JOIN US for the launch of Firefly - a solar-electric catamaran custom built by Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding for environmental education commissioned by our friends at the Upstream Alliance.

Based in the mid-Atlantic, Upstream Alliance's mission is to provide powerful, on-the-water experiences for conservation leaders who can improve public access, clean water and coastal resilience, while in partnership with organizations who champion these issues.

Firefly, built in our own backyard by our neighbors and expert craftsman at Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, is a fully electric, 49-foot catamaran custom designed for on the water engagement and education. Upstream Alliance, who we know through past collaborations, has invited us to co-sponsor this exciting event as the local conservation partner. 

In addition to the launch and associated activities, you will hear from Don Baugh - executive director of Upstream Alliance and an icon in Chesapeake education and exploration, Drew Lyman - President of Lyman-Morris Boatbuilding, and Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper's very own executive director, Pete Nichols!

In the spirit of Firefly and all of our mission's to steward and engage with our coastal waters, this event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. We hope to see you there!

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper will host a 1-hour, virtual “Lunch and Learn” on Wednesday, July 22 at 12 noon to commemorate 40 years of defending Sears Island from industrial port development.  The panel will also discuss the major issues and threats facing the island today, and offer solutions for protecting critical coastal habitat and advancing renewable energy along the coast of Maine.

Details and registration information are below.

PANELISTS

• Kyla Bennett | Director of Science Policy; Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Director
  
  Kyla first became involved with PEER in the mid-1990s when she became a whistleblower herself. She previously worked at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 for 10 years as a wetland permit reviewer and as the Region’s Wetlands Enforcement Coordinator. Kyla’s familiarity with science, the law, and the inner workings of state and federal governmental agencies enable her to assist public environmental employees throughout New England. She has a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Connecticut and a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.

• Steve Miller | Penobscot Bay Advocate
  
  Steve Miller, one of Islesboro Islands Trust's founders, became Executive Director in 1985. After 40 years of serving IIT's mission, Steve retired in 2025, earning the title Executive Director Emeritus, but continues to be involved in IIT's Advocacy mission.

• Scott Sells | Environmental Attorney
  
  Scott Sells is an attorney and counselor at law based in Portland, Maine, specializing in energy, environmental, and corporate law. He is the founder of The Sells Law Firm, LLC.

Moderator:

• Pete Nichols | Executive Director, Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper
  
  Currently the Executive Director of Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper, Pete has worked for nearly three decades as an environmental advocate.

***This is a FREE, VIRTUAL event, but registering through the button below is required. A zoom link will be emailed along with your registration. Thank you!***

This spring, we will begin rewilding the landscape around the Little River Station (the former Belfast Water District building located at 285 Northport Ave). Our vision is to eventually have a parcel that is fully landscaped with plants native to Maine that will help improve water quality by filtering runoff, create a hub for biodiversity, and act as a free outdoor classroom for everyone to learn about landscaping with native plants. This is a big undertaking and it will take time, but is a great opportunity for the community to engage in a fun and inspiring project.  

We will start with 3 small areas around the Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper office this spring that will be Hummingbird gardens! 

We have one volunteer day remaining (for now...) THIS Friday Friday, April 24 from 9:00 am - noon

If you would like to volunteer, please register by clicking the button below so we can plan appropriately. Please show up with your gloves, appropriate clothing, and your favorite garden tools for a morning of fun and rewarding work. If you don't have or can't bring tools, we will have some extra on hand. Come for the full time or for as long as you are willing and able to help.

Thank you!

This spring, we will begin rewilding the landscape around the center.  Our vision is to eventually have a parcel that is fully landscaped with plants native to Maine that serves as a hub for biodiversity, but also acts as a free outdoor classroom for everyone to learn about landscaping with native plants.  This is a big undertaking and it will take time, but is a great opportunity for the community to engage in a fun and inspiring project.  

We are starting with 3 small areas around the Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper office this spring that will be Hummingbird gardens! 

We will be having 2 work days to prepare the beds for planting.:

Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 am - noon
Friday, April 24 from 9:00 am - noon

If you would like to volunteer, please register for one or both days using the button below! Please show up with your gloves, appropriate clothing, and your favorite tools for a morning of fun and rewarding work. Come for the full time or for as long as you are willing and able to help!