Sheepscot Log Spring 2015 - Sheepscot Valley Conservation
Transcription
Sheepscot Log Spring 2015 - Sheepscot Valley Conservation
Sheepscot Log Newsletter of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association Spring 2015 Maguire donation protects 78 acres in Whitefield Photo courtesy of Betsy Matheson The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is welcoming the donation of 78 wooded acres in Whitefield by Ann Marie Maguire, who formerly lived on the property and now resides Down East on Swan’s Island. The property, roughly a long rectangle that stretches from Heath Road to the northern tip of beautiful 42-acre Weary Pond, does not currently contain hiking trails, but nevertheless is open to the public for non-motorized passage. The no-longer-maintained Weary Pond Road crosses the property’s eastern end, near the pond. Maguire says she hopes resources can be found to develop hiking trails and a parking area along Heath Road, to give people easier access. A March snowshoe trek by members of the SVCA lands and trails committees revealed the rich potential for such trails. The property is part of an undeveloped block of land more than 1,600 acres in size that includes forest and wetlands providing valuable habitat and The new Maguire Preserve is named in memory of Denis Maguire, pictured here in 2005 with wife and land donor Ann Marie. corridors for wildlife in the region. The wildlife residents of the property reported by Ann Marie include deer, rabbit, fox, moose, otter, beaver, bobcat, fisher a maybe a mountain lion. Ann Marie recounted that “one afternoon my husband, Denis and I were sitting on the back porch having a glass of wine and heard a car stop and some commotion at the foot Founded 1969 Accredited 2012 Looking across Weary Pond on SVCA’s newest preserve. of the hill, and then a clattering of hooves running up the hill. I ran inside for my camera, and Denis ran around the side of the house for a better look. From inside, I saw my husband and the moose on a collision course towards the back corner of the house! I yelled out the window, my husband stopped, and the moose ran on into the woods.” Ann Marie and Denis bought their 1790s cape on the Heath Road in 1973 and renovated it over the years. They added land to their original acquisition as funds became available, and moved onto the property full-time in 1990. The house sits on a parcel adjoining but not included in the donated land. Denis, a Boston lawyer died in 2005. The property, now called the Maguire Preserve, is named in his memory. Ann Marie, a photographer, writer and former teacher, sold the house in 2012. Ann Marie said she and Denis always had the objective of maintaining the property in its “really interesting” undeveloped state, engaging only in some light logging, mostly for firewood, and a large kitchen garden. Eventually, she said, they began looking at the possibility of adding their land to the property of the nearby Hidden Valley Nature Center, or to the protected holdings of SVCA. She commends both Bambi Jones of HVNC and Lynne Flaccus of SVCA for helping her plan the transition in ownership and get through the details. Our mission is to conserve the natural and historic heritage of the Sheepscot Watershed through land protection, habitat restoration, advocacy, education and support for compatible land uses. From the President Dear SVCA Members and Friends, Board of Directors President John Atwood Vice President Joanne Steneck Treasurer Fred Quivey Secretary Ann Springhorn Directors Gary Best Otis Carroll Peter DuBois Tom Eichler Gerry Flanagan Sharon Miller Honor Fox Sage John Wentzel Emeritus Board Nicholas Barth Nigel Calder William Thompson Executive Director Stephen R. Patton [email protected] Programs Manager Lynne Flaccus [email protected] Administrative Assistant Kristin Pennock [email protected] GIS Support Center [email protected] Technical Advisory Board Nigel Calder Bambi Jones William