| Field Trips |
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Perhaps the most difficult part of planning this conference has been to narrow down the wonderful opportunities for field trips around the Portland area. We have come up with what we feel are the best of what is available within a short distance from Portland, to make the most use of your time and avoid lost time due to traffic, etc. We hope you'll find one you enjoy - and apologize for presenting you with a difficult choice to make. All we can say is you should try to come to Maine early, and stay after the conference, to take advantage, on your own, of more of what Maine has to offer. (Note: Prices to go on field trips are higher than going on your own, due to our having to reserve an exclusive date, as well as food and transportation costs.) Land and Sea TourCost: $45 per person (Limit: 100 people) Schedule: 9:00 shuttle pick up at hotel 9:30-11:00 boat tour Description: Enjoy a narrated 90 minute scenic cruise through the busy Portland harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds. As many as seven lighthouses can be seen during the cruise. After the cruise you will choose one of four trolley tour times leaving at 11:00, 12:30, 2:00, and 3:30 from the harbor. During the trip you will enjoy a 90 minute fully narrated tour as informative guides treat you to Portland's diverse history and architecture. The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Victoria Mansion, and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the landmarks you'll see as you travel from city streets to rocky coast. Box lunches will be provided. Shuttles back to the hotel after trolley tour * Remember to dress for the weather, you will be outside during portions of the cruise and it is often cooler on the water than on land. This tour is available for families and guests of conference participants. Lucky Catch Cruises Cost: $30 per person (Limit: 14 people for each of two cruises) Schedule: 8:30 shuttle from hotel 9:00-10:30 or 2 - 3:30 (You'll choose one time when registering.) Return shuttle to hotel (or you can enjoy walking back to the hotel through Portland's Old Port shopping district) Description: Captain Tom will guide you through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman, while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses and forts (Portland Head Light, Civil War Forts, Fort Gorges, and Fort Preble). Most cruises consist of pulling ten lobster traps of five traditional styles. The various components will be explained while you learn how lobster traps are hauled, set, and baited. Brave seamen can participate if they like, pants and boots are available. See how lobsters get from the bottom of the ocean to your dinner plate. Hear about lobster habits and conservation efforts while learning about hardshells, shedders, shorts, culls, and keepers. Anything caught can be purchased after the cruise. Box lunches will be provided. * Remember to dress for the weather, you will be outside during the cruise and it is often cooler on the water than on land. Also, please note there is no restroom available on the boat. This tour is available for families and guests of conference participants. Portland Schooner Company Cost: $65 per person (Limit: 44 people) Schedule: 9:30 shuttle pick up at hotel or walk down to harbor (about a 15 minute walk from the hotel) 10:00-2:00 Schooner trip 2:30 Shuttle back to hotel or walk Description: Sail on an authentic sailing vessel steeped in history. The schooners provide the perfect vantage point to enjoy some of Maines most beautiful sights and sounds from the deck of a storied wooden schooner built in the early 20th century. Sit back and relax as the crew shares their knowledge of the sea, sailing, and local history. Join the crew to hoist the sails or take a turn at the ship's wheel. Box lunches will be provided. * Remember to dress for the weather, you will be outside during the cruise and it is often cooler on the water than on land. This tour is available for families and guests of conference participants. LL Bean Cost: $90 per person (Limit: 24) Schedule: 8:00 Shuttle pick up at hotel (provided by LLBean) 9:00-1:00 Kayak instruction and paddle 1:00-2:30 Lunch and free time in Freeport 2:30 Shuttle back to hotel Box lunches optional Description: L.L.Bean Kayak Touring Essentials allows beginners and experienced paddlers to enjoy a great day out on the protected waters of Casco Bay. Practice basic paddling strokes in a relaxed setting. Learn safety techniques to gain confidence on the water. Paddle stable tandem kayaks on beautiful Casco Bay. Box lunches will be provided, or you can get lunch on your own in Freeport. * Remember to dress for the weather, you will be outside while kayaking and it is often cooler on the water than on land. Also water shoes or a change of shoes may be desired. This tour is available for families and guests of conference participants. Wells NERR Cost: $35 per person (Limit: 40) Schedule: 9:00 Shuttle pick up at hotel (provided by Wells) 9:45-12:00 Salt water marsh walk and program 12:00-2:00 Lunch and tour of exhibits and buildings at Wells NERR 2:00 Shuttle back to hotel Description: The Wells Reserve is a 1600-acre research, education, and recreation facility, a public-private partnership within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The education and outreach programs are designed to inform the public and coastal decision-makers about the significance of coastal wetlands and proper stewardship of the vital Gulf of Maine resource. During your visit to Wells you will participate in a saltwater marsh ecology program (bring boots or washable footwear or a change of footwear), tour the buildings, and learn about their programs: History of Laudholm Farm Bird Banding Demonstration (Wednesdays at 9 am) Guided Nature Walk Wildflower Walk Signs of Wildlife Walk Salt Marsh Ecology Walk Climate Change Walk Coastal Geology Walk Box lunches will be provided. * Remember to dress for the weather, you will be outside while at the reserve. For the saltwater marsh program boots, washable footwear, or a change of footwear is recommended. This tour is available for families and guests of conference participants. |