Protecting the Land You Love

No. 65 FALL 2016

2016 Grand Openings by Aaron Dority In celebration of our newest additions to Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s preserve network, we formally opened not one but three new preserves, including Taft Point, Schoodic Connector Trail, and Bean Island. photos ei l ee n h all photos Hawk Henries plays the flute at the Taft Point Preserve grand opening. People exploring the shore on Bean Island.

Taft Point sounds of Hawk Henry’s flute. As the Last winter, a hard working group Six months later, the morning of crowd began to gather on the beach, of twenty volunteers converged on June 25th was warm and sunny, a Flanders Bay provided a refreshing Taft Point on one of the coldest lovely start the to summer. As FBC’s breath of salt air and a chance to mornings of December. Together staff, board members and local volun- collect one’s thoughts and admire we cut trails, cleared downed trees, teers like Garry and Rosemary Levin the music. trimmed branches and began craft- and Jay and Nancy Horshak set Chris Sockalexis took the stage to ing the meandering paths we have up our check-in table and directed share tribal history, culture and in- today. At both that late fall trail work incoming vehicles to park in the formation about the archaeological party and the summer grand opening, newly created lot, the crowd began excavation that had occurred on site there was a palpable reverence for the to grow. By the time we started hik- and nearby. The “stage” in this case land and respect for Jeremy Strater ing the north loop trail, we had over happened to be one of the numerous who gave that land to Frenchman Bay 80 people in attendance. shell middens that dot Frenchman Conservancy for all to enjoy forever. Turning left on the trail, hikers Bay’s shores. The dark humus flecked followed the path to the Point as with countless ancient clamshell the spruce/pine canopy gave way fragments contrasted the surrounding to oak, across a driveway that leads stone and sand. Chris’ talk was fas- “Like” us on Facebook. to a private cottage now owned by cinating, and one couldn’t help but Stay in touch with the latest FBC Jeremy’s daughter and ultimately marvel at a culture that flourished news, or post photos of your toward the beach. Conversations in this spectacular place under sun, friends and family enjoying one of hushed mid-sentence as if walking wind, rain and heavy snow, procur- the FBC Preserves or events. into a church service when people ing every element of their sustenance began to hear the lilting, pleasant from the land and sea. facebook.com/frenchmanbay continued on page 4 President’s Column

Hello again! I have recently agreed to take on chairing The “more exciting” reasons for my interest in the the FBC board, a position that I held several years ago. work of FBC have to do with opportunities that the land Some of you might well ask why I am willing to serve trust has at hand. One is to secure a wildlife corridor again. I can say that FBC is a wonderful land trust and from Schoodic Point to Schoodic Mountain, while that I love the lands that we protect and open for public another involves helping Ellsworth to dream of, plan use. And that is true, but my reasons are older and more for and develop a connected system of walk-able and exciting than that. By “older” I mean that love of the bike-able areas. The first is about the wildlife, ecology outdoors in the Frenchman Bay region is part of my and wilderness of our region. The second is about com- heritage. My grandfather and my mother shared their munity transformation. Thank you for continuing your deep love of this area that had them out exploring, support for FBC as we take on these broader projects making trails and hiking as much as they could. Even together. as very young children we were often taken hiking, preferably a hike that entailed a swim in a lake! You — Lisa Heyward might say that the exposure to their love “took,” as it President, FBC has become my love as well.

Stewardship Update from Jake Manning Thank you to everyone who has Environmental Steward on June 6th June 22nd and October 20th we volunteered on FBC’s trails this at FBC, and together we’ve done held our weekly volunteer work summer! We wouldn’t have been a lot since then. One of the more days. Throughout that time I had able to accomplish all that we did noticeable changes is the addition the opportunity to work with many without your help. I started with of kiosks at Corea Heath, Mariaville people of all ages and experience FBC as a Conservation Corps Falls, Schoodic Bog, Taft Point, and levels. During those 4 months, 41 most recently a new parking lot just different people volunteered with before Baker Hill that is designated us, working a combined total of 294 for hikers completing the entire hours on our trails. We improved Schoodic Connector Trail. These ki- blazing, bog bridging, and signage. osks provide maps and a sign-in log I will continue working through our to leave comments, and will serve trail stewardship check list until my

During those 4 months, 41 different people volunteered with us, working a combined total of 294 hours on our trails.