Logan, Esq. Alex Pugh The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Sheepscot Log If you attended our 2014 annual meeting or saw the articles in our local papers this January, you know that SVCA has joined with other local land trusts and Hidden Valley Nature Center to explore the benefits of unifying into a single organization. This effort originated through conversations among the executive directors of six conservation organizations in our area. They are SVCA, DLWA (Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association), PWA (Pemaquid Watershed Association), SWLA Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance) and, originally, BRLT (Boothbay Region Land Trust ) and DRA (Damariscotta River Association). This informal group continued to meet, inviting their board presidents to join in the discussion. Although DRA and BRLT opted to drop out of these meetings, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) decided to join the group and the process began to take on more structure with the hiring of Carole Martin, an organizational change consultant. Fortunately, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Maine Community Foundation saw promise in this effort and granted us funding to support the exploration process. In taking on a more formalized structure for these discussions, the group expanded its participants to include one rotating board member from each land trust and began calling themselves the “Explorers” with a set schedule of meeting dates and agendas. Thus, for the past fourteen months, three representatives from these five organizations have met every two or three weeks to explore the possibility of constructing a unified conservation organization which would cover much of Lincoln County and stretch up the Sheepscot to its headwaters. Because the culture and mission of these organizations are compatible, the discussions are moving apace. Indeed, we have found an alignment of interests which offer promise to the vision of a unified land and water conservation organization covering this geography. For example, staff effectiveness and job satisfaction, increased funding from organizations and major donors, a larger membership base, enhanced sustainability, elimination of duplicate efforts, and, importantly, a more robust conservation effort for this extended community, are all identified as among the potential benefits of a unified organization. That is not to say that this effort does not face challenges. Foremost among them is establishing a strategy to maintain local support and input as to the new organization’s conservation efforts. This matter is high on the Explorer’s agenda, as we need to be certain that the individual strengths of these conservation organizations, including, of course, SVCA, are maintained. This has been an interesting challenge for SVCA, and I appreciate our board’s support in this study of our future and Steve Patton’s efforts to help lead the effort. As important, I would very much appreciate hearing from you about this topic so that we don’t overlook the suggestions and concerns of our members! 2 Spring 2015 Site Concept Committee for Coopers Mills Dam holds First Meeting Photo by Callie Wronker On March 26, seven Whitefield residents launched an effort to explore possibilities for the town-owned Coopers Mills property. Joining the group as non-voting members were Andrew Goode, Vice-President of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and Steve Patton from SVCA. Among the considerations that the group has been charged to explore are: Alewives are one migratory fish species in the Sheepscot. • Evaluating the potential for hydropower at the dam, • Ensuring a reliable year-round and long-term source of water for the fire department which depends on the water behind the dam for fire suppression throughout Whitefield and especially Coopers Mills, • Ensuring that funding is secured to be able to maintain that source of