One of the many great things about the Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) is the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and explore our community. This summer BSSC students were excited to visit places like Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences, Washburn & Doughty, Nathaniel S. Wilson Sailmaker sail loft, and the Boothbay Region Refuse Transfer Station. Guest speakers also came to BSSC from the University of Maine, Darling Marine Center, Bigelow Laboratories, Maine Maritime Academy, Norumbega Oyster Farm, Wilson’s Sail Loft, and local schools bringing different perspectives to our table. Notably, BSSC was lucky to receive a visit from Dr. Eric Annis, a professor at Hood College in Maryland, who talked about his ongoing study of larval lobsters, and even left behind some of his sample for the students to take care of throughout the summer.

This summer, BSSC was honored to welcome 16 middle school and high school students from as far away as Greenville and as near as East Boothbay to participate free of charge in the Boothbay Sea and Science Center Summer 2023 Experiential Marine Science/Environmental Educational Linekin Bay Program funded by a grant from the Maine Department of Education (DOE). For two weeks students learned about and experienced our beloved mid-coast shores. Partnering with Lincoln Academy, thirteen students in this program spent their nights in the Academy’s dorm and were shuttled daily to and from BSSC. During their time at BSSC, these students were introduced, several for the first time, to sailing and rowing and hands-on ocean learning. What stood out most for these students was the friendships that they were able to foster within their short time at BSSC. BSSC plans to continue this program, and if the participants comments were any indication, they would be happy to return next summer.

The summer at BSSC concluded with a Field Day during which students, supported by instructors, gathered in teams to apply the skills and knowledge they had learned. Events included a knot tying relay, an ROV race, marine science trivia, egg and spoon race, and even a boat hull design contest. The Field Day was lots of fun and proclaimed a huge success with everyone walking away with a smile on their face and a “you were awesome” to their teammates.

Even though the summer is over, things at Linekin Bay are far from quiet. Preparations for next summer season are in full swing as is conversation about plans for year-round programming. Entering their 7th year, BSSC is gearing up for its in-school seaweed farming program, which has expanded to 15 schools.

Upcoming ... look for BSSC under the tent at the 2023 Pemaquid Oyster Festival to be held in Boothbay Harbor on Sept. 24 and at Family Harvest Day at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum on Sept. 30. Mark your calendar! All are welcome to visit BSSC at the End of Season Open House at 12 Carter rd in East Boothbay on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. To learn more about BSSC and stay up to date on future endeavors, visit their website at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.