Our theme for 2021 is “Stories of Change.” For children and their families, the change from in-person to remote and then hybrid learning has been a huge one. We are sharing two stories about this upheaval in our lives from the perspectives of a grandmother and a sixth grader, both from Harpswell. Teaching Science to… Read more
Harpswell is blessed with gorgeous vistas, a vital marine economy and a wonderful community spirit. Perhaps less obvious, the town is also rich in artists and craftspeople. Take, for example, jeweler Tracy Johnson who has lived on Harpswell Neck for 30 years in a house she and her husband built, by hand, the old-fashioned way…. Read more
When Nancy and Charles Scholes lost their beloved second son, Jonathan, to a brutal cancer at age 33, he left them with more than broken hearts. He left them an outstanding example of a life well-lived, if far too short, and dedicated to helping those in need. He also left them a love of Harpswell… Read more
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 is one in a series of articles exploring the history of HHLT preserves. What makes Johnson Field Preserve precious is that it’s only a field—a field preserving a view that makes the hearts of locals and visitors sing. It’s a view to dream about when you’re longing for the best places of your life,… Read more
Engagement with the natural world can be a lifelong relationship and one that evolves over time. Take the case of Margaret “Peggy” Logan of Neil’s Point in Harpswell, for example. At 95, Peggy admits, “How I live with nature these days is somewhat limited. But I just love to get my hands in the… Read more
Looking back on her childhood growing up in New York state, Lynn Knight remembers weekend walks in the woods with her father and brother. Or sometimes trips to one of the many nearby harbor beaches in all four seasons. “Every weekend my father took us somewhere we could play outdoors in nature,” Lynn recalled. Her… Read more
Looking out the bay windows in a cozy nook of his cluttered living room, Jeff Marshall introduces the spectacular view ranging from southwest to northwest in what he calls “my nature theater” with a gracious, sweeping gesture. Out on the shore of Doughty Cove here on Sebascodegan (Great) Island, huge sheets of ice are stacked… Read more