as a place to advertise upcoming Maine Conservation Corps term events. You will also begin to notice comes to an end on November 18th. hiker boxes at our preserves that Thanks again for all that you’ve do not have a kiosk, which will also done—it’s been a pleasure working include maps and sign-in logs. with FBC and all of you! v Our many great volunteers and I have also been busy this summer maintaining our hiking trails. Over Jake has accepted a County Program Technician position with the USDA Farm Service Agency time, vegetation begins to encroach in Xenia, Ohio. Jake and his wife Marilyn will on the trails, and so we have been be moving back to the area in Ohio where Jake is E MANN I NG JAK photo busy brushing several miles of trail from originally at the end of November. A new Hiker Box at the Frances B Wood Preserve since June. On Wednesday between

2 People of the First Light by Aaron Dority Taft Point is one of those places along Maine’s coast where part of the archeological record still exists. As the “people from the land and Research at the Abbe Museum years ago) and the Ceramic Period where the sun rises,” Wabanaki oral in Bar Harbor, joined us during a Fall (the most recent 3,000 years). histories tell of human habitation of Hike Series event on September 24. One of the most remarkable finds the Frenchman Bay region since life Visitors who attended our Sep- was the skull of a pilot whale, an began. A creation story describes tember event at Taft Point learned animal that can weigh between 360 how Koluskap, the culture hero fired from Ms. Gray about the history of to 900 pounds and reach a length of an arrow at a brown ash tree, and archaeological research in the Taft 16 feet, and is still found in the today. Other animal bones unearthed belonged to swordfish, sturgeon, wolf, harbor seal, moose, and the Great Auk, a large bird that was driven to extinction during colonial times. Artifacts found at Taft Point were similar to those found in Northern Labrador, Nova Scotia, and in other middens along along the northeast- erly coast of North America. Some of the agate scrapers from Taft Point were made from a material found at Wolfville, Nova Scotia and not found in Maine, a product of the photo iris si m o n photo inter-tribal trading that took place Julia Gray presents artifacts during a guided hike at Taft Point. along the coast of New England and the Canadian Maritimes. then the first Wabanaki people Point area, and had the chance to We are thankful Chris Sockalexis emerged from the opening. The ar- see and touch artifacts made thou- and Julia Gray were able to join us chaeological record tells of the first sands of years ago on the shores of for this year’s events, and we’re glad people arriving in Maine following Jones Cove. They also talked about to have these opportunities to begin the retreat of the Laurentide Ice how fragile these coastal cultural re- to learn about the Native people Sheet, and the colonization of the sources are, threatened by sea level who have lived around Frenchman land by modern plants and animals rise and fierce winter storms, and Bay since long before the arrival of thirteen thousand years ago shared ideas of how the Wabanaki European settlers.v Shell middens are some of the tribes, FBC, and the Abbe Museum most enlightening clues to precontact could work together to preserve and native peoples’ culture, diet and interpret coastal archaeological sites community, and several of them can around Frenchman Bay. be found on FBC preserves. Middens Taft Point is one of the places are old refuse heaps that indicate along Maine’s coast where part of human settlement. This summer, the archaeological record still exists. two local experts chronicled some of In 1939, archeologist Wendell Hadlock the lessons that have been learned reported on his excavation of a site from local archaeological excava- about a quarter mile from Taft Point tions of middens and surrounding proper, on privately owned land ad- n dority aa ro photo grounds. Penobscot Tribal Historic jacent to FBC’s preserve. He found Spear points collected around Frenchman Bay. Preservation Officer, Chris Sockalexis, tools, beads and ornamentation, joined FBC at our Taft Point Preserve pottery and animal bones. Artifacts grand opening on June 25, and Julia were dated to both the late Archaic Gray, the Director of Collections Period (between 5,000 to 3,000

