Every spring, conditions come together to form one of the most eruptive wildlife migrations in the world - right in our backyards. The warm, rainy nights of spring bring frogs and salamanders out in droves, creating what is referred to as "big nights". However, many of these migrants face trouble as they meet one of the newest habitats on the landscape - roads. This talk will introduce the community science project Maine Big Night, a project that anyone can participate in to collect data and help migrating amphibians in roadways. Amphibian natural history, results from previous years, and compelling stories will also be included.

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are chemicals used in a wide range of applications. From fire fighting to waterproofing, these chemicals are called forever chemicals because of their extreme persistence and ability to last for thousands of years in the environment. PFAS have been used in Maine for a long time and we are just now starting to understand how harmful these chemicals can be to our farmland and our waterways.

A watershed is defined by the space in which water “sheds” off the land into water basins like lakes, rivers, and finally into the ocean. Many things can affect the water quality in a watershed including all the poo left behind by our 4 legged friends.

Herring Gut Coastal Science Center explores how our oceans and inland waterways connect. Our three-part watershed series explores Maines Watersheds and how they impact our communities and economies. In our first of this series, we look toward the Town of Gardiner on the Kennebec River with guest speaker Tina Wood, Founder of UPSTREAM.

Shell middens are cultural spaces located on the mainland and island coasts and were created by Maine’s indigenous people during thousands of years of coastal occupation.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Sarah Gladu, Director of Education and Citizen Science at Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust and Dr. Bonnie Newsom, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Associate Faculty in the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine

Maine is a leader in the world of shellfish aquaculture. This is because there is such a close connection between farmers and the scientific community. These partnerships are leading to new understandings of growth rates in preferred growing equipment, creating recycled equipment, and understanding climate change on oyster farms. Join us to hear how this healthy relationship benefits all of Maine's working shoreline.

Guest speakers are Phoebe Jekielek (Hurricane island) with Jordan Kramer (Winnegance Oyster Farm) as well as Jessie Batchelder (Manomet) with Mike Gaffney (Eros Oyster).

Seaweed in the past has been a misunderstood part of our marine world. Until recently it has always been seen through the lens of a slimy gross weed that no one likes to touch while swimming. Now, seaweed is being seen as a way to help diversify careers, feed livestock, and help solve climate change. This Learn-Discover-Grow event will focus on highlighting the importance of seaweed and how midcoast businesses are utilizing these ocean greens.

Our speakers are, Allison Lakin from Lakin’s Gorges Cheese in Waldoboro, ME, Gabriela Acero from Wolfpeach in Camden, ME, and Lauren & Greg Soutiea from the Causeway Restaurant at the Craignair Inn in Spruce Head, ME

Senior Manager of Public Programs at the Hog Island Audubon Camp, Eva Matthews Lark joins Herring Gut educators in talking about the success of Project Puffin and how its success have helped seabird conservation efforts across the globe.

A look into seabird seasons with the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Presented by Tori Tibbetts, Interpretive Guide

Panel discussion with Herring Gut educators, Eric Hopkins, Catherine Schmitt and John McIlwaine

Ice Fishing in Maine presented by Chelsea Lathrop, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Herring Gut Learning Center Educational Team shares why they became Aquatic Scientists!

Trash to Art with Kim Bernard https://www.kimbernard.com/

On August 9th 2021 the Herring Gut Learning Center brought together leaders in the areas of fishing, commerce and art to talk about the history behind each of these integral parts of Port Clyde. We hope you enjoy the recording of the event.

Educators at Herring Gut Learning Center walk you through step-by-step how to spore out sugar kelp to grow in a classroom nursery over the winter.

Great activity for the entire family. Summer 2020