Have you heard about Boothbay Treasures? A group of 26 local nonprofits from the Boothbay region are collaborating to let the world know that they live, work and serve in one of the most caring places on earth.

With under 10,000 year-round residents, the Boothbay region is home to over 50 nonprofits that serve their peninsula and beyond. In the spirit of #GivingTuesday, a national holiday for philanthropic giving set for Dec. 2, the effort has been dubbed #BoothbayTreasures, to express both how the community treasures the work they do and how the nonprofits treasure their local supporters.

These articles and the entire #BoothbayTreasures movement are meant to spotlight some of the important work being done by your neighbors. We hope you will learn something new about the many community and business services, health and wellness resources, nature and science organizations, and cultural institutions in the region; and perhaps you will be inspired to give back to one (or more!) of these nonprofits on #GivingTuesday.

This week, we would like to inform you about the participating nonprofits in the Boothbay region that focus on promotion, education, conservation and research of the environment.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is the only independent research laboratory in the world that primarily focuses on understanding life in the microbial ocean. Their mission is to investigate the microbial ocean ecosystem and how it affects, and is affected by, life on earth through basic and applied research, education and enterprise.

Their staff of 78 employees and 50 volunteers are involved in innovative oceanographic research in order to gain essential data that will assist in conservation and responsible use of the ocean. Research scientists and their teams conduct their work in LEED Platinum facilities in East Boothbay, as well as at sea all over the globe. Go to www.bigelow.org to learn more.

Since 1980, Boothbay Region Land Trust has been protecting land and promoting public access to the special places of the peninsula. Their mission is to conserve for the public benefit the natural habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay Region. They accomplish this work with a staff of five and over 100 dedicated volunteers. Currently they maintain over 30 miles of hiking trails, 23 preserves, three working waterfront sites and seven islands, open year-round to the public, free of charge. BRLT also hosts free environmental education events for all ages, to share the importance and enjoyment of nature. Find out more at www.bbrlt.org.

Created in 2012, the Boothbay Sea and Science Center’s mission is the advancement of sailing, boating and ocean sciences by minimizing economic and physical obstacles and further to develop independence, self-confidence, teamwork and volunteerism in the participants. To inspire individuals to strengthen themselves and their community through the enjoyment of the sea. With a staff of four, and over 30 volunteers, BSSC provides a community sailing and science education center that offers affordable access to waterfront activities for Midcoast youth, adults, and summer visitors, through sailing programs and experiential learning activities. Learn more at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens works with a staff that fluctuates throughout the year from 25-85 employees. Opened to the public in 2007, they keep their operation running with the help of over 350 committed volunteers. Their mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the botanical heritage and natural landscapes of coastal Maine for people of all ages through horticulture, education and research. They accomplish this through programming, tours, events and activities at their facilities located on Barters Island. Find out more at www.mainegardens.org.

Established in 1994, the Maine State Aquarium has fewer than 12 staff members and approximately 15 volunteers who provide education, events and activities to the public. Their mission, mandated by legislative statute, is to provide marine education to the people of Maine as part of the Maine Department of Marine Resources Education Division. This includes conducting educational programming to expand public interest and knowledge of fisheries and native species; training teachers; and developing and distributing information concerning marine resources and the departmental programs and facilities. The aquarium serves about 35,000 visitors annually. Go to www.maine.gov/dmr/education.htm to explore more.