The Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) are pleased to announce they will be working together to offer a joint program for students that combines the resources and knowledge of both organizations.

During this two-part shore-based marine science pilot program, participants will investigate how geology, climate, and weather change over time and how these changes impact the organisms living in the Back River and the Damariscotta River. Participants will compare and contrast these two tidal rivers as they investigate and identify what lies between the surface and the seafloor. Using scientific equipment, students will gain a better understanding of the vegetation and marine life that makes its home in these rivers. Although programming will take place outdoors (shoreside and dockside), participants are required to wear a face mask and a lifejacket at all times.

Pauline Dion, president and executive director of the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, is very excited about this collaboration with the Gardens: “It’s an honor and a privilege to be working with Erika Huber at CMBG on this unique marine science program. It is my hope that this is the first of many programs that we do together that embraces and celebrates the distinct resources each of our organizations has to offer.”

Erika Huber, the youth and family program manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, is also excited to be working with the Boothbay Sea and Science Center for the first time. “This collaboration allows us to expand our learning opportunities for youth beyond our gardens and woodlands. We are so fortunate to have the Boothbay Sea and Science Center as a resource on this peninsula for children to learn about our local marine habitat.”

Boothbay Sea and Science Center is including this pilot program in Session III: A World Below the Waves (July 12 – 23) for students ages 9 - 17 enrolled in the Stay’s’l programs and Tops’sl program.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will be offering this program through their Budding Naturalist summer program geared toward youth ages 10 & up. This two-part marine life program will take place on Thursday, July 15 and 22, from 1-4 p.m.

The mission of the Boothbay Sea and Science Center 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.

The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research.\

For more details about BSSC’s summer programs please go to their website at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org

For more details about CMBG’s Budding Naturalist program and other summer programs for youth, please visit www.mainegardens.org