Winter Ecology Weekend
An immersive weekend of study, trips and community.
January 18th-21st, 2024
This Weekend has been canceled due to low registration.
With a weather flexible schedule this new experience is being supported by our Birding Festival Guides and hosted at Cobscook Institute. Come stay for the weekend or join us as a commuter to deep dive into the ecology of winter. Outside expeditions will be placed on the nicest days and inside study will fill any cold bitterness.
2024 Weekend Fee: $850
(Sliding Scale available for local residents)
Our Inclusive Rate Includes:
1 Rugged Boat Trip to Head Harbor Passage out of Eastport
Nature Sketching with Michael Boardman
Guided Trips, Talks and Discussions focused on Winter Ecology, Botany and more with expert guides.
Lunches Thursday-Sunday
Dinners Thursday-Saturday
Housing Options:
Commuter:
(Available for use Thursday, January 18 through Sunday, January 21st)
For safety purposes, all commuters will have access to a shared room in Heartwood Lodge in case of inclement weather, these rooms will be based on quadruple occupancy in single bunk beds.
Double Occupancy in Heartwood Lodge: $200
(Available for use Tuesday, January 16th through Monday, January 22nd)
Two single beds will be available in these co-ed shared rooms. Each room has a private bathroom.
Private Room in Heartwood Lodge: $400
(Available for use Tuesday, January 16th through Monday, January 22nd)
Different room types are available to meet your needs, with full size beds and single bunk beds. Each room has a private bathroom and is available for single to quadruple occupancy depending on the size of your party.
Studio Apartment in Heartwood Lodge: $600
(Available for use Tuesday, January 16th through Monday, January 22nd)
A full size bed, private kitchen, bathroom and seating area for your use. Sleeps 2.
Heartwood Lodge has a quiet library, a communal kitchen with dining room and laundry facilities.
Our weekend is designed for 12+ participants and we provide accommodations for everyone on campus.
The Events:
Snowshoe with Downeast Coastal Conservancy
Located near the northernmost point in Lubec, the Pike Lands offers scenic views of Eastport and points east as well as Cobscook Bay to the west.
Head Harbor Boat Trip & Warm-up Meal
A rugged boat trip to see birds in the Passamaquoddy Bay region. The boat trip will be followed by a cozy warm up meal in Eastport. Seabirds and waterfowl congregate to feed in the strong tidal upwellings and throughout the protected coves. We'll search for sought-after winter visitors such as Iceland gull, glaucous gull, black-headed gull, thick-billed murre, and red-throated loon. Dress warmly and bring your binoculars and camera.
Winter Ecology Presentation
Doug Hitchcox, the staff naturalist for Maine Audubon, will deliver an insightful winter ecology talk that sheds light on the unique features and behaviors of Maine's natural world during the colder months. With a keen focus on the ecological adaptations of local flora and fauna, Hitchcox will explore survival strategies employed by species in the region. From the subtle intricacies of plant dormancy to the resilient tactics of winter birds, his talk provides a detailed and practical understanding of the ecological dynamics in Maine's winter landscape.
Nature Sketching Day
Embark on a practical day of winter nature sketching. Naturalist and Artist Michael Boardman will guide you in a day of observation. Focus on capturing the specific details of winter landscapes, emphasizing seasonal textures. Use the day of sketching to hone your observation skills and document the visual elements unique to winter. We will produce sketches that reflect winter nature, providing a useful reference for anyone interested in understanding and representing the nuances of the season. This session will be inside and/or outside depending on condiotions.
Winter Botany
Join Louise Barteau for a personal interpretation of winter botany for a practical exploration of how plants adapt to and thrive in winter conditions. Learn about the structural strategies employed by trees and shrubs during dormancy and gain insights into the survival mechanisms of dormant plant life beneath the snow. This informative session covers everything from frost-resistant evergreens to the dormancy of various plant species, providing a understanding of the adaptations essential for winter resilience in the plant kingdom. This session will be inside and/or outside depending on conditions.
Arctic Refuge Talk
As a naturalist and artist, Michael Boardman's Arctic Wildlife Refuge talk offers a captivating exploration of the unique ecosystem and wildlife that inhabit the Arctic region. Through engaging narratives and vivid illustrations, he will discuss the intricate relationships between animals, plants, and the harsh Arctic environment, shedding light on the importance of conservation efforts in preserving this pristine wilderness. Boardman's talk serves as a compelling bridge between art and science, inspiring us to appreciate the delicate balance of life in the Arctic.
Expeditions, Presentations & Discussions
These activities remain flexible, adapting to the ever-changing conditions of winter. Expeditions may involve venturing into snow-covered landscapes to study seasonal adaptations of plants and animals. Presentations and discussions could focus on how winter weather influences ecological processes, wildlife behavior, or even human interactions with the environment during the colder season. These events will be responsiveness to the unpredictable elements of winter.