3 Attendees enjoying a picnic on Bean Island at the FBC Annual Meeting. photo eileen hall

Openings continued from page 1 Under the warm sunshine, sev- connector trail (see earlier articles, The next year, Rick Beckjord eral people shared some poignant, including “Schoodic Trail Connector generously donated an easement on personal stories of their time with Campaign Succeeds” in issue #62). his 58 acres in Sullivan. With these Jeremy. Erik Horshak spoke of a Here’s a quick recap of the decade north and south anchors, FBC began chance meeting that led to a lasting and a half of land conservation that to imagine a connector trail, but friendship as Jeremy, the elder musi- made this trail possible: blazing a trail along either the east cian, encouraged and nurtured the In the early 2000s, local residents, side or the west side of Long Pond younger musician’s energy and talent with the blessing of timberland proved challenging. One route had on stringed instruments. Friends and owner Prentiss and Carlyle, blazed fragmented ownership and the other neighbors shared stories of their was owned and managed by a large time with Jeremy, describing his timber company. selflessness, modesty, humility and The solution came in 2009, when his love of music, art, the outdoors, FBC purchased 250 acres from and his community. Prentiss and Carlyle. Long Ledges We wrapped up the morning Preserve was established, though at celebration with a hike along the that time significantly smaller than west-facing shore. The views were it is today. striking, from Schoodic Mountain, Phil Dunbar sold another 65 Schieffelin Point, numerous French- acres to FBC in 2013, completing man Bay islands and finally south “Long Ledges II.” and west to . Finally, beginning in 2014, over Following a short scramble up the 210 stalwart supporters conserved bank and over the roots of an old the last piece—the figurative keystone pine, we re-entered the forest. After in the arch of conserved lands a short walk uphill, we finished the stretching around Long Pond. This hike the way that we started, mingling beautiful culmination of the work around the parking area enjoying of numerous people over nearly 15

conversations with friends. ei l ee n h all photo years has now conserved the land Hikers enjoy the Schoodic Connector Trail and its trails for generations to come. Schoodic Connector Trail This year, on the drizzly morning Readers will recall our capital and maintained hiking trails across of July 9th, twenty five of FBC’s campaign in 2014–15 to raise the the forest management company’s faithful joined in our grand opening funds to purchase the Schoodic lands. Local conservation received celebration of the Schoodic Connector Connector Trail from Erik Tjebbes a huge boost in 2005 when FBC Trail. This path links our trail net- and the incredible support that we purchased the Schoodic Bog, now work in Sullivan to the summit of received from hundreds of people totaling over 600 acres, with state Schoodic Mountain. In the shadow to secure this property and build the and federal grant support. of the mountain, we chatted and 4 sipped coffee while admiring Jake centrations of periwinkle shells that National Park, spoke briefly about Manning’s newly built trail kiosk. anyone has ever seen. This end of the great conservation work being After a few welcoming remarks, we the island has a lovely oak canopy done around the Frenchman Bay set off into the woods. One of the with an open understory. If you’re region, including on MDI as part nice things about a new trail is that reading this, but couldn’t be there, of the Park’s centennial celebration the moss and detritus on the forest just imagine panoramic views from this year. His stories of perseverance floor hasn’t yet been compacted Sorrento, with Schoodic Mountain paying off sounded very familiar or washed away—the trail still feels in the distance, past Hancock Point to FBC’s staff, board and member- spongy. Several people commented and south to the rounded peaks of ship who are by now quite familiar on that point as red squirrels chat- Mount Desert Island—with an azure with the time, energy and patience tered overhead on spruce limbs. blue sky and water and lots of sun- often required for some of our best The trail meandered around rocky shine. It’s hard to imagine a more conservation work. outcroppings and across mossy beautiful setting! Many people then walked the slopes. At the junction, the group While attendees sat scattered trail around the island’s perimeter divided in two, as some people among the oak trees enjoying picnic before we boarded the flotilla of chose to explore the beaver pond lunches, FBC’s outgoing Board small boats to return to the Hancock photo eileen hall to the south and others chose the President, Randy Ewins conducted shore. We couldn’t have asked for northerly route with views of Sc- our official business, recognizing better weather or better company. hoodic Mountain. Twenty minutes the valued service of our outgoing Thank you to the local businesses later, as the overcast sky had fore- board members. Board member that supported our grand opening shadowed, it began to rain lightly Jack Frost introduced our new board events, including John Edwards and the groups turned back, later members with a warm welcome Market in Ellsworth for snack bars converging again at the parking area. from the audience. Our Volunteer and to Gerrish’s Restaurant in Winter of the Year award was then presented Harbor for light breakfast fare. Bean Island to… Lisa Heyward. She has served Thanks also to our small army of At one of our biggest events of on our Board since 1992, and has volunteers, including Jock Crothers, the year, and one that required been active with conservation Henry & Julie Sharpe, Terry Towne, moving one hundred people across open water at the mercy of the weather, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. August 7th was both the grand opening of our Bean Island Preserve, and our annual meeting, an event that we have held at Schoodic Institute in past years. This year, given the chance to celebrate Lisa Heyward’s donation of this beloved 27 acre island in upper Frenchman Bay, we chose to combine the events and celebrate outdoors. With the help of our board and many volunteers, the event was a blast. Attendees met at the Hancock wharf in the morning to catch one of photo ei l ee n h all photo the three boats that we had lined up Kayaks on the shore at Bean Island to bring people over to the island. FBC’s Eileen Hall had meticulously organizations since she worked for Bob DeForrest, Charlotte Stetson, determined how many trips would MCHT in the 1970’s. She hikes Lee & Eleanor Fairbanks, Charlie & be needed based on our RSVP list, nearly every single day on FBC’s Margaret Robinson, Clayton Nowell, as well as which boats had to also preserves, and we all would be Christa & Rich Brey, Randy Ewins, meet a smaller dinghy to take them hard pressed to imagine an event or and Tom Welch who captained boats from the first boat to the beach. program that has not benefited from to shuttle visitors out to Bean Island.v All of the coordination paid off as her active involvement. people landed on the northwest Our guest, Kevin Schneider, the side of the island, on a beach with newest Superintendent of Acadia probably one of the greatest con- 5 Note from the Director Aaron Dority Frenchman Bay Conservancy will celebrate 30 years in 2017. Unless you’re talking about trees, conserve distinctive ecosystems and husband lived and raised a family or rocks, or some other enduring landscapes. Let us know what drives on Mt. Desert Island. She has been feature of our landscape, thirty years your passion for Maine’s outdoors. actively involved in numerous com- is a long time. Downeast Maine was ‘Like’ us on Facebook and encour- munity organizations and currently a different place thirty years ago. age your friends to as well. Gift a serves on the board of Hancock Think of the changes in technol- gift of membership this holiday Point Library, WERU Community ogy—from how we harvest trees or season. Join us—for events, online, Radio, Friends of Nosara, a non- blueberries to the cars that we drive or just drop by to say hello. We’re profit fundraising organization for and the ways that we communicate looking forward to celebrating 30 partner community organizations with one another. Think of the con- years with you next year. There’s a in Costa Rica, and SIBU Wildlife servation success stories—bald eagles lot to celebrate! v Sanctuary in Costa Rica. She and are everywhere now!—And the her husband currently split their time persistent challenges such as climate between Costa Rica and Hancock. change. Thirty years is the birthday Steve is a lifelong summer resident Frenchman Bay Conservancy will of Sorrento who finally made the celebrate in 2017. transition to year-round resident in Some of the people who came 2014. The Gurin family has been together to found this organization engaged in our community since are no longer with us, though their the 1940’s and, like his parents and

