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.

Making Lessons Fun
Take a look at a video preview about Forest Succession. Naturalists Todd, Meghan and Grace, 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. (this video was directed, filmed and edited by staff naturalist Steve Abatiell).

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.

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 which shows our teaching style and the terrific ecosystems we explore.

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