As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we rely on the generosity of individuals, foundations and businesses so we can:

• bring more schools, children and adults to our campus and ecosystems in Saco.
• reach out to more schools with our assembly programs and schoolyard ecology programs.
• offer day programs to Maine schools
• provide inexpensive day camps and parent workshops
• operate our Food For Thought program which teaches the ecology of food systems and the value of living and eating sustainably.
• publish teaching curriculums such as our nationally recognized The ABCs of Ecology: An Educator's Guide to Learning Outside

Ways to Give:
Here's how we structure our events and annual giving and how you can support our efforts!

• Eco Appetito: Our annual March fundraiser is all about delicious local food and beverages! Buy a ticket and bring your friends for delicious fare served up by Chef Lee Skawinski and his staff at fabulous Cinque Terre in Portland. Or donate an item for our silent auction. All sales from tickets and auction items go directly to our Food For Thought Program and also supports our organic garden.
• Spring Appeal: In late April we mail out our spring newsletter and ask for tax deductible cash donations to support our Program Fund. Donations can be made online or by mail.
• Canoe-A-Thon: Our annual Saco River Cleanup gets bigger and better each year and is a terrific way to support FBES while cleaning up the Saco River! Grab your canoe or kayak and paddle with us from downtown Saco to Camp Ellis and then enjoy a post-paddle barbecue. Encourage friends and family to sponsor your paddle and raise funds for FBES, or donate an item to be used as a prize or at the barbecue.
• Nature Island at Saco Pumpkin Fest: each year our team of staff naturalists turn out for Saco's Pumpkin Fest and convert a small island off Maine Street into "Nature Island" where children can play games, make crafts and enjoy theater which educates about ecology and science principles.
• Fall Appeal: In November we mail out our fall newsletter and ask for tax deductible cash donations to support our Program Fund. Donations can be made online or by mail.
  

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 and slideshow which shows our teaching style and the wonderful ecosystems we explore on our Saco campus.

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