Nature Island at Saco Pumpkin Harvest Fest

Ferry Beach Ecology School

Teaching the Science of Ecology
and the Practice of Sustainability

Nature Island Wrap-Up, October 2011 Over 400 children and adults attended our Nature Island event as part of the 10th Annual Saco Pumpkin Fest held on Saturday, October 16th. 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. Admission to the island was $1 this year, and all manner of spooky costumes crossed the bridge to the island. This 2011 event was made possible by the support of generous sponsors such as Saco Valley Credit Union, Prime Motor Group, Key Bank, Bank of Maine, Oakhurst Dairyand Saco & Biddeford Savings. Oakie the Acorn from Oakhurst Dairy was once again on hand to greet visitors and offer them a free 1/2 pint of milk as they arrived on Nature Island. 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 send her a e-mail.
Nature Island 2010
All creatures, great and small (such as FBES staff naturalist Laura, left), made pirate hats to go with this year's theme of Eco-Pirates.
The covered bridge entrance to Nature Island was likened to "walking the plank." Much fun was to be had on the other side!
Using found objects and natural elements from the island, children created “Gnome Homes.”
The island's resident gnomes oversaw this year's construction.
FBES staff naturalist Carol (right) helps a mummy reach in the mystery box to uncover natural treasures such as shells from the beach.
The entire island was awash with pirates, gnomes and giant acorns, oh my!
FBES staff naturalist Brad (left) watching over milk donated by Oakhurst Dairy, represented by Oakie the Acorn (right).
FBES' favorite evil soil scientist, Doc Rock, performed an improvisational skit with his sidekick, Igor.
Parents and kids met Eco-Pirate/FBES staff naturalist Wick (left) during another skit.
FBES staff naturalist Becca (left) engaged even the scariest little monsters with nature arts and crafts.
Join us on Nature Island at next year's Saco Pumpkin Fest, October, 2011.

Nature Island 2010