Despite the rain date reschedule, over 800 children and adults attended our Nature Island event as part of the 8th Annual Saco Pumpkin Fest held on Saturday, October 25th. Families came in costume and crossed over the covered bridge on Water Street to join in the games, crafts and theater performed by FBES staff naturalists. The event is free to the public and made possible by the support of generous sponsors such as Ferry Beach Park Association, Key Bank, Starbucks Coffee, and Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.

Our friends from Independence BioFuel and Oakie the Acorn from Oakhurst Dairy were on hand to greet visitors and offer them a free 1/2 pint of milk as they arrived on Nature Island. FBES Director Alex Grindle said her favorite moment of the afternoon was when one little girl, dressed as cat, wouldn't leave for fear of missing one more skit.

What follows are photos from the afternoon. Thanks to all who participated! If you have an interest in participating in next year’s event as a volunteer or sponsor, please contact Mo Duggan at 207-283-9951 or e-mail at maureen@fbes.org.

Staff Naturalists Margaret, Geoff and Steve pose with kids after their “Doc Rock, Evil Soil Scientist” performance.

Kids take a closer look at leaf structure and patterns by making a “Leaf Slide”

Using found objects and natural elements from the island, children created “Gnome Homes.”

Tina (left) helps a costumed Pirate dig in the sand to uncover natural treasures such as shells from the beach.

Johno (left) manned the planting station where children learned about nutrient rich soil and then planted seeds.

Naturalists Jinx & Margaret

FBES Community Relations Director Maggie Daigle (gecko) with Starbucks Saco Store Manager Marisa Stam

Starbucks volunteers provided fresh, hot coffee at the entrance to the covered bridge to Nature Island

Parents and kids enjoyed an improvisational skit

“Ecological Twister” was both a physical and mental challenge

“Marsh Mud”proved to be a big hit, filling the island with "Marsh Martians".

Leaf rubbings were another of the many crafts stations available on Nature Island