2023 IASNR Conference
Field Trips
Coasts, Collaboration, and Community at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
June 11, 2023 – All day trip with 40 minutes drive travel time from conference hotel
If you want to know what this year’s conference theme “feels like”, join us at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) where Bridging the Gap between Research & Practice by Communicating and Collaborating with Practitioners is what we do! One of 30 place-based Research Reserves in the US, our work in coasts and estuaries integrates research, education, training, and natural resource stewardship to understand and monitor the social ecological system we are embedded in and to engage with the people who live, work, and play here. Collaborative stakeholder-engaged research at the Wells Reserve focuses on climate adaptation, lobster biology, eDNA, coastal habitat restoration and effective boundary spanning that fosters community resilience. During the field trip we will share stories about our work and learn from you about how this connects with your work.
This walking tour includes the historic Laudholm Farm campus of the Reserve and a 2-mile round trip walk through forest, salt marsh and beach to the Little River Inlet over-looking the Reserve and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. A bag lunch will be provided at the site, restrooms and a sheltered location will be available as our home base during the field trip. Plan for rain or shine, uneven terrain, and insects.
Itinerary:
– 8:50 AM departure from the conference hotel.
– 9:30 AM arrival at Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.
– 3:00 PM departure from Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.
– 3:40 PM arrival at the conference hotel.
Cost: $50 USD per person
What to pack: Plan for rain or shine, walking shoes for uneven terrain, insect repellent, and sun screen. Optional: Bathing suit and towel.
Trip capacity: The limit for this tour will be 20 people. Tour minimum is 10.
Portland City and Lighthouse Trolley Tour
June 11, 2023 – 2-hour trip
The tour is operated by Portland Discovery – land and sea tours. Enjoy a 105-minute, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minute stop.
Departure and return information: The trolley will pick up participants at the conference hotel (the Holiday Inn by the Bay) at 10:00 AM and drop off participants back to the conference hotel at 12:00 PM.
Cost: $30 USD per person
Trip capacity: 30 people max
The Wheel Deal: The Social Impacts of Mountain Biking and Recreation Tourism in Bethel, Maine
June 16, 2023 – All day trip with 90 minutes drive travel time from conference hotel
Mountain biking has gone through a renaissance in the last decade, with membership in local bike clubs and sales at local bike shops both on the rise. The so-called “bike boom” became even more apparent during the COVID-19 crisis, as individuals sought opportunities to recreate outside and away from crowds. Members of the conservation community have historically questioned the ecological impacts of mountain biking, while proponents of mountain biking have touted the economic benefits of recreation tourism. What about social impacts? To explore that question, we will visit Inland Woods + Trails, located in Bethel, Maine. Inland Woods + Trails is one of nine mountain biking destinations in Bike Borderlands, a network organized by the Northern Forest Center as part of an effort to “energize rural communities and help more people discover this part of the world, move here, start a business, and Live the New Forest Future.” We will listen to a panel presentation from individuals involved with Inland Woods + Trails, learn about the social impacts of mountain biking in the region, enjoy a locally-sourced lunch, and participate in an optional mountain bike group ride on local trails.
Itinerary:
– 8:00 AM departure from the conference hotel.
– 9:30 AM arrival at Bethel, Maine.
– 3:00 PM departure from Bethel, Maine.
– 4:30 PM arrival at the conference hotel.
Cost: $50 USD per person; includes lunch at the Gemini Café and Bakery
What to pack: Plan for rain or shine, walking shoes for uneven terrain, insect repellent, and sun screen. Optional: Bathing suit and towel.
Trip capacity: The limit for this tour will be 20 people. Tour minimum is 10.
Optional after-lunch activities:
- Guided mountain bike ride on trails managed by Inland Woods + Trails
- Individuals who want to participate in an optional group ride should plan to provide their own transportation and equipment OR plan to rent equipment from Barker Mountain Bikes, a supporter of Inland Woods + Trails, or
- On your own hike at Mount Will