Great Bay Stewards: 2016 – 2017 Annual Accomplishments
- Secured a grant to redesign the discovery tank area of the Great Bay Discovery Center, with a newly installed mural, interactive exhibits, and improved tank design.
- Launched the Great Bay Tide Turner program, to encourage homeowners to reduce their impact on the estuary through decreased stormwater runoff and changes in their lawn care habits.
- Redesigned the entry way for the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, with information on the ecology of the uplands, history of the Center, and role of the Stewards.
- Secured funding for a new marine debris exhibit at the Great Bay Discovery Center, with interactive games for young visitors.
- Helped support the development of an audio interpretation of the Great Bay Discovery Center as well as an introductory video, all permanently hosted on a dedicated YouTube channel.
- Enabled grant-funded work on community climate resiliency, living shorelines, buffer management, marine debris removal, and saltmarsh mapping and monitoring.
- Hosted a summer kayak outing for Stewards members.
- Organized the 13th annual Art of Great Bay Show, with a theme of “Art Inspired by the Great Bay.” Nearly 60 artists participated in the show, with almost 700 visitors throughout the weekend, including a ‘senior tea’ hosted for several area retirement communities.
- Sponsored the 18th Great Bay 5K road race, with more than 500 registered runners.
- Supported the production, printing and mailing of Great Bay Matters.
- Continued to support the fall and spring school programs at the Great Bay Discovery Center.
- Provided assistance to the Reserve’s Teacher on the Estuary (TOTE) program.
- Held successful community suppers at Flatbread Pizza and Robert’s Maine Grill.