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V O L . X X I V N O. X X I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 8 – 2 0 1 9 34 BOARD OFFICERS John Rooks Board Vice Chair President, The SOAP Group Steven Grindle Board Treasurer Managing Partner, Grindle Robinson LLP Linda Boudreau Board Secretary Planning Board Member, city of South Portland BOARD MEMBERS Robert Adkins: Director Retired Attorney Joel Alex: Director President and Manager, Blue Ox Malthouse Catherine Goodwin: Director Retired, Former State Office Representative for U.S. Senator Collins Mike Hansen: Director Classroom Teacher/Environmental Educator Corey Hascall: Director Vice President of Alumni Engagement, USM Foundation Tom Merrill: Director Retired Attorney Amy Ouellette: Director Retired Psychiatrist Susan Swanton: Director Retired Executive Director, Maine Maritime Trade Association Established: 1998 Employees: 8 year-round and 16 seasonal Annual revenue: $1,120,147 CONTACT 8 Morris Ave., Building One Saco, ME 04072 (207) 283-9951 River Bend Farm 184 Simpson Road Saco, ME 04072 (207) 571-4007 TheEcologySchool.org EcologySchool @EcologySchoolME @TheEcologySchool MISSION STATEMENT The Ecology School inspires stewardship of and connection to the natural world through experiential learning in ecology, conservation, farming and sustainability. SERVICE LOCATION(S) The Ecology School hosts over 12,000 program participants annually from around the U.S. for year-round environ- mental education opportunities including overnight and day programs, outreach programs and camps. The majority of school-year programming is provided to school districts in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont. In 2017, 69 New England schools partnered with The Ecology School to integrate experiential, innovative ecology and sustainability programs into their curricula. The Ecology School 2019 GOALS In 2019, e Ecology School (TES) will truly transform as it transitions to a new home at River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River. e move will propel educational initiatives by increasing pro- gram capacity and providing "live what you learn" opportunities for participants through hands-on exploration of Maine's ecosystems, sustainable living practices, direct connection to food systems and modelling conservation-in-action. f A new home at River Bend Farm: TES is embarking on a $2 million Capital Campaign to reimagine the property at River Bend Farm into the most sustainable residential environmental learning center in Maine. Coupled with $10 million in long-term financing, the Campaign will support new building construction and programmatic integration. f The most sustainable residential environmental learning center in Maine: A 7,000 square-foot dining commons and a 9,000 square-foot dor- mitory on the River Bend Farm property will meet the most advanced and rigorous measures of sustainability in the build-built environment through the Living Building Challenge, including 105% renewable energy, 100% closed-loop water systems and use of Maine building materials. f Agroecology Farm: Establish and integrate full-scale farming operations based on ecological principles (agroecology, which includes permaculture design and organic farming practices), providing inspirational opportunities for youth and community members to learn about farming, food security, climate resilience and food systems. f Research and partnerships: Collaboration between environmentally-minded organizations, educational institutions, professionals, community organizations and more will continue to be a fundamental goal of TES as the new site serves as a hub for collective and holistic investment in ecology and sustainability research. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities for community members and volunteers to participate in envi- ronmentally-focused activities, classes, programs and engagement events will be plentiful as the property at River Bend Farm is completed. Keep up-to-date with progress and opportunities to engage with e Ecology School by visiting our website, TheEcologySchool.org, following our social media accounts and subscribing to our newsletter. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES e Ecology School is grateful for the generosity of our many individual, cor- porate and foundation supporters who recognize the importance of inspiring the next generation of earth's stewards. Our supporters provide over $250,000 in tuition assistance to more than 5,000 students each year. Support is being sought from individuals, businesses and foundations who recognize the impor- tance of constructing Maine's most sustainable buildings and educational farm in order to teach the next generation. f Donate online at TheEcologySchool.org f Are you interested in helping e Ecology School become the most sus- tainable residential environmental learning center in Maine? Contact us to schedule a tour of River Bend Farm and learn more about TES's vision for the future and how you can be a part of it. f Newsletters are sent monthly to friends and supporters. Become a friend today by emailing info@theecologyschool.org. Program income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64% Fundraising and grants . . . . . . . . . . . 35% Sales, interest and miscellaneous income . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1% TOP FUNDING SOURCES Mary Martin Board Chair, RSU 16 School Board President, Retired Maine School Principal Drew Dumsch Founder, President and CEO