Three decades of success – the impact of Friends of Casco Bay
December 31, 2019Friends of Casco Bay has a long history of success. Since our founding in 1989, our work-with, science-based approach has moved the needle toward a healthier, more protected Bay. We championed a halt to cruise ship pollution and won a No Discharge Area designation for Casco Bay, the first in… Read more
What’s in a name?
June 26, 2017What’s in a name? Casco Bay has had many names. Where did the name Casco come from? The Abenakis called this place Aucocisco [ah-coh-sis-ko], which may translate as “Place of the Herons.” Some people say it may actually have meant “marshy place” or “place of the slimy mud.” White… Read more
Did you know…How many lighthouses are in Casco Bay?
June 26, 2017Did you know…How many lighthouses are in Casco Bay? All are in the southwest region of the Bay, which is not surprising, since this where ship traffic is concentrated. Draw them on a chart of Casco Bay. 1. “Bug Light,” South Portland, Portland Breakwater 2. Spring Point Ledge, South Portland,… Read more
Become a pollution detective
June 26, 2017Become a Pollution Detective! What is polluted runoff? What are sources of pollution in stormwater runoff? (pesticides & fertilizers, pet wastes, litter, oil & road salt, soil & sand, leaky septic systems, motor oil) On the next rainy day, grab your rain gear and boots, and investigate your own neighborhood… Read more
So you think you know Casco Bay
June 26, 2017So You Think You Know Casco Bay 1. What are the landward and seaward boundaries of Casco Bay? _________________ _______________________ 2. How many coastal or island communities border Casco Bay? ____________________ 3. What is an estuary and why is it important? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 4.… Read more
Stewardship: Design your perfect yard
June 26, 2017BayScaping: Design Your Perfect Yard Background Our idea of the “perfect yard” grew from our ancestors’ appreciation of the manicured lawns of English estates. Large expanses of grass require heavy investments of fertilizers, pesticides, water, and labor. After Edwin Beard Budding invented the lawnmower in 1830, Americans became obsessed with… Read more