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
This article was published in the Harpswell Anchor, July 2018. By Kara Douglas On a windy afternoon near the end of the school year about 40 third graders have gathered on the sloping lawn at Harpswell Community School. They sit in a lopsided circle, speaking in turns as attention moves counter-clockwise around. “My favorite preserve… Read more
By Monique Coombs, Director of Marine Programs, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association According to the Department of Marine Resources, “the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is the most important pelagic fishery resource in the state of Maine.” This is mostly because herring is a forage fish that not only feeds larger prey in the ocean but also… Read more
Every year third graders at Harpswell Community School raise Atlantic Salmon from eggs to fry in a tank in their classroom. Harpswell Heritage Land Trust educator Julia McLeod presents a series of lessons about life cycles, biodiversity, adaptations, clean water and migration. The students release the salmon in the Little River in Lisbon in May…. Read more
By Monique Coombs, Director of Marine Programs for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association On November 28, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to extend the moratorium on Northern Shrimp for a fifth year in a continued attempt to allow the stock to rebuild. After receiving a scientific update that showed declines in the health… Read more
The lending library is located inside the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust office at 153 Harpswell Neck Road. Our hours are variable. You’re welcome to stop by whenever you see a car in the parking lot or give us a call before you come to make sure we’re there to let you in. Our number is… Read more
November finds us enjoying the last of the foliage season, but it can be a busy time getting our homes and lawns cleaned up for winter. It is also a time for action if you have valued deciduous trees. Once the weather turns colder, we will begin to see large numbers of the invasive winter… Read more
By Togue Brawn Maine’s scallop season has experienced record prices this year. But are the scallops caught off our shore really any different than those from other areas? You bet they are, and here’s why. Roughly 95 percent of US sea scallops come from the Federal fishery, where large boats generally fish offshore for six… Read more
By Monique Coombs, Marine Resources Coordinator for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association The Bluefin tuna fishery has long been a part of Harpswell’s heritage. The Casco Bay Tuna Club’s Bailey Island Fishing Tournament began in 1938. At almost 80 years old, it is the longest running fishing tournament on the East Coast (the first Bluefin… Read more