This class will focus on what woody invasive species are and where they come from, why they are bad for our native ecosystem, how to identify our most common species and finally, how to remove these species.  For the last ten years Gary Mitchell has been actively removing woody invasive species on various conservation preserves and loves teaching others how to do it themselves. 

Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Course Fee: $13

Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator wanting to help children understand and think critically about race and equity? Kittery Advocates for All (KAFA) invites you to join us for recorded episodes of the "Talking Race & Kids" webinar series where experts tackle difficult topics such as how kids learn about race, and effectively discussing racism with children. Episodes are about one hour long, followed by group discussion. Learn more at www.embracerace.org.

Tuesday, March 3, April 7 & May 5, 6-8-p.m.

Course Fee: Free, pre-registration is required

March 15, 2020 marks the two-hundredth anniversary of Maine’s separation from Massachusetts and its becoming the 23rd of the United States. Come and find out how and why Maine was part of Massachusetts to begin with and also how and why it separated from Massachusetts and became a state.

Thursday, March 5, 6-8 p.m.

Course Fee: $12

Three Women of the Piscataqua tells the story of three notable women who lived and thrived in the Piscataqua River region during the 19th Century:  Celia Thaxter, the Poet of the Isles of Shoals, who grew up on a lighthouse island and became one of the most popular poets of her time.  She was also painted pottery, did water colors and created an amazing garden on Appledore Island; Sarah Orne Jewett of South Berwick, Maine was a well-known writer and feminist who wrote 140 works of fiction, including seven novels; Sarah Farmer, founded a resort hotel, Green Acre in Eliot that became world famous for lectures and hosting spiritual luminaries from the major world religions. 

David is a narrator/tour guide on M/V Thomas Laighton during summers, as it cruises out to the Isles of Shoals and a Tour Guide for Historic New England at the Sarah Orne Jewett Historical Mansion in South Berwick.  He also gives history talks at libraries and retirement communities. Twenty-five years’ experience in the field of environment.

Earth Day 1970 saw thousands of Americans speak out for the Earth demanding the government do something about pollution that threatened our air, water, land, animal life and human health. The environmental movement began in earnest in the United States in the early 1970’s as US Maine Senator Ed Muskie, led Congress in creating a bold, comprehensive national environmental protection program. Equally important, nonprofit environmental groups were born, becoming the watchdog champions of these programs.  During the following years, the movement broadened to include environmental justice, urban open space, river restoration, and much more.  Recently, a re-enlivened interest in environment, fueled by an existential fear of climate change signals a shift in public attitudes and possibly a breaking of the political logjam at the national level.

David is a narrator/tour guide on M/V Thomas Laighton during summers, as it cruises out to the Isles of Shoals and Tour Guide for Historic New England at the Sarah Orne Jewett Historical Mansion in South Berwick.  He also gives history talks at libraries and retirement communities. Twenty-five years’ experience in the field of environment.

Heroes of the Portsmouth Region tells the story of three people who made substantial contributions to the region: the beloved Rev. John Tucke, minister of the Isles of Shoals for 41 years – 1732 to 1773; Mary and Josie Prescott, two retired Portsmouth school Teachers who created Prescott Park in the early 1900s, now a popular setting for enjoying the Piscataqua River and for concerts and other events. Prescott Park replaced a rundown, disreputable waterfront district with one the regions’ finest river amenities.  Finally, we will chronicle the life of eight-term Portsmouth mayor Eileen Dondero Foley, longest serving mayor of Portsmouth and whose dedication and work has had a lasting impact of Portsmouth citizens and the city itself.

David is a narrator/tour guide on M/V Thomas Laighton during summers, as it cruises out to the Isles of Shoals and a Tour Guide for Historic New England at the Sarah Orne Jewett Historical Mansion in South Berwick. He also gives history talks at libraries and retirement communities. Twenty-five years’ experience in the field of environment.

Jeremy D'Entremont has been photographing and writing about lighthouses for more than 30 years. He is the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles, the founder and chairman of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and the president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foundation. He has lectured on his favorite topic all along the New England coast.  Join us for an interesting and very informative lecture on our closest five lighthouses: Cape Neddick (Nubble), Boon Island, Whaleback, Portsmouth Harbor, and White Island.  After the lecture, there will time for q and a and to purchase books.

Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Course Fee: $25

Around the turn of the 20th century, Kittery was a booming tourist destination boasting 5 Grand Hotels. This presentation will take you back to the romance of spending the summer on the breezy banks of the Piscataqua River in Victorian style. Discover what made these Hotels different from each other. The presentation will also examine what caused the demise of this "Grand" era in our town's history. Kim Sanborn, Director of the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum will present this PowerPoint program. Meet at the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum.

Thursday, May 21, 6-8 p.m.

Course Fee: $12