Service locations
The Ecology School hosts program participants from around the United States for year-round learning experiences focused on environmental and sustainability education. These include overnight and day programs for schools; conferences, retreats, and professional development opportunities; and overnight summer camps for youth.
In spring 2021, The Ecology School’s Learning Experiences Team taught in-person programs to 688 students in grades 2 through 7 at Maine and New Hampshire schools.
Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation sponsored by Poland Spring, took place in August 2021, bringing 65 K-8 educators from 17 states around the country to The Ecology School’s River Bend Farm campus for four days of professional development.
This fall The Ecology School partnered with North Spore and MOFGA to host Mycology Outside, a weekend foraging cooking, cultivating, and learning about mushrooms.
In early 2021 The Ecology School gained a multi-national audience when it launched a free online learning platform—EcologyOnline, sponsored by Poland Spring. EcologyOnline is designed to take the student—no matter their age—away from their screens and engage with the outdoors. With lessons designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this online curriculum is crafted to give structure to time spent outside. www.EcologyOnline.org
2022 Goals
- The Ecology School completed its $14.1 million Campaign to build the new River Bend Farm Campus in April 2021, thanks to the generosity and vision of donors from around the country and financing from USDA RD and CEI. River Bend Farm, home of The Ecology School, is now open! Early 2021 marks an incredible spot in the history of climate action for the state, as Maine becomes home to two of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world, built to the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge.
- Launch our 2022 Summer Overnight Camps! The Ecology School is pre-registering youth and families for its inaugural summer of overnight camps in 2022.
- Invite businesses, organizations, and groups to live and learn at River Bend Farm. The Ecology School campus is now open to provide an impactful overnight experience (conference, retreat, professional development, etc.) at one of Maine’s most beautiful farms, River Bend Farm.
- Expand AgroEcology farming operations. Produce grown organically on-site is used in from scratch meals for our program participants and staff. Surplus is donated to local food pantries.
- Please note all programs adhere to COVID guidelines and protocols, TheEcologySchool.org/Covid-Safety
Giving Opportunities
By attending a workshop, organizing a retreat, registering your child for summer camp, signing up to volunteer, or advocating for your child’s school to attend a program, you are contributing to The Ecology School!
