Island and coastal students are curious about kelp

Posted November 21, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

It’s been a very busy fall for kelp growing schools along the Maine Coast. From Downeast to Casco Bay, an increasing number of students and teachers are studying seaweed and deploying kelp lines – in coves, salt-water ponds, old lobster pounds and under piers. By working with local environmental education organizations and industry partners, these school-based waterfront innovators are giving us a glimpse of how kelp aquaculture will help diversify Maine’s fisheries in the future.

Connecting and sharing solutions at the Great Lakes Islands Summit

Posted November 10, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Islanders from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Canada stood at the bow of the Emerald Isle Ferry as it made the two hour crossing from Charlevoix to Beaver Island. The islanders, participants in the first Great Lakes Islands Summit held at the Central Michigan University Biological Station September 20-22, were naturally curious about other island communities.

Commercial Currents: Getting a grant

Posted November 1, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

It’s true: For-profit businesses aren’t attractive for grant funding, no matter how noble the company’s mission or strong the ties to the local community. Still, there are a few grants out there that can boost businesses, sometimes in surprising ways. This month’s “Commercial Currents” looks at how two islands successfully leveraged grants to boost their business.

The TLC’s Golden Circle

Posted October 30, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Before the start of the new school year, the teachers from the Outer Islands Teaching & Learning Collaborative (TLC) gathered in Rockland for their (now) annual Teacher Retreat. The focus of the retreat is to allow work time and planning for the year ahead, but what became the driving focus for the day, though, was not the “what” or “how” of our work, but the “why.” By taking time to clarify and (re-)define the “why,” the purpose for our work this year, all the other components more or less fell into place.

New year, new communities for our Island Fellows

Posted October 16, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Not only does September bring cooler nights, subtle changes in the leaves, and the start of a new school year, but it’s also the beginning of a new fellowship year here at the Island Institute. This year, the Institute is placing nine Island Fellows — from St. George to Eastport and Millinocket in Maine — to as far west as Beaver Island in Michigan. Our fellows are starting their year by getting to know their new communities and beginning the process of engaging themselves and others in their work.

2017 Island Teachers Conference: Meeting island students where they are

Posted October 13, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Island schools may be small, but the needs and interests of their students are big and varied. How then do island educators provide the wide range of support and rigor needed to ensure a student’s success? Personalized learning plans, trauma-informed classrooms, and integrated creative arts are just some of the innovative approaches that were featured at the recent 2017 Island Teachers Conference.

Reflecting on Fellowship: Joe’s Boots

Posted September 25, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Island Fellow alum Gideon Davidson reflects on his year on Swan’s Island and shares a special memory that he says will last long beyond his time there — one about unexpected island hospitality.

Local entrepreneur helps highlight Maine oysters, growers with new business ventures

Posted August 29, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Earlier this spring, we caught up with Brendan Parsons, the founder of BP’s Shuck Shack and overall oyster entrepreneur. We first got to know Brendan through the first round of our Aquaculture Business Development program in 2015. Less than a year after getting his first seed in the water, he’s started his own retail and wholesale operations and has plans for much more. Learn more about Brendan and how he’s influencing the local oyster market.

Maine islands are getting energized about the transition to clean energy

Posted August 21, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Mainers pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation, with costs being especially high on Maine’s islands. Learn how Maine communities are developing creative approaches to address these costs and reduce reliance on expensive and polluting fuels through community-based clean energy initiatives.

Commercial Currents: Extending the shoulder seasons with coworking spaces

Posted August 18, 2017 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

They’re popping up everywhere! While coworking spaces may be the new trendy thing, they’ve also become another tool for communities trying to extend the shoulder seasons. When communities can attract seasonal residents and find ways for them to come earlier or stay longer, it can have social and economic benefits for everyone.