water for generations to come, • Considering opportunities to memorialize the role of the dam in the history of the Coopers Mills village, • Exploring opportunities for improved access to the river for recreation, • Improving the aesthetics of the site, and • Improving passage for all species of resident and migratory fish that live in the river. The committee has been charged to arrive at a recommendation to take to the Board of Selectmen and ultimately the citizens of Whitefield in time for the annual meeting in March 2016. A similar planning effort is expected to occur in Alna for the Town-owned Head Tide Dam property. The committee is being formed by the Selectmen. We expect that the work of these committees will be regularly reported by newspapers and we will try to keep updates of significant findings on our website as they occur. All meetings of the committee will be open to the public. SAVE THE DATE! Champagne on the Sheepscot Saturday, September 12 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Featuring delectable hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music and an art show and sale at a beautiful Sheepscot River home on Westport Island. SVCA president John Atwood presents Christine Hopf-Lovette with the “Golden Ladle” at SVCA’s Volunteer dinner soup challenge. Chris won with her Sweet Potato Jalapeno Soup with Tomatillo Cream. Thank you to all of the soup makers, cake donors, bread makers and everyone that donates their time and talents all year long to help SVCA care for the Sheepscot River Valley. Sheepscot Log 3 Spring 2015 Direct Giving Program Percy M. Cunningham, Jr. Peter & Kathleen Keyes Membership Support & Special Contributions Spotted Salamander by SVCA Andy Abello & Amanda Russell Brad & Emily Adler Carolyn Al-Chokhachy Davies Allan & Nancy Shaul John & Barbara Allan Tom & Rachel Armstrong Victor & Margaret Atkins Tom & Mary Atticks Charlie Ault Peter & Ragnhild Baade David & Sylvia Bailey Eloise Baker Elliott & Jean Barker Anthony Barnes Joe Barth & Doreen Conboy Vanessa Barth Karen Bartholomew Willard Morgan & Jennifer Barton Douglas Baston Tony & Linda Belmont Rosie & Gary Bensen Perry Benson, Jr. Andrew B. Berry Sheepscot Log Gary & Tina Best Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Billig Susan & Nate Bowditch Bernice Bowdoin John Bradstreet Kelly Brook Anna Fiedler & Jacob McCarthy Eliot & Taffy Field Allan & Ellen Fisher Lynne Flaccus & Greg Shute Bob & Bonnie Flis & Alicia Judy Fossel Merry & Les Fossel David & Colleen Foster Marty Fox & Thyle Shartar David Gage & Judy Epstein Stacy & Sean Gambrel Carol Gardner & Xavier Comas Dan Gatz Eileen Gebrian & Timothy Barberich George & Mary Giggey Thomas & Delph Gillette Joanne Gilmartin & Alex Skene, Jr. Maroulla S. Gleaton Martha Gottlieb Richard & Laura Gray Meaghen & Tim Greene Susan & David Greer Robert W. & Kim F. Haeberle Barbara & Kent Hallawell Stan & Sukey Haney Anne & Dewey Harris Herb Hartman & Lucy Martin John & Sharon Hartmann Christopher Hayden Tania Hayes Gary & Connie Hayward Dede & Ken Heath Bob Hills Julie Hofheimer & Eben Blaney Kass Hogan & Jeff Cherry Nancy Holmes Christine Hopf-Lovette Leonard J. & Susan Howell Don Hudson Jim & Pat Hudson Judy Hughes Melissa Hunnibell Sherrill Hunnibell Shane & Barbara Hunt Daniel D. Hupp Caroline Davis Janover Patricia Jennings & James Hatch Consuelo Joerns Dick & Jenni Johnson Ron & Chris Johnson Christopher & Valarie Johnson Bambi Jones & Tracy Moskovitz Mr. William M. Jones Mark Jordan & Ellen Belknap Gretchen Juliano Peter & Jacalyn Kamenstein Helen G. Keating Michael & Nancy Keblin Thomas Keller & Sue Allen Kathy Kellison George & Elaine Keyes Jan & Barbara Kiviniemi Mark & Merry Knowlton Joseph Lamacchia Peter & Judi Lawrence Elisha & Happy Lee Susan E. Leeman Jay LeGore Robert Lightfoot & Sue Walker Fred & Kitty Lipp Peter & Kay Liss Catherine Johnson & Jon Luoma Martha & John Lynch Donald & Judith MacClellan Alison Macmillan Yellow-rumped