Herring Gut Learning Center Timeline

2011

Herring Gut Professional Development Institute (HGPDI) three- year strategic plan developed. Program expansion funded by UpEast Inc and program revenues. Plan outlines growing the impact of Herring Gut through instructional and consultancy programs for teachers. Jen Atkinson hired as first HGPDI Program Manager.

Herring Gut Board of Trustees visioning and strategic planning process defines continuing mission and program direction for next 3-5 years.

Marshall Point Sea Farm fully utilized by two 21st century working waterfront commercial marine businesses. Midcoast Fishermen's Coop operates a seafood processing facility and the Port Clyde Fresh Catch distribution and retail sales center. BioProcess Algae LLC, a biotech company, conducts cold water algae research for commercial agriculture, aquaculture and alternative fuel applications

Outreach programs engage over 100 students from Great Salt Bay School, Damariscotta, Youthlinks-AmeriCorps, Rockland and Camden Rockport Elementary, Camden.

A 'First Work' Experience for Teens was piloted during the summer, providing opportunity for local students in R.S.U. #13, ages 13-15, to develop a strong work ethic, learn the fundamentals of being a responsible employee and gain valuable work experience - through a healthy and productive summer activity.

Herring Gut commences collection of student data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Center's programs, with the goal of producing a best-practice model to help teachers and their students.


2010

Marshall Point Sea Farm becomes part of the Herring Gut campus and facilities.

Herring Gut Professional Development Institute launches 3-day residential summer workshops for K-8 teachers.

MSAD 50 and MSAD 5 consolidate district operations to form RSU 13. Herring Gut Middle Level Alternative Education Program doubles enrollment. Program commences 13th year of collaboration with Herring Gut.

RSU 13 Middle Level Alternative Education students pilot 'School of Roots' student business in re-designed aquaponics greenhouse and fish hatchery. Students sold tilapia, basil, lettuce to local markets, schools, and restaurants. They develop math, science, and literacy skills while acquiring real-world experience through the daily operations and responsibilities of business ownership.

Standards-based, grade-specific marine science and aquaponics programs developed in collaboration with Maine high school science teachers and college professors funded by U.S. Department of Education grant. Herring Gut teachers pilot the new curriculums with RSU 13 Middle Level Alternative Education students and Georges Valley High School biology students.

Wendy Makins elected to the Board of Trustees.

Ann Boover and Island Fellow, Alex Brasili, join Herring Gut staff.

2009

Senators Collins and Snowe support U.S. Department of Education appropriation for Herring Gut to develop science curriculum over 2 year period.

Thomson House restored for seasonal use as residential housing for teachers attending Herring Gut Professional Development Institute summer workshops.

Aquaponic greenhouse/finfish hatchery re-designed and improved.

Herring Gut establishes relationship with Midcoast School of Technology's culinary program, regularly providing fish and produce to their classes.


Vinalhaven filmmaker, Morgan Kirkham, produces a 12-minute documentary profiling the Herring Gut-MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education student program.

Louis 'Sandy' Sage elected to Board of Trustees.

Sara Rademaker joins Herring Gut staff.

2008

Herring Gut welcomes Senator Susan Collins for a student-led tour of Herring Gut student shellfish hatchery. Relationship established for U.S. Department of Education appropriation.

First teacher training aquaponics workshops presented. Foundation created for expansion of relationship with RSU 13 and development of Herring Gut Professional Development Institute.

Wes Todd joins Herring Gut staff as Executive Director.

2007

Programs successfully expanded to serve MSAD 50 Gifted and Talented Program students, Georges Valley High School biology students and MSAD 40 Warren Community School Middle Level Alternative Education students

MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education student oyster hatchery business posts record profit on sale of oyster seed.

Lettuce, tomatoes and cilantro successfully grown and harvested in the aquaponic greenhouse.

Over 1700 summer visitors participate in interactive tours and family activities, evening lecture series, historical displays for public viewing on Herring Gut's campus.

2006

Maine Initiatives Harvest Fund provides Sustainable Agriculture grant for student aquaculture in Herring Gut aquaponic greenhouse.

After-school programs piloted for St. George School and Warren Community School.

Interactive tours and family activities, evening lecture series, historical displays for public viewing conducted during summer season.

Marine science summer camp program expanded.

Herring Gut receives favorable ruling from IRS beginning 60-month termination period from private foundation to public charity status.

2005

Science for a Sustainable Future program piloted with students from Georges Valley High School.

Maryanne Vanasse joins Herring Gut staff.


2004

Tilapia purchased and raised in greenhouse tanks, aquaponic basil grown.

NOAA funding completes fish hatchery and aquaponic greenhouse system and purchases full complement of classroom lab equipment and supplies.

2003

NOAA grant purchases first lab, fish hatchery and greenhouse equipment and supplies.

2002

New Main Classroom Building and Greenhouse facility completed at 59 Factory Road in Port Clyde.

MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education students establish business model for oyster hatchery business.

2001

MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education student oyster operation moves from Marshall Point Sea Farm to converted space on ground floor of classroom facility at 17 Lobster Pound Road.

First marine science outreach programs offered and delivered to area schools.

Herring Gut founder, Mrs. Phyllis Wyeth, receives NOAA Fisheries Environmental Hero Award for her visionary work.

2000

Marshall Point Education Foundation changes name to Herring Gut Learning Center.

First community summer programs offered at Herring Gut Learning Center.

Marine Educator Jeff Chase hired.

1999

MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education students successfully raise seed oysters at Marshall Point Sea Farm, under guidance of Sea Farm staff.

Marshall Point Education Foundation classroom facility at 17 Lobster Pound Road completed. Students begin using center for marine science study and projects.

Marshall Point Education Foundation is established as a non-profit private foundation.

1998

MSAD 50 Middle Level Alternative Education Program students begin learning how to raise oysters at Marshall Point Sea Farm, under guidance of Sea Farm staff.

MBNA Foundation initiates five year funding to establish a non-profit education center to teach aquaculture to the students of Saint George, Maine.

1997
Marshall Point Sea Farm founded by Mrs. Phyllis Wyeth, introducing aquaculture to the traditional fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine.