by John Boit –
The Bagaduce Watershed Association believes that people who know the river and its watershed are its best stewards. That’s why we were pleased to organize a boat trip for third and fourth graders from Penobscot, who braved the cold weather on June 5 for a Bagaduce River experience!
The students started their trip at Maine Maritime Academy, where they participated in a boat building exercise led by the academy’s Ross Cottrell. Then they headed to the dock where they met Zander Parker, captain of Li’l Toot, whose red and white top is a summertime fixture in Castine.
Once on board Li’l Toot, the students traveled all the way from Castine, up through the Narrows, and into Northern Bay for a firsthand experience on the water. Despite the chilly weather, the students had a great time and saw plenty of wildlife like seals and Bald eagles, while also learning about the native American history of the region and how the Bagaduce was used as a major transportation route long before Europeans arrived in Maine. Penobscot resident Bailey Bowden, who has been instrumental in the return of alwewives to the Bagaduce, was also on board and provided students with ecological and historical perspectives of the river.
Our thanks to the Penobscot Community School and to Penobscot teacher Darcy Currier for helping to make this wonderful day happen. BWA hopes to expand the Bagaduce boat trips to other schools next year. If you or a school would like to become involved, please get in touch on our website’s contact page.
