KELT SPRING STEWARDSHIP SERIES

Learn the basics of using GPS with experienced users and practice in the field
Bath, Maine - The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites the public to join staff member, Chris Cabot, to learn and practice using GPS on Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Participants will have an indoor orientation and then venture to Thorne Head Preserve in Bath for infield application of GPS devices and skills.

GPS or Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system accessible to the public through GPS devices. It is a popular tool for course-plotting and map making.

At Thorne Head Preserve, participants will hone skills on GPS units by plotting and tracking the preserve's springtime vernal pools (seasonal, fish-free pools of water that provide valuable habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife). This type of data has not been collected at the preserve in the past and is significant habitat resource information.

Participants will be joined in the field by Cabot and additional experienced GPS users to optimize the novice to seasoned user ratio. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and one-on-one help to become GPS savvy!

This event is free and open to public, but the course framework is geared for adult participants. Registration is required due to the limited class size by April 8. Please contact Becky Kolak at 442-8400 or bkolak@kennebecestuary.org to sign-up. Participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS units; however, a limited supply of devices will be available for loan. This is a rain or shine event.

KELT is offering two other stewardship workshops in spring. Visit www.kennebecestuary.org for details

KELT SPRING STEWARDSHIP SERIES

Chainsaw safety and maintenance for women is one of the three Stewardship Workshops offered by KELT this spring.
Photo Credit: Alicia Heyburn

GPS Basics, Chainsaw Training for Women, and Botany and Habitat Management for Landowners
Bath, Maine - The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites the public to three workshops for participants to care for the land, to gain valuable skills, and to have splendid experiences in April, May, and June:

Saturday, April 13, GPS Tutorial, 9:00am-2:00pm: Join KELT staff member, Chris Cabot, to learn and practice using GPS (Global Positioning System). Participants will have an indoor orientation and then venture through Thorne Head Preserve in Bath for infield application of GPS devices and skills. A limited number of GPS units are available for loan during the workshop. This is a rain or shine event with no workshop fee. Registration required by April 8th.

Saturday, May 11, Chainsaw Training for Women, 8:30am-3:30pm: Women are encouraged to attend a chainsaw use and maintenance course lead by veteran wood cutter and part time logger, John Cullen. This is an introductory class on chainsaw safety and homeowner maintenance. The rain date for this event is May 19th. $55 per person and includes lunch in the field. Registration required by May 7th.

Saturday, June 8, Botany & Habitat Management, 8:30am-12:30pm: State ecologist and expert, Andrew Cutko, is leading motivated property owners to identify the good, bad, and interesting plants and habitats on the land. Classroom introduction and basics followed by an afternoon of field identification and application. This is a rain or shine event. $30 per person and includes handy identification and instructional materials to take home. Registration required by June 3rd.

Register now due to the limited class sizes! Please contact Becky Kolak at 442-8400 or bkolak@kennebecestuary.org to sign-up. Workshop fees are due at time of registration. Visit www.kennebecestuary.org for additional workshop and presenter details.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.  It holds easements on 2,000+ acres of private land and maintains eight preserves for public enjoyment. FMI contact www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.