Photo by Jim Coyer

Dear Friends of the Shoals Marine Lab,

 

I write with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be part of such a committed, generous community.  Since our last newsletter, we have successfully met our goals for Cornell Giving Day and for the (603) Challenge at the University of New Hampshire.  Our goal of 150 donors for the (603) Challenge seemed a stretch, and yet we surpassed that goal by almost 10%.  Thank you to everyone who participated in either (or both) of these critical fundraisers.  In addition, we are indebted to the large group of volunteers who help our island campus in a myriad of ways.  We had an overwhelming response to our call for help during May volunteer weekend and had to turn away some folks due to lack of housing.  We are also supported by an amazing group of marine docents, who are busy preparing to lead our Garden Tours and Walking Tours and will help introduce more people to the beauty and magic of Appledore.

 

Although I still have not been able to go to Appledore yet, the preparations for this summer are well underway.  We have filled all our seasonal staff positions.  The academics committee is busy processing applications, developing scholarship packages, and facilitating students enrolling in classes. Most of our interns and TAs have been selected.  Our faculty are working on syllabi and schedules.  We are organizing the Rock Talks and scheduling our Artists in Residence. The Kingsbury “splashed” last week – she’s in the water - and the captains are busy getting her ready for the Coast Guard inspection and for the season.  And, yes, during the last trip to the island, the webcam housing was cleaned to provide clearer views of the island.  Of course, that happened just before the most recent Nor’easter, providing incredible views and a reminder of the power of the ocean.

 

In three weeks, we will have staff training on the mainland, including my first wilderness first aid training.  This training is incredibly important both for preparing the staff for their work this summer and for helping us bond as a team.  I am reminded of the many wonderful people I have met as Shoals staff over the years and who have helped create the magic of Appledore.  The energy and excitement as we head toward open-up is palpable.  In preparing this newsletter, I encouraged staff to provide some of the things they did in the “off season” to see what brings them joy and helps get them ready for the next season.

 

In anticipation of seeing Appledore blossom in the spring, and hoping to see many of you on the island this summer, 

 

The busy summer season brings our Shoals staff together working long hours on Appledore, but in the offseason - what do they get up to? Our community spans far and wide, and the general consensus is work hard - play hard! Since the offseason is coming to a close, take a peek at what some of our staff has been doing below:

From left to right:

 

Shark Captain Steve Picken spending time at home and with family

 

Director of Facilities Ross Hansen having fun in the snow on Appledore and the mainland

 

Associate Director Dr. Dave Buck working on his backyard maple syrup operation (check out the maple ice cream at Festina Lente in Kittery, ME before it's gone!)

 

Communications Coordinator Rachel Lewis working offshore and spending time off in the White Mountains

 

                       Photo by Jim Coyer of the Sustainable Fisheries course in 2016

Want to know what we’ll be teaching this summer? Check out our exciting array of classes! Most are already full, but a few classes still have some spaces available. If you know a student who might benefit from the following classes, we welcome you to spread the word! (classes in bold and underlined are linked)

 

Field Ornithology - 5/27 - 6/10 (spots still available!)

Marine Mammal Biology - 6/3 - 6/17

Marine Parasitology and Disease - 6/3 - 6/17 (spots still available!)

Sustainable Fisheries - 6/3 - 6/17 (spots still available!)

R by the Sea: Data Analysis in the Marine Sciences - 6/3 - 6/17 (spots still available!)

Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates - 6/17 - 7/1

Ecology and the Marine Environment - 6/17 - 7/1

Marine Ecosystem Research and Management - 7/1 - 7/15

Shark Biology and Conservation - 7/1 - 7/15

Evolution and Marine Diversity - 7/8 - 7/29 (spots still available!)

Investigative Marine Biology Laboratory - 7/15 - 7/29

Shark Biology and Conservation - 7/15 - 7/29

Intro to the Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays - 7/29 - 8/5 (high school)

Research in Biology - 7/29 - 8/12

Marine Environmental Science - 7/29 - 8/12 (high school)

Intro to the Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays - 8/5 - 8/12 (high school)

 

Enrich your mind and soul by attending one of SML's distinguished public programs. Ecology, Art, Birding, Celia Thaxter's Garden Tour, Walking Tour

Get inspired - we invite you to interact with the natural world on Appledore!

 

    Photo by Nancy Grace Horton

                       Photo by Jeremy Gasowski

 

 

 

 

                                Photo by Roger Trudeau

And just like that - the Kingsbury has a fresh coat of paint and is back in the water! 

 

A BIG thank you to our staff who work so hard year-round to make sure all our equipment is in tip-top shape. See everyone out on Appledore soon!

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