Boothbay Region Land Trust

Fall Wildflower Walk
2021-10-04 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Fall brings one last round of beautiful wildflowers to the fields and forests of the Boothbay Region. Discover our local plants with Botanist and BRLT Board member Lauren Stockwell during this easy guided walk at Oak Point Farm. Learn to identify some of our common fall wildflowers while observing the unique features of each plant. This event is limited to 12 participants with registration required. For more information or to register, contact Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Zak Preserve Hike
2021-09-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Zak Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Zak Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. Zak is BRLT’s largest preserve with 208 acres straddling the watershed of Wildcat Creek in the western half and its headwaters in the eastern half. It encompasses one of the few large open fields remaining on the Boothbay Peninsula, and features salt marsh, wetlands, and extensive woods. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

CLIP Work Party
2021-09-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-09-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-09-01 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-08-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-08-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Penny Lake Preserve
Join our newly formed Committee to Limit Invasive Plants (CLIP). CLIP work parties will take place every other Wednesday at Penny Lake Preserve during the summer of 2021 (Penny Lake will be the focus point for the group’s initial efforts throughout the summer). CLIP volunteers will be helping eradicate invasive shrubs and vines (bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, multi flora rose, autumn olive, and Japanese barberry) on this preserve. Work will consist of pulling, cutting, and piling invasive brush that will be chipped or burned later. No prior knowledge or experience with invasive plants is needed. Training will be provided including species identification and removal techniques. Some tools will be available, but volunteers are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite pruning shears, loppers, or pulling/cutting devices. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and gloves are recommended as well as bug spray and water. Your help is vital to supporting native ecosystems on our preserves!

Wild Mushrooms in Maine: A walk through a world of wonder and beauty
2021-09-25 09:00 - 23:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
With summer and fall rains come a rich and diverse flush of would mushrooms in our forests and fields. Mushrooms have grabbed the imagination and interest of all as we seek a closer relationship with nature and a better understanding of the ecology of our forests. Join a Maine mushroom expert Greg Marley for an exploration of fungal ecology, edibility, toxicity and above all the wonder of mushrooms. Come prepared for a good walk in the woods, an open mind and your curiosity. Feel free to bring in a couple of mushrooms to identify or to show off.
Greg Marley has been collecting, studying, eating, growing and teaching mushrooms for over 45 years. He has spread his love of mushrooms to hundreds through walks, talks and classes held across the New England over the past 30 years. Marley is the author of Mushrooms for Health; Medicinal Secrets of Northeastern Fungi, (Downeast Books , 2009) and the award-winning Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares; The Love Lore and Mystic of Mushrooms, (Chelsea Green, 2010). As a volunteer mushroom identification consultant to Poison Centers, he provides expertise in mushroom poisoning cases. When not mushrooming, Marley works as a mental health clinician and behavioral health consultant specializing in suicide prevention and suicide grief.
Group is limited to 20 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.
Photo Credit: Greg Marley

Schoolhouse Pond Preserve Hike
2021-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Schoolhouse Pond Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Schoolhouse Pond Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. The preserve was the site of a schoolhouse and the cranberry bog is known locally as Schoolhouse Pond. The scenic, mile-long loop trail includes a variety of wildflowers, a mixed forest, interesting rock formations and a beautiful old stonewall. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

