Students Create Interpretive
Panels, Explore Habitat and More
In 2004, the CLCC had the opportunity to partner with the Quoddy Regional Land Trust and Lubec Consolidated School in a relationship to forward environmental and experiential education at the school while creating a community trail behind the school. The project officially launched in early 2005 when funding support from the CF Adams Charitable Trust allowed for the group to hire a project coordinator.
Kara McCrimmon, CCLC Curriculum and Program Director, served as the Mowry Beach Project Coordinator for the past year and a half. During that time, she coordinated activities to help students develop the vision and design for a trail and outdoor classroom.
One exciting example of the projects students undertook was the Interpretive Panel Project. Sophomores, freshmen, and middle school students researched, designed and created panels interpreting aspects of the natural and cultural history of Mowry Beach. Topics explored include wetlands, animals, dunes, and interesting finds of the beach. QRLT board member Ukey Santos and McCrimmon plan to construct a kiosk at the beach parking lot to display the panels until more permanent panels are installed following the completion of the boardwalk trail.
Throughout the project students also cleared trail sections, practiced using GPS technology in natural areas management, went on birding and plant identification field trips, and created nature art. They also participated in a variety of conservation activities, including beach cleanups and invasive plant mapping.
Mowry Beach is open to the public and can be accessed at the end of Pleasant Street in Lubec. This 50-acre preserve includes 1,800 feet of shoreline along the Lubec Channel and shrub-scrub habitat ideal for migrating songbirds. Quoddy Regional Land Trust was awarded state funds in 2004 to purchase the property to ensure access for public recreation and environmental education, while protecting and enhancing the wetland and wildlife habitat. QRLT will host a number of community trail construction days throughout the summer and fall. Those interested in helping can contact the Land Trust at 733-5509
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Reflection Park Honors Former Community Organizer
We were all saddened in February of this year to learn that Jimmy Soctomah had passed away. Jimmy worked as the CCLC’s first community organizer from 2004—2005. While at the Center, Jimmy cleared out a patch of alders near our building, motivated by a vision of creating a shaded picnic area for folks to enjoy.
Wayne and Lorraine Rice, who have recently retired from their ABLE positions with the Center and have taken the role of active volunteers, are leading an effort to finish the project Jimmy started. With the help of Hilda Lewis, owner of the Blue Iris Restaurant and Flower Shop in Eastport, and a host of musicians and helpers, a benefit concert was held on June 17th and over $1,000 was raised for the James Gibson Soctomah Memorial Park.
Plans for the park include a reflection pond and small waterfall, beautiful landscaping including herbs and flowers, picnic tables and benches. Those wishing to help are welcome to contact staff at the CCLC for information.
(l-r) Wayne, Hilda, Alan, and Lorraine
plant an apple tree in the Memorial Park.
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