Great Bay Stewards: From the Beginning

Spokesman for the Olympic Oil Company announces its intention to build in Durham the largest oil refinery ever started from scratch anywhere in the world.

Great Bay Trust formed to help preserve Great Bay.

Boardwalk construction at the Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland, NH.

Meeting held at Sandy Point to discuss forming a support group, following concern that the state was not providing financial support for the Reserve.

Joint meeting of the Great Bay Trust and the Great Bay Stewards. “Much animated discussion closed the meeting.”

Great Bay Trustees and Great Bay Stewards vote to merge “By joining with the Stewards we can continue, with renewed energy and commitment, our efforts in protecting and preserving our valuable natural resources,” wrote Richard Langan, president of the GBESCT.

The Reserve purchases the historic 1854 railway station adjacent to the Discovery Center (the “Depot House”) with the help of Marple & James real estate.

Great Bay Matters editorship is handed from Stewards Trustee Bill Penhale over to Reserve Education Coordinator Kelle Laughlin.

The Gundalow Company is formed; the Stewards begin developing projects with them.

First Art of Great Bay show and sale.

Stewards fund 10 graduate student research projects.

20th anniversary of the Reserve.

Blue Heron Education Pavilion constructed.

Ribbon cutting for opening of new boardwalk.

Accessibility to waterfront improved.

Estuary Explorers fund for field trips launched, bringing underprivileged students to the Great Bay Discovery Center free of charge.

Stewards receive a nearly $1 million anonymous donation to support Reserve staff and buildings.

Free Grab & Go educational kits put out weekly during the pandemic, with support from the Stewards.

Tide Turners program is launched.