The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites the public to three spectacular destinations within the Kennebec Estuary to celebrate and support the land trust’s work: education, stewardship, land, and water quality programs benefiting nine local communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoinham, Dresden, Georgetown, Richmond, West Bath, Westport Island and Woolwich. KELT was recently named Maine’s 2017 Best Land Trust by readers of Down East magazine – another great reason for a party!

On July 18, join KELT friends and supporters in Georgetown, at the Derecktor Robinhood Marine Center on picturesque Robinhood Cove. On Aug. 15, enjoy the charming setting of Squam Creek Farm alongside tidal Squam Creek on Westport Island. On Sept.  28, gather in the historic Freight Shed in Bath with its splendid views of the Kennebec River. Each location highlights the wealth and variety of natural beauty within the estuary, as well as a chance to meet others who are dedicated to conserving and sharing that beauty.

All events begin at 5:30 p.m.

The gatherings include delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction. The auctions have an array of distinctive items, including handmade wooden bowls from trees harvested from Sewall Woods Preserve’s demonstration forest, generous donations of original works from artists of the estuary including George Baker and Laurie Burhoe, an overnight stay in a Seguin Tree Dwelling, and a two-night stay at a Riggs Cove Rental houseboat.

The Summertime Shindigs are the land trust’s only fundraising events this year. Founded 28 years ago, KELT has protected more than 3,500 acres of significant wild, scenic, cultural, historic and agricultural resources within the Kennebec Estuary. In addition, KELT stewards 25 miles of trails on 11 public preserves, provides nature-based programming to 1,200-plus local students, facilitates citizen science opportunities to monitor water quality and to count alewives at the Nequasset Fish Ladder, and helps to ensure community resilience by protecting local farmland.

Tickets are on sale now at www.kennebecestuary.org/summertime-shindigs with options to join us at a single event ($60 per person) or all three events ($125 per person). Contact Becky Kolak at bkolak@kennebecestuary.org or call 207-442-8400 with questions.