warbler by Callie Wronker MANY THANKS TO OUR 2014 FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS Anonymous (2) John & Maggie Atwood Roland Barth & Barbara Bauman Nicholas & Sandra Barth Susan & Donald Blagden Bailey Bolen & Carol Ervin Elizabeth & Gordon Davis Ralph & Judy Doering Brett & Priscilla Donham Peter & Olga DuBois Wendy & Tom Eichler Gerry & Suki Flanagan Louana & Ted Frois Rudi & Dorothy Graf Eleanor Goldberg & Malcolm Burson Betsey Hall Nancy Hartley Michael Herz & Kate Josephs Paul & Maureen Hoffman Wade & Nancy Judge David Lieser Ted & Mary Gene Myer Stephen Patton & Lise Hanners Beth & Fred Quivey Susan & Cliff Russell Sandy & Honor Sage Clifford & Carolyn Slayman Bob & Ann Springhorn Joanne & Bob Steneck David & Paula Swetland Anna Marie & John E. Thron Steven Urkowitz & Callie Wronker William A. Weary Mary Eliza & Ted Wengren Philip & Claire Brooks Jeffrey & Melinda Browne Barbara J. Bruno Kathy Bugbee Donna Burkhardt Barbara & John Cadamuro Donald & Nancy Cameron Mal Carey Suzanne Carlson Otis Carroll Ruth O. Carroll Edith F. Chaney Mary & Dick Chase Constance Chase-Wells Peter & Kris Christine William & Susan Christman Gary & Mary Ann Cibula Ted Clapp Caren Clark Vickery Cleaves & Paul Lazarus Rhoda Cohen Midge Coleman David & Gretchen Collins Patricia J. Collins Maggie & Bob Conger Lawrence A. Conti Stephen & Loraine Cook Christine Correa Susie & Brad Craig Deborah Crawford Sally & Jim Crissman John A. Curtis Cathey Cyrus & William Clark Bill & Esther Danielson Mr. & Mrs. Endicott P. Davison, Jr. Karl & Mary Lou Daxland Zibette Dean John DelVecchio & Barbara Welch Hank & Maryellen DeRuiter Carla Dickstein Sally Dillon Dana L. Dow Curtis & Susan Downer Stanley Lane & Norma Dreyfus Dennis & Carole Dunbar Sherri Dunbar Allison Eckel Homer & Beverly Eckhardt Blythe & Robert Edwards Judi & Erik Ekholm David & Lucy Emerson Lorna & Tom Fake Judith Falk Roy & Joanne Farmer Robert Fealy 4 Ann Marie Maguire Peter Majeski William & Nancy Marshall Charles & Deanna Martin Katharine G. Martin-Savage Kristin & Jeff Mason Lois E. Mason Patricia Matrai & William Balch Natasha Mayers Susanne Meidel & Phil Yund Patti & Mort Mendes Dennis & Nancy Merrill Carol N. Metcalf-Gardipe David & Sharon Miller Paul & Enid Mitnik Albert Monaco & Christine Anderson Arnold & Donna Moody Bill & Karen Mook Gardner H. Morris & Angela Trotman Fred Morrison & Beth Culler Seth Morton Peter Moulton & Susan Cottle Paul & Sharon Mrozinski William Muirhead Lee Murch Leo J. Murphy Nan & Chris Murphy Dr. Suzanne J. Nelis Rob & Stephanie Nelson Howard P. Nickerson Chris Nielsen Alex Obregon & Liz McGregor Dick & Joanne O’Connor Buck O’Herin Patricia J. O’Reilly & David B. Soule, Jr. John & Holly O’Shea Lincoln & Judy Paine Jane Panek Whitefield students at HVNC Sheepscot Trust John & Pat Parks Ken Patterson Gary & Nancy Patzlaff W. Pearce Judith Pepper & John Mourovic David Elliott & Kit Pfeiffer Jeff & Karen Philbrick Marsha Polley Deborah Poor David & Linda Pope R. Sargent & Elizabeth E. Potter Cheryl L. Pratt Lewis & Belva Ann Prycl Alex & Lili Pugh Nancy Pullen Lewis & Karen Purinton Gaetano & Phebe Quattrucci Pid & Sean Rafter Janet Ray Susanne Raynor Robert & Rimar Reed David Reingardt & Kohl Kanwit Ronald G. Remy Susan & Tom Richards Nancy & Lynn Rider Bill & Sonnie Robb Spring 2015 Welcome New Members Margaret & Malcolm Beyer The Burke Family James & Janice Feather Sheepscot Log Branch Pond by Janet McMahon Land or Easement Donors Ann Marie Maguire Gifts in Kind: Alna Store Asian Accents Big Barn Coffee Co. Morrison Bonpasse Otis Carroll Chewonki Foundation Dyer River Weavers Hannaford Damariscotta Hannaford Gardiner Highland Foods, LLC Bill Leibenguth Jon Luoma Oxbow Brewery Patagonia Shaws Sheepscot Flower Farm Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company Snow Squall Inn & Wicked Good Yoga Claudia Sortwell Ann Springhorn David Swetland Treats Sue Walker Lari Washburn Mariellen Whelan Yellowfront