“Tuesday in the Park” Series
A variety of programs and talks are presented Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in Jordan Hall (unless otherwise noted). Cost: $5.00.
July 1: A National Wildlife Refuge in our Back Yard? (no cost)
Discover the beauty and importance of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Maine. Join us for an inspiring presentation by Tom Wall from the wildlife refuge as he explores how this unique refuge connects people to nature through its diverse landscapes, wildlife and conservation efforts. Learn how you can get involved in protecting this natural treasure.
July 8: Wood Island Lighthouse Virtual Tour (no cost)
Rick Koehler will offer a virtual tour of Wood Island Lighthouse, the 1808 lighthouse that can be seen from Ocean Park, as well as a virtual tour of the islands. Learn about the recent restoration and the role it plays in preserving local ecosystems and how you can get involved in protecting this natural treasure. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about conservation, this presentation is for you.
July 15: Maine’s Narrow Gauge Trains
From the 1880s to the 1940s, Maine was the only state to boast a system of two-footer narrow gauge railroads. These diminutive railroads had an outsized impact on Maine’s development. Join this fascinating discussion by the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum of Portland to learn how and why Maine developed its unique style of railroading, and what it meant for the state’s development.
July 22: Climate Change on our Coast: Is Our Weather Really Changing?
Ever felt a bit cloudy after hearing about climate change? Come listen to Channel 8 Meteorologist Ted McInerney discuss the impact of climate change on Maine’s coastline, particularly in Ocean Park.
July 29: “Ding, Ding, Ding goes the Trolley…” Maine’s Seasonal Trolley Museum
Join Katie Orlando, Executive Director of the Seashore Trolley Museum, as she brings to life the history of trolleys in our seaside towns and beyond. The talk will cover the impact that electric and steam railroads played in our community from 1880 through 1939, including fascinating facts about the old ‘dummy train’ that ran through Ocean Park from Old Orchard to Camp Ellis over a century ago.
August 5: What is Happening in your Garden?
Let’s share our stories of our challenges in times of drought or excess rain and what works for us with Martha Fenn King, author of “A Maine Garden Almanac: Seasonal Wisdom for Making the Most of Your Garden Space”. Martha will also share excerpts and poems from her book which will be available for purchase (book cost $33.00, cash only) and signing.
August 12: The Ultimate Beach Book: Ocean Park as the Main Character
Join life-long Ocean Parker Victoria Denault who will share her journey to becoming an author and how she uses Ocean Park as the setting and inspiration for many of her romance novels. Could a character be based on a local inhabitant?
August 19: Colorful, Charismatic Crustaceans & Climate Change
Orange, blue calico, even split-colored, crabs in the Gulf of Maine? Come hear current on-going research into why, as well as work being done on invasive green crabs and their ecological impact in context of climate change. Dr. Markus Frederich from UNE will present this fascinating talk.
August 26: Winslow Homer, from Illustrator to Artist
Come learn about Winslow Homer’s life, works, and time spent at his local studio in Prout’s Neck. Winslow Homer enthusiast, Peter Hornby, will share his extensive knowledge about this New England artist. Books will be available.