Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust will host a workshop on how to be “Shore Smart” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Denny Conservation and Education Center in Damariscotta. 

This interactive workshop is for anyone who lives on or near the water, whether the ocean, a lake or pond, a river or stream.  

The lakes, ponds, rivers and estuaries of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region support diverse wildlife and offer many opportunities for recreation, but they are also vulnerable to threats such as toxic cyanobacteria or algae blooms, erosion and sediment, and bacterial contamination. 

Fortunately, there are many low or no-cost projects shorefront homeowners can do to keep these waterways healthy and thriving by promoting water infiltration and reducing run-off. 

Director of Education and Community Science Sarah Gladu, who is also a trained LakeSmart evaluator and water quality professional, will share images of examples of different property management issues and talk about ways to address them. Gladu will discuss topics such as shoreline buffers, septic systems, drip lines, driveway erosion, lawn care and other factors that might impact water quality. 

Participants are encouraged to bring questions and photos of their own property, or email them ahead of time to sgladu@coastalrivers.org. 

This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.  

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.