Grocery Donna Flynn Polly Gibson MaryMargaret Halsey Marie Joyner Jean Kigel & Dan Bolita James & Carrie Kipfer Robert Kohl William Lascelle & Blanche Johnson Philip Lee Janet Lockhart Dwight E. Lynn Del Merritt Terry & Charles Mixter Susan A. Ratigan Robert & Diann Ring John & Kim Roberts Laura Rochette Judy Sandick & David Nutt Dennis Sayce & Sarah Mahoney Nate Smith Paula Spector Tim Storer Rebecca Tilden & David Laemmle Gale & Charlie Willauer Government Agencies & Foundations Land Trust Alliance Excellence Program Maine Coast Heritage Trust Maine Community Foundation Fund for Maine Land Conservation Maine Community Foundation - Donor Advised Funds Preserve Adopters ($500+) Ames True Value Hardware & Supply Big Barn Coffee Company First Advisors The First, N. A. Business Supporters ($250-$499) Soule, Soule & Logan Business Members ($100-$249) Carl M. P. Larrabee Agency, Inc. Cheney Insurance Agency Colby & Gale, Inc. Damariscotta Bank & Trust Co. Davison Construction, Inc. Lilac Cottage Antiques MicroMainea Newcastle Square Realty Red’s Eats, Inc. Tim Dunham Realty Business Friends (up to $100) Barred Owl Creamery & Catering Highland Foods, LLC Windsor Veterinary Clinic Wizard of Odds and Ends Deb Arter Tom & Mary Atticks John & Maggie Atwood Ralph Bagley Ingrid Bathe Gary & Tina Best Susan Blagden Eben Blaney Lee & Dan Bodmer Kelly Brook Dot Brooks Malcolm Bursom Curry Caputo Otis Carroll Fran Charles Jim Crowley Elizabeth & Gordon Davis John DelVecchio Peter & Olga DuBois Carole Dunbar Tom & Wendy Eichler Angus Fake Lorna & Tom Fake Tess Fields Suki & Gerry Flanagan Judy Fossel Merry Fossel David Foster Louana Frois Dorothy Graf David & Susan Greer Betsey Hall Lise Hanners Lucy Harrington Paul Harris Nancy Hartley Woodcock by Greg Shute Thank you 2014 Volunteers! Dede Heath Maureen & Paul Hoffman Christine Hopf-Lovette Jim & Pat Hudson Melissa Hunnibell Bambi Jones Chris Kenoyer Jean Kigel Jay LeGore Bill Leibenguth Eileen Lewandowski Owen Lewis Jennifer Litchfield Janet Lockhart Jon Luoma Katharine Martin-Savage Paty Matrai Susanne Meidel Patti Mendes Sharon & David Miller Roy Miller Chris & Nan Murphy Mabel O’Brien Ken Patterson Chris Pennock Colin Pennock Elaine Pew Kit Pfeiffer Jeff Philbrick Amy & Mike Preston Belva Ann Prycel Alex & Lili Pugh Fred & Beth Quivey Susan Ratigan Jill Rauch Reid Rauch Kevin Rousseau Cliff & Susan Russell Cindy Sabina Sandy & Honor Sage Joan Sartoris Libbey Seigars Greg Shute MANY THANKS TO OUR 2014 FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS Samuel & Abbie Roberts Chris & Carol Robins Rich & Mimi Roughgarden Juanita Roushdy Benjamin Ruth Sandy & Jack Sarmanian Joan & Bill Sartoris Walter & Penny Saxe Susan Schadler & Leslie Lipschitz Mr. Kenneth E. Schaller Russ & Ann Schneider Libbey Seigars & Steve Spencer Louis & Catherine Sell Dan Sexton Joanne M. Sharpe George & Anna Shaw Jan & Greg Shaw Ellin & Stephen Sheehy Peter M. Sherman Ted & Susan Sherman Rich Simon Andrew Slayman JB Smith Nate & Geri Smith Stephen C. & Mary Lou Smith E. Bryan Snell Morrison Bonpasse & Leah Sprague Joe & Carole Stavenhagen Susan Goodwille Stedman Charles & Roseann Stepnowski Janet Stetser Gary & Bonnie Stone Ron & Leslie Stoodley Joan Sturmthal & Jon Lund Heather & Will Sugg Pam Swift & Don Salvatore Val Thompson & Bobsy DudleyThompson William Thompson Herb Thomson & Julie Erb Tyler & Marcia Tingley Michael Titus Jim & Theta Torbert Clinton B. Townsend Jotham & Adelaide Trafton Lorraine Tregde Richard Tucker Dorothy & Bruce Ullrich Peter & Donna Van Kleeck Richard Verney Walter & Ruth Vietze Conrad & Susan Wall J. D. Walton Harold Warren & Dolores Carver Mr. & Mrs. William Weatherbie Mr. & Mrs. D. Reid Weedon, Jr. Ann Weiss John Wentzel Kitty & Mark Wheeler Mariellen Whelan Roger & Beth Whitney Andrea Williams & Charles Dewey Fred & Barbara Williamson Anne & John Winchester Kevin & Gail Woods Ann Yarmey R.M. Yates & Annette Horak-Yates Dr. Robert C. Young Holly C Zeeb Peter & Bethany Zeeb Jessica Sirois Alex Skene, Jr. Claudia Sortwell Paula Spector Ann & Bob Springhorn Joanne Steneck Karin Swanson David Swetland Dan & Karyn Townsend Steve Urkowitz Barb Welch John Wentzel Jean Wood Callie Wronker Our sincere apologies to anyone we may have omitted by mistake. Please call 586-5616 so we can correct any errors. Thank you. Stewardship Fund David & Sharon Miller Sandy & Honor Sage Bob & Joanne Steneck 5 Spring 2015 Pearl Maker in the Marsh River by Naturalist Lynne Flaccus If you have walked the trails of Marsh River Preserve, you have likely taken the trail out to the furthest point and looked out over the expanse of the salt marsh. The 12 acres of Marsh River population. In October 2005 the causeway under Rte. 1 at the north end of Sherman Lake washed out in a storm, draining the freshwater lake into Marsh River and allowing the area to begin conversion to its historical salt marsh. By 2008, once the natural ebb and flow of the tides had returned to Sherman Marsh, a small group of Marsh River oysters was found south of the Rte. 1 bridge. Since then, these native oysters have been found on available substrate further into the marsh. It is estimated that available habitat has increased for this relict population by 75% and the opening of this marsh has created another 1.5 miles of available habitat. Good news for this ancient oyster! This genetically distinct population of oysters is an important sentinel in a world faced with changing climate and sea level. They may hold clues to how oysters will adapt in the future and provide scientists and the aquaculture industry with genetic information useful to maintain oyster populations and their associated habitats going forward. Protected salt marshes and uplands along the Sheepscot and Marsh River help to maintain water quality, reduce risk of pollution and erosion, and are beneficial to the oysters as well as a host of other interconnected species. SVCA will be leading a salt marsh exploration at Marsh River Preserve on June 10th from 10 a.m - noon. Join us and learn more about the importance of salt marshes. We may even see a Saltmarsh Sparrow, a Special Concern Species in Maine that uses the Marsh River salt marshes during the nesting season. Marsh River is home to the native Eastern Oyster. marsh are protected by the upland forest of the Preserve, and SVCA and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife easements further upstream on Deer Meadow Brook provide further protection. The Marsh River is home to a relict or remnant population of native Eastern Oysters, Crassostra virginica. This is the most northern population of native oysters in North America. Nearly eight thousand years ago when coastal Maine had a warmer climate and sea levels were lower, the eastern oyster had a range from the mid-atlantic coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence with native populations found extensively along the Maine coast. In fact some of the largest shell middens are found in Damariscotta. As sea levels rose and temperatures dropped, the populations became restricted to isolated estuaries where tides and temperatures were not as extreme. The Marsh River provides habitat for this genetically distinct remnant population. Commercial oyster harvest occurred in the Marsh River until 1968 when the Department of Marine Resources declared it a Conservation Area and the river was closed to harvest. An increase in populations of eastern oysters in the Damariscotta River has continued since the late 1970’s when research and development of cultured oysters began. Wild populations continue to spread through natural spawning from these cultured oysters, but these are distinct from the Sheepscot Log Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Wander (Reference: Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 20/4 2013 Peter Larson, Karen A. Wilson & Dana Morse) Protected saltmarshes are also important habitat for the Saltmarsh sharp tailed sparrow . 