2021 Annual Membership Meeting
2021-09-18 16:00 - 17:30
Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, September 18, 2021
4:00-5:30 pm live on Zoom
Registration required!
Join us live on Zoom for an evening of reconnecting with Boothbay Region Land Trust members and friends.
The evening’s featured speaker will be Dr. Heather Goldstone, Chief Communications Officer for Woodwell Climate Research Center. Dr. Goldstone will present on:
Three Things You Should Know About Climate Change (but probably didn’t)
Following Dr. Goldstone, we will share the year-in-review, which will highlight the work and accomplishments of BRLT. The evening will conclude with a short business meeting including voting on the Board slate.
Dr. Heather Goldstone oversees Woodwell Climate Research Center’s communications activities, bringing the rich stories of Woodwell scientists to diverse public audiences. Dr. Goldstone has extensive experience as both a scientist and a journalist, and she is passionate about melding data and narrative in climate change stories that build awareness and inspire action.
Dr. Goldstone came to Woodwell Climate from WGBH, where she founded and hosted a weekly science-focused radio show, Living Lab Radio. Previously, she wrote the Climatide blog about coastal communities facing climate change. Her extensive reporting on science and the environment has appeared in outlets ranging from Cape Cod Times and Commercial Fishery News to NPR’s Morning Edition, The Takeaway, and PBS News Hour. In 2014, she was recognized for the breadth of her work with WGBH’s Margret and Hans Rey/Curious George Producer award.
Dr. Goldstone fell in love with the ocean as a child, and pursued a career in marine research before discovering a passion for science communication. She serves on the Woods Hole Sea Grant Marine Outreach Guidance Group, is deeply involved in supporting local public schools, and frequently teaches or mentors students in communication skills.
Voting:
New Board Nominees:
Penny is a native Floridian who spent her youth enjoying the beaches, waterways, and nature preserves between West Palm and Miami Beach. Ms. Pollard enjoyed a career as a health policy analyst and served for many years in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Technology Assessment of the U.S. Congress, and in the private sector at The Lewin Group. Earlier in her career Ms. Pollard developed and oversaw the graduate program for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and previously was a Public Health Nurse for the City of Boston. Ms. Pollard graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Science; she also holds a Master of Science from Boston College, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business (with concentrations in Finance and Marketing). She is treasurer of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee and is a docent at the Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens and the Textile Museum in D.C.. Locally, she has served as a flag officer of the Southport Yacht Club and on the Boards of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Friends of Burnt Island Light.

Renewing Board Members (Second Term):
Valerie Young
Kathleen Kennedy
Margaret Reiser
Board Officers:
John Welsh (President)
Rob Wheeler (Vice President)
Valerie Young (Treasurer)
Kathleen Kennedy (Secretary)
Voting will take place during the presentation. All members are welcome at this free, virtual event. Registration is required to receive the zoom link.

Apple Corps Volunteer Work Party
2021-09-17 09:30 - 12:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
On Friday, September 17, starting at 9:30 BRLT will have an Apple Corps clean-up party at the Oak Point Farm Orchard. We need to clean out the weeds growing around the young trees, check for vole damage, secure the deer fencing for the winter, etc. We hope you can join us! Bring sharp grass clippers and a trowel for weeding if you can, plus the usual: insect repellent, sun screen, water, etc.

We hope to see you this Friday! (Rain Date Saturday, Sept. 18, 9:30am).

Saunders Preserve Hike
2021-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Saunders Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Cross River Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. This moderate hike meanders down a wooded hillside, through a mix of majestic evergreen and hardwood trees before arriving at a small stream that empties into the Damariscotta River. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Cross River Preserve Hike
2021-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Cross River Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Cross River Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. Enjoy a stroll through mixed forest and along a freshwater wetland and stream, before reaching the tidal shoreline and mudflats of the Cross River. The Cross River area was first settled in the mid-1700’s, with much of the forest being cleared and used as pastureland. The fields were abandoned around a century later, and the forest slowly returned to what we see today. The preserve is home to a variety of trees including some large diameter Red Oak and White Pine, which probably served as field boundary markers over 100 years ago. The habitat within the preserve is diverse and attracts a variety of creatures including song birds, aquatic insects, and amphibians. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Story Trail: Water is Water, A Book About the Water Cycle
2021-09-02 - 2021-10-03 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Read a family friendly book while walking through the woods. Follow the illustrated signs along the trail as they tell a tale that connects you to your natural surroundings. The free 1 mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed at your own pace and on your own time. The current story trail features the read aloud book “Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle” by Miranda Paul with illustrations by Jason Chin. This spare, poetic picture book follows a group of kids as they move through all the different phases of the water cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist, words and images combine to create a beautiful and informative journey in this innovative nonfiction picture book that will leave you thirsty for more.

Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve Hike (Event Full)
2021-08-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve
Please note: This event is full at this time. Please consider joining us on a future hike. Discover the history and ecology of Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. This preserves is exceedingly rich in wildlife, with more than 140 species of migratory and nesting birds sighted, along with a variety of other creatures. Wildflowers adorn the meadow from spring to fall, attracting multitudes of butterflies. In 1880 the stream traversing the wetlands was dammed, creating a large lake that was used for a thriving business harvesting, storing and selling ice. The ice works closed in 1907 but the dam remains in place to stabilize the water level and secure this critical part of Lobster Cove Meadow’s outstanding wildlife habitat. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Oak Point Farm Hike (Event Full)
2021-08-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Please note: This event is full at this time. Please consider joining us on a future hike. Discover the history and ecology of BRLT’s headquarters at Oak Point Farm, during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. Situated on more than 2,000 feet of coastline on Hodgdon Cove, this unique 32-acre preserve is the last remaining undeveloped saltwater farm in Boothbay Harbor. Discover heirloom apple trees and other evidence of the property’s farming history while exploring a vast assortment of natural habitats teeming with wildlife. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Ocean Point Preserve Hike (Event Full)
2021-08-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Ocean Point Preserve
Please note: This event is full at this time. Please consider joining us on a future hike. Discover the history and ecology of Ocean Point Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. Located in the largest wetland area on Linekin Neck in East Boothbay, the 15-acre Ocean Point Preserve includes Tibbetts pond, designated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as significant waterfowl wildlife habitat for inland waterfowl and wading birds. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Postponed: Nature for Kids: Insects
2021-08-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
NOTE: This event has been postponed due to rising Covid cases in our area. A new date will be announced in the future. Nature for Kids is an outdoor discovery program geared towards school age children and their families with a new ecological theme every time we meet. Join us for an easy walk sprinkled with activities that promote nature exploration and connection. The theme for this session is insects: we will use some nets and careful collection techniques to investigate the insect life in the fields and forests at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm. This free event is limited to 12 participants with the program to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Porter Preserve Hike
2021-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Porter Preserve, 1 Porter Point Road, Trevett, ME, 04571
Discover the history and ecology of Porter Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. A trail leads through a thick forest, which features old growth spruce, oak and pine trees. Several scenic overlooks provide views toward cliffs and ledge rocks where seals can occasionally be seen sunbathing at low tide, while a large sandy beach is flanked by signs of an old homestead. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Ovens Mouth East Preserve Hike (Event Full)
2021-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Ovens Mouth East Preserve
Please note: This event is full at this time. Please consider joining us on a future hike. Discover the history and ecology of Ovens Mouth East Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. This wooded preserve features shoreline trails, quiet coves, a salt marsh, and the dramatic tidal change of the Ovens Mouth passage. This area has always been inviting for maritime activities because of its deep-water access and protected location. Settled in the mid-1700’s, one of the region’s earliest shipyards was located here and both British and American vessels hid in the coves during the Revolution. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Story Trail: What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You
2021-08-03 - 2021-09-01 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Read a family friendly book while walking through the woods. Follow the illustrated signs along the trail as they tell a tale that connects you to your natural surroundings. The free 1 mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed at your own pace and on your own time. The current story trail features the read aloud book “What Would You Do When Something Wants To Eat You” by Steve Jenkins.
What would you do if something wanted to eat you? Walk on water? Stick out your tongue? Play dead? Animals in the wild use all kinds of methods to protect themselves from their enemies. Using dynamic and intricate cut-paper collages, Steve Jenkins explores the many fascinating and unique defense mechanisms creatures use to escape from danger.

Junior Naturalist Camp
2021-07-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-27 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-07-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
We are partnering with the Boothbay Region YMCA to offer a half day camp full of exploration of the great outdoors for children ages 6-10. Campers will travel by bus from BRYMCA Camp Knickerbocker to local BRLT preserves, where we will discover the wonders of nature through play and exploration. BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall will offer a variety of activities: dip nets in a pond to see what critters call it home, adopt a tree, build a survival shelter, investigate a rotting log, create nature art, and many more adventures that will connect campers to the outdoors. For more information and to register for camp, visit the Boothbay Region YMCA at www.boothbayregionymca.org.

Gregory Preserve Hike
2021-07-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Pine Tree Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Greogory Preserve during a leisurely one mile hike with Boothbay Region Land Trust Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. Group is limited to 10 participants with the walk to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting Tracey at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Nature for Kids: Ponds
2021-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Nature for Kids is an outdoor discovery program geared towards school age children and their families with a new ecological theme every time we meet. Join us for an easy walk sprinkled with activities that promote nature exploration and connection. The theme for this session is ponds: we will use some nets and gentle collection methods to investigate the plant and animal life in the water at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm. This free event is limited to 12 participants with the program to follow current CDC Covid guidelines for outside gatherings. Registration is required by contacting BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.
