Ferry Beach and Salt Marsh  
Teaching the Science of Ecology  
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Video courtesy of Time Warner's "Let's Connect" series.

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.

students consult a fiel guie during a beach lesson
Students show the crabs they found at Ferry Beach.

A 4-minute look at the FBES experience
Want an 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 former staff naturalist Steve Abatiell for the video, and former Assistant Director Jaime Duval for editing the images and music.

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.

 

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 naturalist 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

SPRING '10 OPENINGS
Availability and discounts for residential school trips.


Saco Pumpkin Fest
October 24, 2009

NATURE ISLAND WRAP UP:

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

 

RIVER CLEANUP: Join Us for the 11th Annual Saco River Canoe & Cleanup planned for June 5th, 2010! There's plenty of time to plan on joining us next year!

canoeists picture