2020 Goals
Our River Bend Farm campus opens Fall 2020! The Ecology School has embarked upon a $12.56 million construction project to transform our new home at River Bend Farm, a 105-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River. The Ecology School at River Bend Farm will become one the most sustainable environmental learning centers in the country and an ecological model that everyone will be inspired by. With financing from CEI, the USDA Rural Development, and a robust Capital Campaign, we are over 90% of the way to our funding goal. We are looking for friends and supporters to join us in raising our last $1.2 million over the next year.
- A 7,000 sq. ft. dining commons and 9,000 sq. ft. dormitory will meet the most advanced and rigorous measures of sustainability in the built environment through the Living Building Challenge, including 105% renewable energy and use of Maine building materials.
- A farming program based on ecological principles (agroecology including permaculture design and organic farming practices) will provide hands-on learning opportunities for youth and adults to farm, harvest, and eat.
- A wide variety of new programs including conferences, retreats, overnight camps (for all ages!) and school programs will give local community members and visitors from afar the opportunity to experience sustainable living and learning in Maine.
- Collaboration with other community organizations, institutions, businesses, professionals, and more as River Bend Farm serves as a hub for ecology and sustainability research and education.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
Opportunities for community members and volunteers to participate in environmentally-focused activities, classes, programs, and engagement events will be plentiful when River Bend Farm is completed in Fall 2020.
Keep up to date with progress and opportunities to engage with The Ecology School by visiting our website (TheEcologySchool.org), following our social media accounts, and subscribing to our newsletter.
Giving Opportunities
The Ecology School is in the midst of a $1.2 million Capital Campaign to fund the construction of a Living Building Challenge certified dormitory and dining commons at River Bend Farm. Building design and construction will adhere to the strict standards of the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings. This regenerative design framework was developed to create spaces that, like a flower, give more to the environment than they take. Upon completion, The Ecology School will be one of the most sustainable environmental learning centers in the country.
Additionally, The Ecology School provides over $250,000 in scholarships and tuition subsidies through its annual campaign to ensure all students can participate in programming.
Please consider an investment in the future of environmental education by donating to The Ecology School at River Bend Farm: TheEcologySchool.org/Capital-Campaign
Volunteer Opportunities
Businesses who seek to volunteer, partner, and collaborate with an innovative and community-focused environmental education non-profit should reach out to The Ecology School! The Ecology School hosts on-site volunteer days at River Bend Farm where groups can participate in ecological research and assist in maintaining biodiversity on the property through stewardship work and conservation awareness.
