we have deep roots in conservation and education.
The Center for Ecological Teaching and Learning (CETL) is located on the site of the former Friedman Field Station, which was established by Suffolk University faculty in 1968. From its inception, it has been used to support nature-based residential educational programs for in-service teachers and learners of all ages, as well as to support natural science research projects.
In July of 2019, a reunion called alumni of the field station back to Cobscook Bay. Around a campfire one night, several of us began to seriously talk about purchasing the field station to continue the type of transformative programs that had been happening there for 47 years. By our departure on Sunday, we had decided that we had to make an offer to purchase the land.
In one year, we secured loans, formed a nonprofit, and began bringing the field station back to life. Our volunteer network is broad, and we’ve put in thousands of hours. Our all-volunteer board has raised over $300,000 to fund the land purchase and infrastructure improvements.
In 2022, we entered into an agreement with Maine Coast Heritage Trust to protect these lands. By creating this conservation easement, CETL was able to secure the land from development and ensure that our mission of conservation and stewardship will be carried out in perpetuity.
Since summer of 2022, our programs have expanded to include field courses and research for college students, week-long science courses for high school students, day field trips for elementary students, habitat preservation workshops for landowners, and nature printing classes for all ages.
With the delivery next spring of four more new cabins, we’ll be able to sleep 25 guests indoors (and more in tents). We’re working with several organizations to plan new offerings for 2024.
We're grateful for our progress and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We hope you’ll join us on our journey.