Ripples: May 2026
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Ripples
News from your watershed
May 2026
Amphibian egg mass found in a vernal pool at Ash Point Preserve in Owls Head
What's Been Happening in the Watershed?
Dorothy C. Radgowski Learning Through Women's Achievement in the Arts Grant Will Support STEAM Learning Field Trip Program at the Langlais Art Preserve |
We are thrilled to be one of four national recipients of $18,000 to support field trip curriculum development from the Where Women Made History (WWMH) and Historic Artists' Homes and Studios (HAHS), programs of the National Trust. At the former homestead of artist Bernard Langlais and elementary school educator Helen Friend Langlais, K-5 students will be introduced to the concept of stewardship as a creative, ethical, and ecological practice. After Bernard's death, Helen dedicated her life to sustaining his artistic legacy, which was profoundly shaped by the landscape they called home. Through guided, hands-on exploration of the preserve, students will engage in experiential "STEAM" learning that integrates art, environmental science, engineering, and math. Grounded in Helen's story and the present-day work of Georges River Land Trust, the program will highlight how creativity, attention, and care support the long-term stewardship of special places—both natural and cultural. We look forward to developing curriculum this summer to engage multiple schools throughout the watershed in immersive, place-based learning experiences at the Langlais Art Preserve for years to come. Read more about the grant program here. |
Georges River Land Trust Receives Rockland Bog Parcels from the Oyster River Bog Association
Formed by community members who wanted to see the Rockland Bog preserved, the Oyster River Bog Association (ORBA) conserved 112 acres of land in this ecologically important area. Now, decades after their successful grassroots conservation efforts, ORBA is dissolving. We are grateful for this group of dedicated community members and are proud to steward the parcels of land they have transferred to us.
We now manage 670 acres of land in the Rockland Bog and maintain over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails.
The map here shows the parcels we have received from ORBA highlighted in blue alongside parcels we have already conserved - together, they form our Rockland Bog Preserve which can be accessed from Route 90 and our new parking lot off Beechwood Street. Stay tuned for more news as we work to transfer ORBA's remaining conservation easements in the Bog.
River Trail Map Updates Underway
We are excited to undertake updating our canoe and kayak map of the St. George River! Our staff will spend this spring and summer mapping and gathering data about the river with the goal of making this information accessible to the community. The 47-mile St. George River flows from Liberty to Thomaston. We know the river is a beloved member of our community and we can't wait to help more people explore it!
Sennebec Hill Preserve Fundraising Update
In April, we launched our public campaign to raise $15,000 to support the acquisition of Sennebec Hill Preserve in Union. This 110-acre property in Union contains a critical wildlife corridor and acts as a key watershed protector, nearby to ponds with several rare and endangered freshwater mussel species. Conserving this land would also significantly benefit our community, guaranteeing public access for outdoor education and recreation.
As of May 1, we have raised $9,271 thanks to generous community support for this project. There is still time to close the $5,729 gap!
Donate Online (Please note “Sennebec Hill Preserve” in the "What inspired your donation?" box).
Donate by Mail: Georges River Land Trust, P.O. Box B, Rockland, ME 04841 (Memo: "Sennebec Hill Preserve").
Thank you for helping us make this vision a reality for Union—and the St. George River watershed!
Cushing Community School Little Sprouts Plant and Seedling Sale May 30th 9am-1pm at the Langlais Art Preserve |
The 5th annual Little Sprouts Plant & Seedling sale will feature student-grown seedlings including over 15 varieties of tomatoes; peppers both hot and sweet; cucumbers, summer and winter squashes; and a selection of herbs and brilliant annual flowers. Honey Petal Plants will return with an expanded collection of native plants that will thrive in our mid-coast landscape, and local gardeners donate perennials to support the sale. Coffee service and a yummy bake sale all support student activities at the Cushing Community School, including a newly organized weekly garden and nature club. Plant donations can be dropped off at the Langlais Art Preserve on Friday, May 29 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. |
Creative Nature Summer Camp Two weeks only! Langlais Art Preserve |
Calling all junior adventurers, artists, observers, and problem solvers! We are now enrolling for two full-week sessions of Creative Nature Club Summer Camp at the Langlais Art Preserve, where kids become ecological explorers through creative play and hands-on making. Each session revolves around an ecological topic designed to nurture young people’s inherent curiosity and connection to nature. With time spent roving the preserve, making art, and having fun outdoors, kids will build a unique understanding of the dynamic factors at play in the natural world around us. $225 per session. Scholarships are available, please inquire at langlais@grlt.org  Meant to Bee! Bugs and their botanical besties August 3rd-7th, 9am-1pm For ages 5-7  Detectives of Nature: Uncovering the story of the land August 17th-21st, 9am-1pm For ages 7-10 |
Become a member! |
Together, with support from our members, we protect wildlife habitat, create public access, and expand nature-based education in the watershed. Already a member? Now is the perfect time to renew your support. |
Cars for Conservation
Did you know Eastern Tire will sell your vehicle to benefit local conservation? Selling your car for proceeds to the land trust will support our work and earn you a receipt for tax benefits. Learn more at the Eastern Tire site.
CLYNK for conservation
Your returnable cans and bottles can make a big difference! Come by our Rockland office to pick up CLYNK bags with our barcodes and your deposits will come to us, supporting our conservation work in the St. George River watershed.
Wish List
Can you help us secure these items?
Rose gloves and work gloves
Hand lenses, magnifying glasses, and loupes
Chairs (folding chairs with cushions or armchairs)
Clinometers (for measuring slopes in the field)
If you are interested in helping us obtain anything on this list, please contact us or drop them off at our office at 120 Tillson Ave. Suite 102 in Rockland. Thank you!
Thank you so much to those who generously helped us secure past wish list items including a new fire pit, a beautiful children's book for our programs, and an apple picker!
About Georges River Land Trust
Georges River Land Trust conserves and cares for land in the St. George River watershed to ensure ecological and community wellbeing. For nearly 40 years, we have worked with our community members throughout the 19 towns in our service area to protect 5,400+ acres of land with extraordinary conservation value across 23 preserves and 56 easements, offering 80+ miles of multi-use trails.
Thank You to Our Business Sponsors
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