Coastal Rivers Midcoast Stewards
Fostering community stewardship of Midcoast Maine’s natural resources
Midcoast Maine needs educated stewards – people to care of our natural resources and inspire others to do the same. The goal of Coastal Rivers’ Midcoast Stewards program is to foster and inspire cohorts of such stewards. This field and lecture course consists of 40 hours of ecology and cultural history with a focus on this region of Midcoast Maine. The format is a mix of in-person classroom presentations and field trips to various local sites.
Coordinated by Coastal Rivers Director of Education and Community Science Sarah Gladu, the course is co-taught by local professionals in the fields of science, natural resources and conservation.
The Midcoast Stewards program is offered every other year between late March and the end of May. Co-sponsored by the Maine Coastal Program.
What the course covers:
- Coastal ecology – forests, field, lake, wetland, beach and bog
- Wabanaki history and culture
- Geologic history
- Seabird restoration
- Lobster biology
- Estuarine habitats
- Sustainable fisheries management
- And more!
Being relatively new to Maine, connecting more deeply to the ecology and physical places in Maine was really wonderful… It was a gift to connect with so many people who are also curious about and nourished by time outside and caring for our natural areas.
Your commitment:
Participants pay a materials fee of $300 for non-members, or $250 for Coastal Rivers members. Scholarships are available. Upon conclusion of the course, participants commit to a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to the protection of Midcoast Maine’s natural and cultural resources.
Past stewards have helped create organizations, assist with community planning, and share their skills. Some have developed their own service projects while others have volunteered with existing programs.
Course Schedule:
The next session begins March 25, 2025.
Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m., from March 25 through May 22. Space is limited.
How to apply:
If you are interested in signing up, please start by emailing Education Director Sarah Gladu.
