LTER

The Long Term Ecological Research Network is part of the National Science Foundation. Each of 28 LTER sites conducts long-term research projects on ecosystem characteristics. GOMI Works closely with the Plum Island LTER, which conducts research on marsh-estuary changes as a response of climate, sea level and human activities. 

Primary Contac and Lead Principal Investigator: Anne Giblin

Plum Island Long-Term Ecological Research Site

NOAA

NOAA aims to expand the knowledge and understanding of marine environments and atmospheric phenomena. Their team of scientists are based all around the nation, and carry out research on ecosystem preservation, fisheries, weather systems, among other topics. NOAA issues weather advisories, and works to advance environmental science literacy and data management. NOAAs efforts guide GOMI, and their data, tools and funding opportunities enable our work.

Professor Emeritus at Acadia University, Wolfville, NS

KCT

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is dedicated to the conservation of land in Kennebunkport. Throughout their conservation efforts, they focus on community conservation, involving the community in stewarding through educational programs, visits to sites, and historic contextualization. They host community events and partner with other community organizations to further the mission of stewarding the land.

USFW Parker River Reserve

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts, is a protected area that provides habitat for migratory birds. The refuge itself is made up of various habitats, including sandy beaches and dunes, cranberry bogs, maritime forests, shrubland and freshwater marshes. The refuge has comprehensive resource management projects that range from beach management to shrub restoration to invasive species control. They partner with other environmental organizations in the area and provide a site for outdoor education.

Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wheelabrator Saugus Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is a landfill-turned-wildlife sanctuary. It is one of the largest bird migration staging areas on the North Shore and a habitat for nearly 200 bird species, as well as other wildlife. It is certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council, and serves as an educational site for tours, lectures, and other conservation projects. 

Primary Contact: Geoff Wilson

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Wheelabrator Technologies 

Saugus, MA

University of New England

The department of Environmental Studies at UNE partners closely with GOMI sites in Kennebunkport: Kennebunkport HS and Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Their programs are interdisciplinary, and aimed at understanding human and ecosystem interactions. The environmental studies department seeks to promote and deepen sustainability efforts at different geographic scales

Drumlin Farms

Drumlin Farm is a 206-acre wildlife sanctuary and working farm located in Lincoln, Massachusetts. It serves as a demonstration site for sustainable agriculture and livestock keeping, and is committed to providing hands-on, inquiry based education. Among their varied programming, they bring wildlife to classrooms in local schools, in a sense “bringing the outside in” to maximize student engagement.

Massachussets Audobon

US Fish and Wildlife

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting and ensuring healthy habitat across the US’ wildlife areas. They have a series of refuges that are protected and managed for public use, and initiatives that are aimed at monitoring wildlife movement and populations. They are tasked with creating and disseminating an ethics of conservation and preservation across the US, and do so through educational resources, restoration projects, and park admissions. 

Kport Climate Initiative

The Kennebunkport Climate Initiative works to empower youth to engage with and come up with creative, local solutions to climate change. Their programs are based on hands-on education and action, helping to build advocacy campaigns or providing educational materials to teachers and parents. Ultimately, they aim to elevate youth voices to engage with community leaders and advocate for system-wide change.

Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest serves as a long-term ecological laboratory in the NH White Mountains. Scientists carry out research based on long-term studies of air, water, soils, plants and animals. Though it was established by the USDA Forest Service, it is now maintained as a collaborative effort between the NSF’s LTER program, the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, and other institutions. Out Bethlehem, NH site partners closely with the HBEF for hands-on science projects.

Mill City Grows

Mill City Grows runs the community gardens in Lowell, MA. They run educational and advocacy programs, and helped pass the protocol for the establishment of community gardens in the city. They oversee garden management in Lowell, run a market stand and CSA, and are committed to food justice programming and education. 

Lowell Community Gardens