10 Years Thriving “In my wildest dreams, I didn’t think we would be where we are now.” Chris Carrigan Board member through 2019
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
A message from the
Executive Director
As the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership completes its first decade, we find our country and the world embroiled in a storm demanding sound scientific thinking, social justice, and leadership. The issues before us are exactly why our founders imagined a new vision for Hurricane Island as a place for people to come together in community to solve real problems. Prior to coming to Hurricane, I spent 14 years working with Boston schools. My last 7 years, I worked exclusively with a school founded by Black and Latino community activists who dreamed of building a science- and math-themed school for their kids. Those community leaders knew a career in the STEM fields would offer lucrative career choices for students and empower them to make a positive difference for the community. That experience informs my work and is why I believe the experiential, hands-on science learning we offer on Hurricane is critical. Our program and island campus engage my former urban students as well as local Maine kids and so many more in the process of science-informed decision making. Our campus models innovative environmental practices; our curriculum challenges students to be inquisitive changemakers; and we are constructing the only offshore field research station in Penobscot Bay. We have realized our founders’ dream to be a place that engages students in ecological sustainability, climate justice, and community driven research. While the organization spent 2019 realizing the vision of our earliest supporters, it is hard to celebrate all the gains knowing we recently lost several of the people who contributed greatly to the first decade of the new Hurricane. I am saddened by the recent passing of Peter Weiler, Stan Cobb, Peter Coburn, and the other visionaries who shared their passion to make sure a small island with big ideas is accessible to all.
“What brought me to Hurricane is the opportunity I saw for so many in one magnificent vision. What I now understand is the critical need for both the place and the work our founders envisioned. We are charged with carrying their legacy forward.� Bo Hoppin Executive Director
Invitation from the
Board President
Over the past year or so, I have found my own thinking and motivation for Hurricane’s work to be much influenced by an excellent piece of recent writing by Kathleen Dean Moore. I’d like to share a bit from her book Great Tide Rising.
A few years ago, 520 scientists from 44 countries delivered a consensus statement for policy-makers to Governor Jerry Brown that read, in essence: “By the time today’s children reach middle age, it is extremely likely that Earth’s support systems will be irretrievably damaged by human-caused environmental stressors... unless we take concrete, immediate actions to ensure a sustainable future.” Then the scientists walked out of the room. Moore challenges us to imagine a future world in which some or most of those 520 scientists—andI or their understanding of how the world works—remain in the room. Resolved and resilient. At Hurricane, we pick up that challenge. How does science-informed leadership really work? How could it work better? How do we include new decision-makers that have historically not been present? At Hurricane, we are creating a community and a way of knowing that imagines a future world in this island place, and then gives people the tools and the practice for making necessary concrete changes in their own place. This is some of what we will be working on in 2020 and 2021. How can our 2021 Field Research Station model the tenets of the Living Building Challenge, giving back to our ecosystem as much— or more —than it receives? How will our new and much-needed dormitories do so? How will our understanding of this island and this bay deepen as we expand our operating season to 365 days a year, in close proximity with ALL of our year-round island and coastal neighbors? All of them—all the people and all the other living creatures, too. This is exciting, fulfilling, and urgent work. We are forging ahead, from 2019 into 2020 and 2021 with full energy and commitment. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Because doing something is much better than doing nothing. Because we stand on the shoulders of others who dreamed and labored, and we need to make our own shoulders suitably grounded for future generations. This is our job. This is what true sustainability looks like.
