"EXPLORING THE MAINE COAST" —
A FAMILY CAMP & WEEK IN NATURE

Join Ferry Beach Ecology School for a week of outdoor exploration in local ecosystems and enjoy your stay at Ferry Beach on Saco Bay in southern Maine.

Back by popular demand! A week of coastal ecology adventures for the entire family along the beautiful southern Maine coast. The staff of Ferry Beach Ecology School is teaming up with the Ferry Beach Park Association this summer for a week of hands-on discovery, nature exploration, and green living ideas.

Each morning we’ll pack our sack lunches and head out on daily nature expeditions to destinations such as the East Point Tide Pools, UNE Marine Center, Bradbury & Morse Mountains, Camp Ellis Fishing Village, Wells Reserve Beach, Saco Heath, and the famous Portland Headlight Lighthouse. Later afternoons are for relaxing (swimming & sunbathing!) at Ferry Beach and evening activities include Jetty Jaunts, Night Hikes & Beach Astronomy, Stage Island Sunset Walk and the famous Ferry Beach Talent/ No Talent Show.  Additional evening and optional activities may include L.L. Bean, Scarborough Marsh Canoeing, the Bath Maritime Museum, and Casco Bay Cruises.

Onsite activities at Ferry Beach will include learning the “ABCs of Ecology” to “Read the Landscape” between the coastal forest and dunes to uncover the unique geology of the granite sand beach and the diversity of coastal critters. We’ll also explore the Ferry Beach State Park Tupelo Swamp and spend time digging and munching in the Ecology School's Organic Garden. No matter where we go or what we do, Exploring the Maine Coast will be a fun, entertaining (songs/skits galore!) and memorable time for families.
(Note: This program is intended for adult and child teams, comprised of at least one adult and at least one child).

DAY TRIPS

• Tide Pools
  The East Point Audubon Preserve is a unique habitat where the well-adapted organisms of the rocky intertidal zone thrive. Depending on the tide, we may even get a chance to visit this fascinating ecosystem at dusk, looking for creatures in their natural habitat.
  
• Saco Heath
  At times you will be standing on top of 20 feet of water, vast carpets of sphagnum moss, and the remains of a lake left by a glacier, on the floating boardwalk over the heath. Few people have the opportunity to visit a heath, as the surface is wet and unable to support a person's weight.
• The Beach at Ferry Beach
  Seven miles of sand beach comprise Saco Bay, backed by primary, secondary and tertiary dune systems. We will explore the transitional zones between the coastal forest and the dunes, before uncovering the unique geology of the beach.
• Organic Teaching Garden
  We’ll roll up our sleeves and do some work in the Ecology School’s organic garden, harvesting and tasting organic veggies, turning compost and getting to know the worms! Participants will get an up-close look at a human-created ecosystem, and have the chance to create a refreshing snack with produce from the garden.
• University of New England
  UNE staff will lead tours of the Marine Animal Rescue Center, where seals, dolphins and turtles are rehabilitated.  This will be followed by a hands-on Marine Lab facilitated by Ferry Beach Ecology School staff.
• Lighthouses and Historical Sites
  Portland Head and Two Lights lighthouses are famous historical landmarks in Maine, and provide a quintessential view of Maine’s coastal heritage. Participants may also opt to embark on a journey to Stage Island, the site of a prominent WWII monument.  Stage Island is only accessible at low tide and is also an excellent place to view the sunset. 
• Wells Reserve
  Wells Reserve is a National Estuarine Research Reserve located just 30 minutes down the coast.  We will explore the extensive river estuary and salt marsh system, discovering where the mountains meet the sea, and follow the river to its terminus at the ocean and Laudholm Beach.
• Bradbury and Morse Mountains
  Get your hiking shoes on for excursions to two of southern Maine's well known peaks. The top of Morse Mountain lends spectacular views in all directions of the ocean, and on clear days, Mt. Washington. Bradbury Mountain features the remains of a feldspar mine used in the 1920s to make crockery and china.
  
• Other Day Trips & Evening Activities May Include:
  L.L. Bean, Scarborough Marsh Canoeing, Camp Ellis Fishing Village, Jetty Jaunt, Bath Maritime Museum, Casco Bay Cruises, Talent/No Talent Show, Night Hike and Beach Astronomy, Stage Island Sunset Walk, et al.

FAMILY NATURE WEEK DATES
July 24-31, 2010

REGISTER FOR EXPLORING THE MAINE COAST FAMILY WEEK.

For more info contact Meg Edstrom or call her at 207-283-9951.

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