Connected Learning Ecosystem

16 smiling educators standing on a path in the woods with field equipment from a vernal pool community science project.

The Hancock County and Midcoast Maine RTCs joined forces in 2020 before becoming a CLE, and what a force we are! We not only share great ideas, helpful resources and suggestions, but we also have a good time with lots of laughs in the process.

Lead Educators

  • Smiling woman in a hat and life vest in the middle of a lake surrounded by evergreen trees

    Kelly Robbins

    Grades 7–8 science teacher, Medomak Middle School

  • Smiling woman with glasses and a dark shirt crouching on a rock holding a periwinkle

    Carla Scocchi

    4-H Youth Development Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Get to know our community

  • Rocky coastline, peppered with Pine trees along a deep blue ocean

    Acadia

    Acadia National Park protects 47,000-acres along 64 miles of midcoast Maine's coastline. Its landscape encompasses an abundance of habitats including forests, wetlands, rocky beaches and glacier carved peaks, providing life for a number of species from tidal pool microorganisms to moose and bear and 1100 different plant species. With 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, there is ample opportunity for the community to engage in both recreational and scientific exploration in the park.

  • Rocky coastline, peppered with Pine trees along a deep blue ocean

    Landtrusts

    Land trusts are an integral part of the landscape in Midcoast Maine. These charitable organizations offer diverse benefits—from providing land access and places to host meetups and field investigations to providing the community with a deep connection to place. They work to ensure responsible land management and conservation in strong alignment with local community values. Land trusts also play an important role in the education sphere, both in public outreach and partnering with local schools to do educational programming.

  • Rocky coastline, peppered with Pine trees along a deep blue ocean

    Penobscot Bay

    Penobscot Bay serves as a place of connection for many educators in this CLE who are somewhat separated by the unique geographic features of midcoast maine. Educators and communities have deep ties to this marine ecosystem known for its extensive lobster and fishing industry, cruising ports and incredible panoramic vistas. Penobscot Bay has many working waterfronts including Rockland, Rockport and Stonington and is also home to a brand new field research station on Hurricane Island.

Learning Ecosystems in Action

Explore stories from completed and ongoing projects and curriculum.

Schools and Partners

4-H Cooperative Extension

Beech Hill School

Blue Hill Consolidated School

Bucksport Middle School

Camden Hills Regional High School

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Darling Marine Center

Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School

Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Island Heritage Trust

Kieve Wavus

Liberty Library

Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance

Maine Sea Grant

Medomak Middle School

North Haven Community School

Rural Aspirations Project

St. George School

Tremont Consolidated School