Out and About with the Casco Baykeeper by Ivy Frignoca
In 2020 and 2021, with social contact limited and meetings mostly via Zoom, Staff Scientist Mike Doan and I continued monitoring water quality and worked hard to improve and protect our beloved Bay. What we missed was time with friends and colleagues. Reconnecting in person with people on and around the Bay made the 2022 summer magical.
In July, I enjoyed seeing so many Friends of the Bay at our first in-person Annual Members Meeting in three years. I also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues and donors at our Continuous Monitoring Stations. The conversations we shared generated many ideas that will help us better protect the Bay.
In my personal life, it was a pleasure to enjoy the Bay with friends and family. Sailing with friends and stopping to explore Little Chebeague Island was one of my favorite moments. My children loved boating there when they were young. Exploring the island this year evoked present joy and past fond memories.
On another excursion, dear friends and I gathered for a sunset cruise from Falmouth to Harpswell, stopping at Mackerel Cove before barbecuing by the Cribstone Bridge. The Bay shimmered, smooth and flat with the setting sun reflecting off the islands — I love the rugged beauty of Harpswell.
I cherished my time off the water, too. I often bike along the Bay, with stops for the countless terrific views and coastline to explore — Cousins and Littlejohn Islands are personal favorites. When I simply need to relax, I head to my home turf: Broad Cove. Cumberland’s beautiful town reserve is an excellent place to swim, read a book, catch up with neighbors, and soak in some Bay magic.
Wherever I have been this summer, I have seen people loving Casco Bay. It is wonderful to know I share this love for our Bay with so many, including all of you.