On behalf of our full Board, I extend a hearty invitation to join us in this work. We are grateful to those who have gotten us this far. Thank you to our previous executive directors, John Dietter and Barney Hallowell, and their respective talented teams. Thank you to Bo Hoppin and his current team. To our donors and volunteers, thank you for the much needed contribution of time and resources. And I give a personal thanks to our current Board and to my most recent predecessors in the Board Chair role, Alec Knowles, Bob Weiler and Ben Willauer. Onward,
David Conover Board President 1
Funding for a Sustainable Future
FOUNDATION SUPPORT LAUNCHES BOLD GLOBAL INITIATIVE The Stonesthrow Fund together with the J.P. Fletcher Foundation awarded Hurricane a transformational grant in 2019 which launched a partnership between Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership and United People Global (UPG), a nonprofit organization located in Geneva, Switzerland. The partnership brought three cohorts of young sustainability leaders from around the globe (a total of 60 leaders) to Hurricane Island. The first cohort of leaders, ages 18-31, arrived June 16th for the week-long course on Hurricane. They came from Brazil, Chile, Spain, El Salvador, Singapore, Mauritius, Cameroon, Romania, and all corners of the United States to learn from one another, live in our sustainable island community in Penobscot Bay, and plan initiatives benefiting their home communities. Two additional cohorts arrived in September. Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, celebrated the success of the new program by traveling to the island last June. After learning about each individual’s project and home community, the governor presented course certificates to the first group of Hurricane trained UPG Sustainability Leaders.
For more information please visit: www.unitedpeople.global Governor Mills with UPG participant, 6/20/2019
The Sustainability Leadership Initiative, run in partnership with United People Global, is Hurricane’s opportunity to bring the world together on a small island in Penobscot Bay to design community actions for a bright and positive future. 2
$250,000 Challenge Gift TO BUILD THE HURRICANE ISLAND FIELD RESEARCH STATION
Due to their continued generosity and overwhelming belief in Hurricane’s science-based mission, our donors rose to a challenge set by The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation to match funds to construct the first and only offshore marine research station in Penobscot Bay. By mid-December 2019 we had successfully met the Foundation’s terms, and we began the design process. This aspirational gift and the fundraising achievement that followed is a milestone for our growing organization. We are humbled, inspired, and motivated by the support of The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation as well as by the generosity of our donors. Despite timeline setbacks due to the current global pandemic, we are on track to construct the new building during 2021. The facility will serve students from Maine and beyond and will enable us to substantially increase earned revenue. We will expand education and research opportunities through seminars and partnerships with undergraduate and graduate students, through field study and internship opportunities, professional development for K-12 educators, higher education faculty, early-career scientists, and the list goes on.
We are proud to receive this funding and certain that the Hurricane Island Field Research Station will strengthen our mission to develop the next generation of leaders equipped to solve growing environmental challenges. Uniquely situated at the confluence of the Eastern Maine and Western Maine Coastal Currents, as well as at the discharge from the Penobscot River to the north and a stratification and upwelling zone to the southwest, Hurricane Island is perfectly positioned to establish and participate in monitoring studies and research on climate change, fisheries biology, fisheries management, alterations in Penobscot Bay, and the wider Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
