Ferry Beach and Salt Marsh  
Teaching the Science of Ecology  
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students consult a fiel guie during a beach lesson
Students show the crabs they found at Ferry Beach.

Ecology Education on the Coast of Maine
Since 1998, Ferry Beach Ecology School (FBES) has brought innovative ecology education programs to thousands of children and adults throughout New England. In everything we do — week-long programs on our coastal campus, outreach and day programs at schools, publishing curriculums and field guides — we accentuate the magic, mystery and wonder of nature so that students can better understand and care for the environment.

“Schools That Shine” picks Lebanon and Ecology School “SELU” Partnership
News Center 6 WCSH-TV chose our “Science & Ecology Live & Unplugged” (SELU) program with Lebanon Elementary Schools for its November “Schools That Shine” segment. Congratulations to principal Tom Ledue and the teaching team (Jaime Halbmaier and Carolyn French were amazing on camera!) for being chosen for this community grant and honor. Take a look the video produced by WCSH’s Tim Goff that aired Nov 11th on Ch. 6!


Food For Thought: The Nutrient Cycle
Staff Naturalist Steve Abatiell has made another fun video showcasing the natural cycle of soil and some enthusiastic students involved our Composting Olympics this fall. Also look for own “Nutrient Cycle Enthusiast” and staff naturalist Johno Ibsen who has been caring for our beautiful organic teaching garden.

 

The Succession Race
Here’s a quick video preview about Forest Succession. Naturalists Todd (Hemlock), Meghan (Birch) and Grace (Meadow Grass), improv a skit about how trees and grass compete in the forest. Skits like these are one of the tools we use to make learning fun and help get across important concepts. (this video was directed, filmed and edited by fabulous staff naturalist and documentary filmmaker, Steve Abatiell).

 

FBES Programs
FBES has a variety of programs geared primarily for upper elementary through middle school-aged children. Whether you bring your class to our coastal campus or invite a FBES program to your school, our original ABCs of Ecology® curriculum will be tailored to meet your state's learning requirements.

The FBES campus is located on Ferry Beach in Saco, Maine, about 30 minutes south of Portland and 90 minutes north of Boston. Our coastal campus is the ideal outdoor classroom with eight ecosystems within walking distance including a sand beach and dunes, tide pools, salt marshes, a forested state park, river estuary, fishing village and jetty.

We invite you to take a look at our programs outlined here on our site or call us directly at 207-283-9951 for further information.


A 4-minute look at the FBES experience
Want a idea of how we teach and what you'll find at Ferry Beach Ecology School? Take a look at this 4-minute video which shows our teaching style and the terrific ecosystems we explore.

(Kudos to Staff Naturalist Steve Abateill for the video and Assistant Director Jaime Duval for filming and editing the images and music together).

 

 
 

 

Pages Just For:
Teachers
Parents
Students

RIVER CLEANUP: Join Us for the 10th Annual Saco River Canoe & Cleanup planned for May 30th! There's still time to sign up!
canoeists picture

CAMPS!
SIGN UP
your child for Summer 2009 Nature Camps! in June and July or our EXPLORING THE MAINE COAST ’Äî A FAMILY NATURE WEEKEND
AUG. 7-9, 2009


SPRING '09 OPENINGS
availability and discounts for school trips.



The 2nd Annual ECO APPETITO at Cinque Terre raise more than $4,000 for Food For Thought! Executive Chef Lee Skawinski and his staff created another delicious afternoonEco Appetito photo


NATURE ISLAND:
Naturalists and kids from Nature Island 2008


Rave Reviews For
ABCs of Ecology

Our 230-page teaching curriculum, The ABCs of Ecology: An Educator's Guide to Learning Outside got a terrific review in the winter 2007 Green Teacher magazine. Check out our book on our store page.
ABCs of Ecology Book Cover