I dreaded getting on the school bus that morning, anticipating the reaction to our appearance. As soon as we started down the aisle my brother and I were the targets of laughter, teasing and name calling. Since we looked like characters from the 1960’s movie “The Living Dead” the humor at our expense was well… Read more
By Melinda Small Nothing has been as satisfying as my trips to the dump (aka Harpswell Recycling Center and Transfer Station). Despite her sometimes gruesome masks, Donnette’s greeting was always welcoming. And once again, I had finished a task that is a grateful diversion from my isolation. At the Center, a very visible sign lists… Read more
The history of Maine, including Harpswell, is tied to the sea. Indigenous people are known to have harvested the bounty of the ocean for thousands of years. Their population was quite small and their technology was limited, so they had little impact on the resource. When Europeans first arrived on these shores, they were astonished… Read more
It was another great week for our photo project! Eighteen photographers shared 94 incredible pictures of Harpswell in May. Click here for more about the photo project. We hope you’ll participate in August and October! Read more
A few years ago, I wrote about wildlife mysteries, relating strange events that occurred when living in close proximity with various species. The star of that story was a female white-tailed deer who developed a habit of pulling up and eating the succulent cattails in the pond by our cabin. Because she carried out her… Read more
The perfect waterproof guide for your summer adventures! Harpswell Heritage Land Trust has created a custom guide to the common plants, animals and algae found along Harpswell’s shoreline. Printed on waterproof paper, the guide is easy to stick in your back pocket when heading out to explore. This visual guide features color illustrations to help… Read more
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust is offering exploration kits to give families the tools, ideas and inspiration to create lasting outdoor memories! We are deeply committed to making these kits accessible and are offering them for a suggested donation. You can pay as little or as much as works for your budget, no questions asked. The… Read more
If there is a creature of Harpswell waters with a bigger image problem than the horseshoe crab, it has my sympathy. Most of us know little to nothing about the prehistoric looking horseshoe crabs other than seeing their old exoskeletons on our beaches. Then there is the fact that these fascinating creatures are not crabs,… Read more
Amara Ifeji was recently named a National Geographic Young Explorer, a prestigious group of 24 young activists from around the world who have been recognized for their leadership in environmental advocacy. She won Best in Category at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and first place in her category at the Maine State Science… Read more
Photo by James Pearsell, iStock Many birds overlap in the subtleties of their coloration and it requires careful observation for accurate identification. That is not the case with this powerful woodpecker; having seen one, the image will be locked in your mind. Memory does not serve me well regarding the timing of my first encounter… Read more