Farming Kelp, Fiber, and Bikes in Biddeford

 

Kelp!  We start at Atlantic Sea Farms and learn about how kelp could one day help the lobster fishermen in Casco Bay.  We had a great talk with Briana Warner, CEO.  However, we didn't get to see any kelp while we were there.  Our next stop at UNE we went out on the research boat to Ram Island and got to see the kelp farm.

We also saw a pair of eagles hanging out on the jetty...



We tour the amazing UNE Marine Science center and listen to some informative talks on aging and the work of UNE North.  

The location of the Marine Science center is ideal, it allows the students to get out in the water to explore and also for sea water to be pumped into the building for all the various sea life that they study.



Giant lobster that now lives at the science center.  I think he was rainbow colored but is now changing colors.


We headed to Fiber Materials Inc, FMI and learned about all they do.  What was most powerful was their panel of employees at all different levels in the company.  These employees reiterated what we have heard all year in all of our ELE visits. 

If you have a good work ethic, show up to work everyday and are willing to learn and grow..they will train you!  

Our final stop was powerful because it was high school students that taught us about what they do and learn at an amazing non profit called Apex Youth Connection.  We visited their bike shop where they learn how to fix bikes, and sell them.  

Heading in for our tour & training!
They showed members of our group how to change a tire!
Tools of the trade!

Our conversation with the students was so powerful because they talked about what they have learned since they have been coming to APEX.  One student said that he learned that he needs to just ask for help when he gets a new or challenging bike to work on.  This would have made our facilitator from our morning session on aging (Professor Marilyn Gagliucci) very happy because she wrapped up her talk by telling us just to ASK!

Our ELE group now heads into our final June outing of the year, and we all are asking ourselves what we will do with all of the knowledge we have gained through this incredible experience!












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