Wiscasset News Headlines
Wiscasset News Headlines
Wiscasset News Headlines
Wiscasset News Headlines
November 5, 2009
KALEB BROOKS, an eighth grader, shows how it’s done – crossing the gulch at the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset – fearless and proud.
Eighth graders continue Study of Sheepscot River
Submitted by
Cheryle Joslyn, Teacher
Wiscasset Middle School
It was a picturesque day to be on the banks of the Sheepscot River at Fort Edgecomb learning about the fort’s history and the significance of the river on that history. Mr. Sommers presented the "story" of Fort Edgecomb in such an informative and entertaining manner that students were carried back in time to the fort’s construction in 1809.
They learned about the vast shipping industry in Wiscasset, the deep harbor that docked hundreds of vessels, the threat of war to New England settlers, the unique geographic location for a fort on Davis Island, and the protection the fort provided over several years of unrest.
Joanne Cameron from the Friends of Fort Edgecomb hosted the students on the tour and explained the preservation of the fort and its addition to the National Register of Historic Places. On behalf of the Friends of Fort Edgecomb, she presented our library with a copy of Joshua Smith’s recently published book, "Blockhouse and Battery: A History of Fort Edgecomb."
Hearing about this piece of the Sheepscot River’s history while sitting in the very spot of that history made this learning experience exceptionally meaningful.
From Fort Edgecomb we went to Chewonki Neck, where the eighth graders proceeded to learn more and more about the Sheepscot River that flows through their community and the natural environment that surrounds it.
Spending this past week at Chewonki, students have broadened their understanding of such topics as climate change and renewable energy, human history’s role in the changing environment (particularly on Chewonki Neck), the succession of the forest, animal habitat and adaptations, sustainable farming practices, and once again the significance of careful stewardship of our water.
Through an in-depth investigation of the small pond’s living organisms, to investigating while walking the watershed’s stream to the Montsweag Bay salt marsh, students were able to capture an understanding of their role in caring for the environment.
Daily activities such as the "gulch" crossing and group challenges all helped to reinforce one of Chewonki’s goals, "fostering an appreciation for the natural world and working in community with others."
Once again, Wiscasset eighth graders were given a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy the environment from a dedicated staff of counselors at Chewonki.
Please, if you know anyone who could be a resource for our eighth graders this year as they study more about the Sheepscot River, please contact our school (882-7767). The students would like to talk to anyone who has worked – or still works – on the river, or anyone who has stories to tell about the river.