passion for Maine’s lands and wa- iris si m o n photo grand-parents before him, Steve has ters remains the mission of this land a commitment to preserving the trust—to conserve distinctive ecosys- Welcome new natural resources of our region. He tems and landscapes for the benefit grew up thinking of Frenchman’s of all… Of course, none of what Board Members! Bay and the surrounding lands, we have accomplished in these 30 A sincere thank you our board lakes and ponds as his playground. years would be possible without the members who have stepped off Today, he and his wife Ann, nearly 3,000 people (all of you and the board this year, including: Ken and two of their three children live many more!) who believed that land Cline and David Sanderson. David on Mt. Desert Island and still take conservation is critical to the health is an adept facilitator, a skill that advantage of all of the outdoor and vibrancy of our communities. was very helpful when we began activities available. Professionally, This belief is as strong as ever planning the revitalization of our Steve is a Senior Vice President in today, as we celebrate new pre- Tidal Falls Preserve. Ken has been the business banking division of Bar serves, welcome new members, and a sharp legal mind and an advocate Harbor Bank & Trust. v join friends and family on hikes in for conservation in the the woods. FBC is taking stock and watershed. Both have taken their looking forward with the help of skills to pursue other goals, and they Honorary Gifts some trusted friends this winter as will be missed. in memoriam we finalize our latest strategic plan. We welcome three new members: Caroline Beckjord We’ll be asking all of you to reflect Henry Sharpe, Mary Brennan, and Lyall Dean on our work soon as part of this Steve Gurin. Henry has been an Mary (Etzler) Hawks Steinhardt process. Your ideas and comments avid conservationist for many years, Marjorie Monteith strengthen FBC—stay tuned for a passion that was nurtured along more on this project next year. Maine’s rocky coast. He is a product IN NOMINE Reflecting on our accomplish- designer, engineer and entrepreneur. Benita McMullen ments in 2016, I’m inspired by all He has been an adjunct professor Ellen Osborn of your enthusiasm. So many of you at University of Rhode Island’s Katie Osborn joined us for events from the Lobster Department of Ocean Engineering. Brenna Crothers & Jay Magill Dinner and Monday Music to bird He’s served on both nonprofit and Dyer Wadsworth walks and trips to Bean Island, you for profit boards and is an inveterate Lisa Heyward were there. Let’s keep it up! Success maker of things. Lorraine Jackson begets success, and your enthusiasm Mary has been a Hancock resident Danny Ray Thomas is a key ingredient to our ability to since 2005. Previously, she and her Nancy Patterson

