National Estuaries Day

BATH- September 25 is National Estuaries Day, an annual celebration of the vibrant coastal areas where rivers meet the sea. In recognition, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is hosting the first of their fall environmental lectures, Ecological Recovery: from River to Estuary to Ocean at the Maine Maritime Museum on September 23 at 7pm.

National Estuaries Day is a great opportunity to learn more about these magical ecosystems and how you can help to protect them. An estuary is the region where the salt water of the ocean meets the fresh river water. By the force of the rising tide the current of the river is reversed, and the fresh and salt waters are mixed creating a supportive environment for fish, birds and plants.

The Kennebec Estuary:

• Is comprised of Merrymeeting Bay, the lower Kennebec River and surrounding uplands.
• Is one of the nation’s most significant coastal resources
• Helps prevent coastal erosion and contains 20% of Maine’s tidal marshes representing the largest concentration of salt marshes in the state.
• Is vital to migratory species and supports five federally endangered and threatened species

• Is an important recreational and tourist destination
• Is critical for a healthy local fishery and in the Gulf of Maine

To learn how you can help support the Kennebec Estuary, please contact the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust at 442-8400.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of the natural, historic, scenic, cultural and recreational resources of the Kennebec Estuary.  It holds easements on over 1000 acres of private land and owns seven preserves managed for public recreation.