For those with an interest in the natural world and conservation, Coastal Rivers’ Midcoast Stewards program offers a unique overview of natural resource topics relating to the Midcoast area.

Offered every two years, the 40-hour course covers coastal ecology, Wabanaki culture, geologic history, sustainable fisheries management, seabird restoration, water quality monitoring, lobster biology, estuarine studies, and much more. The program is taught at a relaxed pace with no written work assigned. This is an opportunity to join like-minded individuals and learn something new.

Coordinated by Coastal Rivers and co-sponsored by the Maine Coastal Program, the program involves partnerships with area conservation organizations as well as state agencies. Participants learn about natural and cultural history from a number of professionals in natural resource management fields. In turn, graduating Stewards commit to volunteering a minimum of 40 hours of service with a local conservation organization of their choice.

According to past participant Bob Barkalow, “The Midcoast Stewards program was an amazing experience, opening up to me the culture and history of the area, as well as the plants and animals that thrive in the Damariscotta estuary and beyond.” Since taking the program, Barkalow has become a regular volunteer for Coastal Rivers (formerly Damariscotta River Association) and serves on the Board of Trustees for the organization.

This year, Midcoast Stewards classes will take place online Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m., starting April 6 and ending on May 27. Participants will be asked to visit field sites on their own, including several area preserves, Pemaquid Point, and the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder, prior to certain class sessions. A book for class reading will also be recommended.

The application form is online at coastalrivers.org/events-programs/midcoast-stewards and is due by April 1, 2021. Space is limited to 20 participants. There is a materials fee of $100 for the 40-hour course. Limited scholarships are available.

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust with active programs in land conservation, water quality, trails and public access, and nature education in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region.

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org