Penobscot Bay Stewards Program Begins In May

February 17, 2011 – The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition and the Maine Coastal Program of the State Planning Office are offering the Penobscot Bay Stewards Program to area residents. This is a unique and rare opportunity to learn about the Penobscot Bay region and ways to conserve its resources.

Classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 3 to May 31 (no class on May 5) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Topics covered include maritime history, marine mammals, island ecology, coastal land and intertidal habitats, geology, aquaculture, water quality monitoring, and vernal pools, as well as current regional issues which impact our quality of life. Presentations will be given by leading authorities.

Morning sessions will be held in the museum's Old Vestry building. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Afternoons will be devoted to field trips, which may include visits to a fish hatchery, nearby islands and vernal pools; intertidal pool exploration; and hikes in nearby preserves or state parks.

The course is free, but participants are expected to volunteer 30 hours to local conservation efforts of their choice during the coming year. Classes will provide an ample selection of possible projects.

The course is limited to 20 committed students. For information and to receive an application, call 207-338-8666 or 207-338-1147.