Ferry Beach Ecology School: Ecology Education on Maine's Southern Coast

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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.

FBES Programs
FBES has a variety of programs for school groups of all ages! 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.

Video courtesy of Time Warner's "Let's Connect" series.

FBES Campus
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.

Food For Thought: The Nutrient Cycle
Former staff naturalist Steve Abatiell has created a 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 John Ibsen who has been caring for our beautiful organic teaching garden.

Video directed, filmed and edited by former staff educator and documentary filmmaker, Steve Abatiell.

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.

Video directed, filmed and edited by fabulous former staff naturalist and documentary filmmaker, Steve Abatiell.

Pages Just For:
Teachers
Parents
Students

Now Hiring Educators!

"Science and Ecology:
Live and Unplugged"
Impact Study Results

Fall '13 OPENINGS
Availability and discounts
for residential school
trips

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 Green Teacher
magazine. Check out our book
on our store page.

ABCs of Ecology Book Cover