Step back in time with Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) on their ever-popular historical tour of Swan Island Saturday, September 22 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. FOMB member and Friends of Swan Island president, Jay Robbins, will lead the tour to this unique, isolated island- nature reserve managed by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The group will reach the island by ferry from Richmond for a truck tour lasting approximately two hours. There will be plenty of opportunities to get out of the truck, so be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring some drinking water.

Located in the Kennebec River between Richmond and Dresden, the four mile Swan Island is a part of the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The island's name itself is derived from “Swango,” the Abenaki name for “Island of Eagles.” In the late 1800s, a small community on the island earned a living by farming, fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, brick manufacturing, and ice making. The island was also reportedly visited by American historical figures Aaron Burr, Benedict Arnold and Colonel Henry Dearborn. On the tour, you’ll come to know the history of the abandoned island, once known as Perkins Township - and get an intimate look at several historic houses in varying stages of preservation from eighty years ago when last inhabited. The island is also known for its abundant bald eagles, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. This event is open to the public. Pre-registration and $5.00 access fee are required. Attendance is limited. To register, contact trip leader Jay Robbins at 737-2239.

FOMB’s Outside! Series is the warm weather counterpart to FOMB’s popular Winter Speaker Series. This speaker series starts October 10th when master falconer, Larry Barnes, gives a live falcon demonstration at Bath City Hall! To receive more information about FOMB’s programs, please call Ed Friedman, Chair, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay, at 666-3372 or edfomb@comcast.net. The full Winter Speaker Series is on the web at: www.friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org