6 Spring 2015 Celebrating Art & Nature I’m the oak strong slender mighty tall. I’m strong. I will not fall. I’m stronger than a waterfall. I’m strong, I will not fall because I’m the oak. I’m good for all. By Nate Best, Grade 4 Whitefield Elementary School Printmaking Workshop for Kids Thurs., June 25 1:00 - 4:00 pm Gently dangling nest Suspended on a curved branch Industrious home Keith Rendall Gallery 65 Main Street, Wiscasset Haiku written by the Nature Journal Workshop participants this winter. For ages 9-14 $10 material fee & preregistration required by contacting SVCA. Sheepscot Log 7 Spring 2015 Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association Inside This Issue Land Donation 1 From the President 2 Coopers Mills Dam 3 2014 Thanks 624 Sheepscot Road Newcastle, Maine 04553-3643 Phone: 207-586-5616 Fax: 207-586-6442 [email protected] www.sheepscot.org 4-5 Pearl Maker in Marsh River 6 Celebrating Art & Nature 7 NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage PAID Newcastle, ME Permit #2 Printed on recycled paper. Than k Yo SVCA u Mem bers !! Thank you for renewing your SVCA membership for 2015 during our Spring Renewal Campaign! If you still need to renew, you can use the enclosed envelope. With your help, SVCA has protected more than 3,671 acres of land through purchases and conservation easements, including over 15 miles of Sheepscot River frontage. Join us for these great Upcoming Events History of Nature & Landscape Photography in Maine Whitefield Salmon Preserve Trail Workday James “Jym” St. Pierre will present examples of nature photography in Maine from its beginnings in the 19th century to today. Removing invasive plants on the preserve. Tuesday, May 12 7:00 pm at River Arts Gallery Damariscotta Wildflower Wander Sunday, May 17 1:00 - 3:00 pm at SWLA’s Whitten Fields Trail in Montville Co-sponsored by SVCA. Hunt for wildflowers with naturalist and storyteller Nancy Tyndall. For directions see www.swlamaine.org/trails/ Stetser Preserve Trail Workday in Jefferson Wednesday, May 20 9:00 am - noon Clearing and rerouting trails and also checking on vernal pools. Palermo Preserve Trail Workday Friday, June 19 9:00 am - noon Kid’s Printmaking Workshop with Keith Rendall Thursday, June 25, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (See page 7 for details) Sheepscot Plein Air Event with Maine Art Gallery Opening Reception Fri, July 31 Maine Art Gallery Wiscasset. Artists register by July 13. Plein air week kicks off July 20 w/breakfast at SVCA, paintings due July 25 at gallery. Show runs for two weeks with 30% commission to benefit SVCA and the Maine Art Gallery. SVCA Annual Member Barbeque & Cake Hike Thursday, July 23 6:00 - 8:00 pm at SVCA Office in Newcastle Friday, June 5 1:00 - 4:00 pm Trail clearing and building a new set of steps on the river trail. An annual member event where SVCA supplies the grillables and beverages and you bring a tasty side dish or dessert. This year’s event will strive to be sustainable with locally sourced foods. Threatened and Endangered: An Artist’s Books SVCA’s Champagne on the Sheepscot fundraiser Rebecca Goodale has been creating a remarkable and diverse series of artist’s books depicting threatened and endangered species in Maine. An annual fundraiser featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music, champagne & more. Tickets $45 per person or $125 per patron. Tuesday, June 9 7:00 pm at River Arts Gallery Damariscotta Saturday, September 12 4:30 - 7:00 pm on Westport Island Salt Marsh Exploration at the Marsh River Preserve Sheepscot Juried Art Show at River Arts Gallery Co-sponsored by SVCA. Naturalist Lynne Flaccus will lead a guided walk to explore the wonders of a salt marsh. Artwork celebrating the Sheepscot watershed from Boothbay Harbor to Freedom. For more details see www.sheepscot.org/art_show/ Friday, June 12, 1:00 - 3:00 pm Opening Reception Friday, October 9 5:00 - 7:00 pm