https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r Explore many aspects of the environment while enjoying a bit of island time. en-us 2021-11-12 19:07:26 UTC 2024-05-28 23:14:01 UTC hello@padlet.com tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1888282519 Welcome to our island!  I'm excited you are here. Before we start on our exploration I want to remind you that there have been many stewards of this island, some we will discuss later.  However, let it be known that the original stewards of this land are members of the Wabanaki Confederation. Click the link to learn more!
We'll be traveling clockwise on our journey, so if your feet are on the ground, head up the dock and take a left! ]]> 2021-11-13 14:49:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1888282519 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1888578497 The ways in which we come to understand and interact with a land can be heavily influenced by who "owns" or stewards the land. As I mentioned before, this can be very complex. And there are many agencies that currently steward the land around us. For example, this island was purchased by Rippleffect from Maine Coast Heritage Trust (mcht.org) on the stipulation that its naturally beauty be maintained. This means that no new permanent structures can be built that would be visible from the water. The other organization at work on this island is the Maine Island Trail Association (mita.org). Where you are standing right now is a campsite open to the public as long as Ripple isn't actively running programming. What a stunning spot to spend the weekend! Whew, even on this 26 acre island there are three agencies in the mix. Who takes care of the places you like to visit?
Fun Fact: It's not just land that needs to be protected! There are many cool ocean conservation agencies as well: like Ocean Conservancy.]]> 2021-11-13 21:44:59 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1888578497 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1895221269 As you explore this beautiful beach take a moment to look out into the waters. What can you see? This is a common place to spot porpoises playing in the morning sun during the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for harbor seals as well! Maine has such a rich variety of sea life from the small crabs to giant whales. If looking for animals is your thing, maybe citizen science is your calling. Click the link above to find out how your love of animal watching can make a huge difference.
Fun Fact: In 1936 a 20 foot basking shark was caught off the coast of Portland!]]> 2021-11-16 21:23:25 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1895221269 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900637284 What a beautiful beach! But it won't be here for long: the tide's coming in; or rather, we're moving through it... it's complicated! It's also so fascinating. For ocean recreators or those that make a living on the ocean, knowing the tides will have a massive impact on your day, take a look at the video link for a bit of explanation and laughter.
Fun Fact: The highest tidal exchange in the world is a difference of up to 50 feet between high tide and low tide! This happens just 210 miles from where you're standing right now in the Bay of Fundy, Novia Scotia.]]> 2021-11-18 22:01:10 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900637284 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900657306 Welcome to Rocky Beach! I bet you can't guess why we named it that. Ever pick up a cool rock to skip and wonder where it came from? Well, I encourage you to skip a few rocks and ponder it! While you're at it, check out the info above about how these rocks came to be.
Fun Fact: Maine's state mineral is Tourmaline.]]> 2021-11-18 22:19:05 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900657306 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900668309 Before we go much further I wanted to take a minute and appreciate the shade of the beautiful, big, Oak trees around us. And give thanks to all the amazing plants on this island! 
While I love how green and vibrant the island can be, I'll admit that some of these plants shouldn't be here! Check the link above to learn more about native vs invasive species. The current caretakers of Cow Island work tirelessly with students each year to try to remove the dreaded bittersweet that can easily choke out the native species. 
You may have unknowingly stumbled across a rare plant on your island adventure as well! We are at the northern limit of the range of the Wild Leek,  a tasty treat that tastes like onions. (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/alltri.htm)
Fun Fact: Jewel Weed is often thought to help with the effects of poison ivy and, conveniently, frequently grows right beside it!]]> 2021-11-18 22:28:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1900668309 tp8gtgvznk https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1906717972 Welcome to the lovely last stop of our island exploration! This is secret beach. If you've arrived at low tide you'll be standing on a beautiful sandy beach and if you've arrived at high tide you're probably standing at the cliff with an equally beautiful and very different view. Aren't tides fun?
I wanted to invite you to sit for a spell and think about all the magic this world holds. Maybe you learned something new today, maybe you were reminded of the joys of island life, or maybe it was just a nice walk. Regardless, reflection is such an important part of learning and growing and this is my favorite spot for such a thing.
Thank you for enjoying the island and I hope you leave with a new or renewed sense of awe for the world around you!]]> 2021-11-22 18:03:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tp8gtgvznk/mzhwsb3am7u6le3r/wish/1906717972