Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens School Programs

By Vicki Haugen

Last week Rotary welcomed Erika Huber and Beth Jarvis from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  The mission of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant conservation. Erika and Beth gave us insight into that mission focusing on the work that they do with youth education programs with the Edgecomb EDDY school, BRES, and the Southport schools. 

This work started in 2021 concentrating on ages pre-K to second grade. Currently programs address HS students also. Program types included learning about plant needs, plan life cycles, pollinators, decomposers, and habitat. Programs begin every year in April and continue throughout the year from early planting to fall follow-up. The BRES school installed raised garden beds in 2022. Other programs are now including “birding” where the kids have lessons on birds as well a time at the gardens to actually “go birding”. The HS class has worked on projects with greenhouses and managing growth components to compare results. They also started a Climate Action program with the older kids. Seedling projects and food waste projects with composting experience highlight the diversity of the education available. 

Gaining overall comfort and knowledge with plants and planting meets the goals and mission of the Botanical Gardens. These programs and leaders are passionate and talented individuals we can be proud to have in our community!

We welcomed 4 guests including one visiting Rotarian and 3 folks interested in becoming new members. This week our program is Trivia with local Trivia Maestro Darrel Goudroe.   He always makes it fun, challenging and entertaining.  We'll divide into teams where we can share knowledge and tease one another.  There’ll be Fabulous Prizes, 1st prize  -one couch, 2nd prize - two couches, 3rd prize - you guessed it!!   Trivia is good for your brain and your funny bone too. Rotary meets each Thursday evening at 6 pm, offering dinner, a well-contained meeting, and a program. Join us at 66 Montgomery Road in Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

Check out our Rotary Barn on Saturday mornings with furniture, housewares, tools and a boutique of collectables. Donations to the barn can be arranged for drop off or pick up by contacting Laurie at 207-619-1417 text or call. Or email at rotarybarnpickup@gmail.com.