Our Vision
We bring the estuary alive for every child in the region.
As a land trust, we work hard to protect our home for future generations. Education is written right into our mission: to conserve, restore, and instill appreciation of the land and water resources of the Kennebec Estuary.
Experiential Education
Antoinette Photography
“We offer experiential programming in the classroom, and bring students outside for hands-on learning.”
We partner with local schools and community organizations to connect students to the wonders of the Kennebec Estuary. By the time they are in 8th grade, they have experienced the beauty of their local trails, local watershed, and best of Maine coastline – and learned how to protect it.
Outside of school programs, we offer public education in the form of outdoor events - so everyone, regardless of age or ability, can deepen their relationship to the Kennebec Estuary! Join us at our annual Clam Day, on a winter Owl Prowl, on a Salamander Meander, or at dozens of other events we host throughout the year.
Venues
“KELT educators are happy to join you inside your classroom, or even better - outside school walls! ”
We can host field trips to our local preserves, and have a close relationship with some pretty magical teaching spaces - Reid State Park and Popham Beach State Park are frequent outings.
We particularly love to use our Thorne Head Preserve, Whiskeag Trail, Merrymeeting Fields, Sewell Woods, Greenpoint Preserve, Lilly Pond Community Forest, and Segerstrom Preserve.
Photo by Lisa Francesca Gallo
Our Core School Curriculum
1st grade: Wildlife of the Estuary Outdoor at your school/KELT Preserve (spring)
2nd grade: Pollinators LOCAL Garden (fall)
3rd grade: Vernal Pools/Pond Explore Outdoor at your school/KELT Preserve (spring)
4th grade: SALTY Series In Classroom series at your school. Includes 2 dissections! (winter)
5th grade: Journey of the Alewives Nequasset Fish Ladder (spring)
6th grade: Exploring Sea Level Rise Downtown Bath/Location can be flexible! (fall)
7th grade: What’s in the Water: Clams, Tidepools, Green Crabs Reid State Park (fall)
8th grade: Connection and Reflection at Shortridge Shortridge Coastal Center (fall)
Other ways to learn with KELT!
Mini Garden Club (summer)
Southern Maine Forest Playgroup (monthly, all year)
Storybook Trails on KELT Preserves (monthly, all year)
KELT Kids Summer Day Camp (summer)