6 Frenchman Bay Conservancy photo iris si m o n photo Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s mission is to conserve distinctive ecosystems and landscapes Join us TODAY! for the benefit of all, from the Union River and Frenchman Bay watersheds east to the Hancock Your membership and donations help us protect and preserve the character of County line. this very special region. We welcome donations of all levels. Members receive a free decal, our bi-annual newsletter, and opportunities to volunteer. Board of Directors Lisa Heyward, President Blue Heron Society Stephen Weber, Vice President If possible, we urge you to consider joining the Blue Heron Society by making a Randy Ewins, Secretary commitment to give $1000 or more each year for general operating support. You Jack Frost, Treasurer can also support the Conservancy through a bequest. Remember us in your will Judy Adelman or explore other estate planning options with your lawyer. Mark Berry Mary Brennan Polly Ceckler yes! I want to join Frenchman Bay Conservancy. Frank Dorsey name(s)______Lee Fairbanks Stephen Gurin address______Mac Hunter city______state______zip______Misha Mytar phone______email______Henry Sharpe Summer address from______to______Iris Simon address______Staff city______state______zip______Aaron Dority, Executive Director Eileen Hall, Community Outreach Coordinator membership levels Please enroll me in the category checked below. Carly Talbott, Office Manager BLUE HERON SOCIETY q $5 student q $250 For more information on the Conservancy, please q $25 q $500 q $1000 visit our office at Tidal Falls, or contact us by mail, phone, or e-mail: q $50 q $750 q $2500 Frenchman Bay Conservancy $100 $______q $5000 q q PO Box 150 Hancock, Maine 04640 (207) 422-2328 q My check, payable to FBC, is enclosed. [email protected] q I prefer to remain anonymous in public membership lists. www.frenchmanbay.org

Please remit form and check to: Frenchman Bay Conservancy PO Box 150, Hancock, Maine 04640 To pay by credit card, visit our website www.frenchmanbay.org

Frenchman Bay Conservancy is recognized as a not-for-profit 501c(3) charitable organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Scan this code Thank you! and join Frenchman Bay Conservancy from your smart phone with a credit card. Graphic Design: Marshall Wilkes, Ellsworth. Printed on recycled paper. 7 Non-profit Organization US Postage PAID Hancock, ME 04640 Permit #1 PO Box 150 Hancock, Maine 04640

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2016 Autumn Trail Race Runners enjoyed the trails and views. Volunteers made the whole event seamless. With the new Schoodic Connector Trail, weekend, and many of the runners from this year’s Autumn Trail Race runners that event also ran in FBC’s race. had the option of running a new 8 mile Andy Goupee of Dedham and Jennifer course, or the usual 4.2 mile course. The VanDongen of Bar Harbor defended their second event in the Downeast Double winning titles again this year, finishing in Trouble Trail Race series, the race was 33:21 and 37:16, respectively. One of the another successful event—our fifth so day’s highlights was the energetic pack of far! Runners enjoyed the trails and views. youngsters from the cross country teams Volunteers made the whole event seam- of Blue Hill’s Bay School and the Peninsula less. And—the chili and cookies following School in Gouldsboro. Sol Lorio won the the race were delicious. The first of the 12 year old and under age group in a two-race series, Great Pond Mountain’s remarkable 41:32. Skye Howard won in Wildlands Trail Run was held the prior the 13–19 age category, completing the Women’s 4 mile winner, Jennifer VanDongen, four mile course in 58:15. and men’s 4 mile winner, Andy Goupee.

What about that new, 8 mile course? First place male runner, Brendan O’Keefe finished that race in 1:01:57, and first place female finisher Barbara Daggett finished in 1:27:41. Roughly 50 percent more people ran FBC’s race this year than last. Let’s keep building on this successful event—help us spread the word to friends and family and come join us at next year’s race. The 2016 Autumn Trail Race results are posted on hans krichels photos FBC’s website.v A group of runners at the Autumn Trail Race. Jerome and Georgia Lawther. 8