Farm rests. Laura continued “We listen to the land, we work with it by spreading compost and we try to determine the best… Read more
This was our second week of the “This Week in Harpswell” photo project. Twenty-eight photographers shared 240 beautiful pictures of birds, scenery, beach finds, Harpswell landmarks and much more. Next up: August! Click here for more about the photo project. Read more
One way you might like to engage is to become a citizen scientist. Armed with your smartphone, you can visit several of the trails and preserves in Harpswell and collect data for the Harpswell King Tide project. It’s a fun and easy way to make a difference. As a recent returnee from the west, I… Read more
By Alicia Heyburn Have we lost something in our culture? I bet you could think of several things that have shifted in our society since you were a child, but I’m thinking of play. Good, simple, screen-free, sand-castle building, hide-and-seek, sprinkler-running, somersaulting, fairy house making, play. Remember that? Well, its good for all of us,… Read more
By Melissa Fochesato, Director of Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness Although many Americans understand the importance of physical activity, a majority of us are not getting enough. Physical inactivity is now a leading cause of death worldwide. Recently, public health experts have been studying the effects of a person’s environment on physical… Read more
Since 1983, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) has been working with the community to preserve special places in Harpswell, ensure public shore access, build and maintain trails, provide engaging educational programs and protect scenic views, clean water and wildlife habitat. In 2018 we celebrate our 35th anniversary. One of the ways we are celebrating is… Read more
By Monique Coombs, Director of Marine Programs for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association It should come as no surprise to anyone that I would convey the importance of being outside and in nature with the life of a fisherman. Although, many people do not have the opportunity to work outside every day, or be on… Read more
Become a Harpswell Junior Ranger! This 68-page, full-color book introduces young people to 10 trails, parks and preserves in Harpswell, while exploring elements of nature that make these places special and fascinating. Learn, explore and have fun while becoming a Harpswell Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger Activity Book was created by Emma Levy, who was… Read more