Great Bay Stewards: From the Beginning
A timeline of our achievements over the years, from the 1930s to present.Timeline of the Stewards
1939
Proposal to dredge
Proposal to dredge or dam the Bay between Adams Point and Newington Shore to allow for more shoreline property.
1973
Olympic Oil Company Makes Announcement
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.
1974
Durham residents vote
Ninety percent of Durham residents vote at Town Meeting against the refinery.
1983
Great Bay Trust
Great Bay Trust formed to help preserve Great Bay.
1989
GBNERR Established
Designation of Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
1992
Boardwalk construction
Boardwalk construction at the Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland, NH.
1994
Great Bay Matters
First Great Bay Matters issue.
1995
Group Formed
Meeting held at Sandy Point to discuss forming a support group, following concern that the state was not providing financial support for the Reserve.
First annual meeting
First annual meeting; Fred Langley (Greenland, NH) become chair.
1996
Trusts and Stewards meet
Joint meeting of the Great Bay Trust and the Great Bay Stewards. “Much animated discussion closed the meeting.”
Grand opening of the Sandy Point Discovery Center
Grand opening of the Sandy Point Discovery Center. First Evelyn Browne award give out. (Dr. William Penhale receives the first award by unanimous vote.)
1997
Merger approved
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.
1998
Trustees join Vice President Al Gore
Trustees join Vice President Al Gore on the banks of the Oyster River to announce a $1.6 million restoration and protection plan toward protecting estuaries and reopening clam and oyster beds.
Reserve purchases historic railway station
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 Rough Water Swim launched
Great Bay Rough Water Swim launched with seven swimmers.
1999
Great Bay Matters changes hands
Great Bay Matters editorship is handed from Stewards Trustee Bill Penhale over to Reserve Education Coordinator Kelle Laughlin.
Great Bay 5K is launched
Great Bay 5K is launched as part of the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Reserve (the “Great Bay Fest”).
2002
The Gundalow Company
The Gundalow Company is formed; the Stewards begin developing projects with them.
Wigwam constructed
The wigwam is constructed.
2005
Art of Great Bay launched
First Art of Great Bay show and sale.
2006
Barn Dedication
Dedication of the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center (“the Barn”).
2007
Graduate Students Complete Research
Stewards fund 10 graduate student research projects.
2009
40,000th student
40,000th student attends the school program.
20th anniversary of the Reserve
20th anniversary of the Reserve.
2011
Special Collections
Great Bay Special Collections opens.
2014
Pavilion constructed
Blue Heron Education Pavilion constructed.
Soak Up The Rain
Soak Up the Rain project begins, resulting in many stormwater management installations.
2016
New boardwalk
Ribbon cutting for opening of new boardwalk.
2017
Wellenberger Woods dedication
Dedication for the Wellenberger Woods Natural Play Area.
2018
Accessibility improved
Accessibility to waterfront improved.
Great Bay For The Ages
Great Bay for the Ages, a legacy program, is launched.
Estuary Explorers Launched
Estuary Explorers fund for field trips launched, bringing underprivileged students to the Great Bay Discovery Center free of charge.
2019
30th Anniversary
30th anniversary of GBNERR; Time capsule unearthed with the help of Greenland students and buried again in front of the Great Bay Discovery Center.
Generous donation received
Stewards receive a nearly $1 million anonymous donation to support Reserve staff and buildings.
2020
A new challenge
Great Bay 55K Challenge added to the Great Bay 5K | Race for a Healthy Estuary.
Grab & Go a hit
Free Grab & Go educational kits put out weekly during the pandemic, with support from the Stewards.
2021
Stewards 25th Year
Stewards celebrate the 25th anniversary of their nonprofit designation.
Tide Turners Program Launched
Tide Turners program is launched.
Ribbon Cutting Event
The Stewards hold a ribbon cutting for the new Estuary Inclusion Garden