Great Bay Stewards: 2019 – 2020 Annual Accomplishments

While we miss seeing you in person this year, we are so proud of our accomplishments that we wanted to be able to share them with you. 

GBNERR Support

  • Brought in a $1 million donation to support the Reserve, endowing a full-time volunteer coordinator position as well as facility improvements.
  • Acted as a fiscal agent for grant money to GBNERR; these funds have been used toward advancing work on living shorelines, assessing marsh resilience to sea level change nationally, analyzing impacts of sea level rise on salt marshes across New England, collecting environmental data using DNA, developing a marsh by marsh plan for marshes in New Hampshire, and developing wildlife sensitive trails.
  • Funded the purchase of supplies and equipment needed to launch a soundscape monitoring program at the Reserve.
  • Supported the production, printing and mailing of Great Bay Matters.

Research

  • Provided funding for time and supplies toward research projects on invasive species, saltmarsh monitoring, and environmental DNA in the estuary.
  • Supported the restoration of a jon boat as well as the purchase of safety equipment necessary to use the vessel for shallow water research and data collection.

Education

  • Invested in new exhibits on horseshoe crabs and ospreys at the Discovery Center, as well as the historic Parker Cabin exhibit in the Special Collections room.
  • Provided assistance to the Reserve’s Teacher on the Estuary (TOTE) program.

Stewardship

  • Funded and participated in planning for future work at Glenn’s Cove, the Reserve-managed property formerly known as Emery Farm.
  • Celebrated the arrival of endangered Blanding’s turtles at newly developed habitat built in part by support from the Stewards.
  • Supported the installation of new signs at the Great Bay Community Wildlife Garden, as well as the planting of native flower beds.
  • Facilitated projects with other partners to complete the removal of Sawyer Dam from the Bellamy River.
  • Backed the production of a two-page handout targeting municipal volunteers that highlights the benefits of vegetated buffers, specifically for climate adaptation.

Community Outreach

  • Held the 21st Great Bay 5K, raising $14,000, with hundreds of runners, two new course records, and a continued partnership with area breweries and restaurants.
  • Launched the Great Bay 55K Challenge, giving participants the opportunity to explore the circumference of the Bay and explore vistas, trails, and historical spots.
  • Celebrated the Bay with our members, hosting a kayak outing as well as an “Oysters and Trivia” Annual Meeting.
  • Held community suppers with Robert’s Maine Grill and Flatbread Company.
  • Continued development of Great Bay for the Ages, helping supporters to remember the Stewards in their estate planning.