Many agree it was Dr. Stan Cobb, a highly regarded marine biology professor at University of Rhode Island, who set the stage for science, inquiry, and research to be Hurricane’s new mission. Stan Cobb’s passing this April was a loss for the Hurricane community. “Years ago, I invited Stan to give a talk at the Darling Center. Afterwards we decided to go out on a boat and look for larval lobsters. ‘LOOK for larval lobsters? In the field??’ I thought. However, he knew right where to look. We motored up to a ribbon of flat calm water streaming just south of Damariscove Island called a convergence zone. Looking across the glassy surface, we saw the micro-ripples of a larval lobster enjoying the warm surface waters. It is an amazing sight to see a larval lobster about an inch in length swimming in the wild, looking to all the world like a micro-Superman with its two outstretched claws. I had never seen that before or since (and I do look). It shows you what is possible when you are with a scientist who knows the craft of science. None of us can ever hope for anything more than that. Stan was an inspiration.” Dr. Bob Steneck Hurricane Board member
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Stewardship is the Heart of Hurricane Thanks to the enduring generosity of our donors, 2019 gifts reached historic levels of giving. Individual Gifts Received in 2019 John N. & Margaret W. Adams Judy & John Adelman Caroline Albertson Marjorie Albertson Thomas M. & Nancy S. Albertson Max & Jean Alley Holly & David Ambler HS Jonathan Amory & Chandra Leister Daniel & Joan Amory Thomas & Mary Amory HS Andrew Anderson-Bell Rosie Andrews Schofield Andrews III Anonymous (22) HS TS Richard & Muriel Arms Thomas Arter Joshua D. & Amy V. Baer HS Eliza Bailey & Sid Quarrier Steven Bailey Anne Baird & Stephen Campbell John Baker & Arlene Roman Malcolm Baker & Christina Wood HS Katharine Baker Howard Balloch Chip & Katie Bauer HS Megan Bauer Blakeslee Bell BOD Carolyn Benner John Bennett & Family Peter & Nancy Bennett Hon. Robert T. Benton & Wings S. Benton HS Stephen & Lurana Bergson HS Charles Bering & Marilyn Richardson Jennifer Bermant O’Brien Geoffrey & Michele Bird Alice Bissell & Steve Rosen Mrs. Linda C. Black Joan Stroud Blaine HS Francis I. Blair HS BOD TS Ronni Arno Blaisdell Paige & Mark Blake Judy Bonzi & Scott Gazelle HS Merry & Jim Boone Jay & Anyes Borden Janet R. Bosworth Joseph F. & Cheryl R. Boulos HS Linda Bowe Margaret J. Braatz Margaret E. Brandon Victoria Brett & Geoff Schaefer Hooper L. Brooks Eric Brown & Jean Camuso Douglas P. Brown Foy & Lydia Brown Josh Brown Arthur W. & Mary F. Brown HS Jane Bryden & Christopher Krueger Whitney & Clark L. Bullock
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Reed Bundy & Kelly Fanning HS BOD Bill & Barbara Burgess Phillip R. Burnaman & Janique Helson BOA Daniel & Holly Burnes Donald Burns Jonathan J. Bush, Jr. HS Charles Butt HS TS George W. & Sally T. Cable Mary Cabot TS Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cabot Levin H. Campbell, Jr. HS Dr. Arthur & Alexandra Wettlaufer Carpenter Chris & Laura Cabot Carrigan HS BOD* Drucilla Carter HS Peter J. Castner John R. & Tania T. Chandler Lois & Charles Cheston Neil & Margaret Childs Keith & Debbie Chrisman Bruce & Karen Claflin Delia Clark & Tim Traver Peter D. Coburn BOA D* Sarah Coburn Stephen Coit & Susan Napier Henry Conklin & Carol Pierson Philip Conkling & Paige Parker BOA David Conover & Beverly Slade HS BOD Deedee Conover Jonas & Stacey Contakos J. Linzee Coolidge Barry D. Copp
2019 Gifts Received in Honor of the Following Individuals Henry & Edith McHenry in honor of Alec Knowles Sharon & Jerry Goodwin in honor of Bob Weiler Patrick L. & M. Elizabeth Weiler in honor of Bob Weiler Brimstone Consulting in honor of David Conover Chip Lamb in honor of Bo and Jessica Hoppin Anonymous (17) in honor of Jessica Hoppin’s Birthday Joseph F. & Cheryl R. Boulos in honor of David Rice Molly Potter Scheu in honor of Peter Willauer Jack & Bridget Morton in honor of Tony & Norvalene Contakos’ 50th Anniversary
Paul & Elysa Coster Mazie Cox & Brinkley Thorne HS Susan Crane Albert & Sarah Creighton HS The Creighton Family HS Tom & Laura Cronin Phil & Elaine Crossman Mrs. David C. Dean Keith Dean Douglas J. DeAngelis Heather Deese & Brendan Riordan BOD Marilyn DelDonno Philip Y. DeNormandie Michael & Suzanne Derby Jill Detmer Benjamin Donaldson & Julia Price BOA Gordon & Cynthia Donaldson Joseph C. & Caroline G. Donnelly James & Karen Donovan Brackett Dow & Joan Davisson Jeffrey & Alice Dow Wells B. & Elizabeth H. Dow Kathy & David Drake Peter & Nancy Drake Noreen Drexel HS Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. HS Dorothy L. duPont Robert & Kate Duval Terry & Sally Eagle Keith A. Eaton Frank & Delphine Eberhart Joseph Faber & Sumy Daeufer HS Paul & Robin Fagan Mrs. Gordon R. Fairburn Robert & Leslie Fillnow Joseph Fischer & Antonia Munroe Erin Flanagan HS Robert Emerson Flight BOA Peter & Maria Flood Elinor Fong & John Moore Mark & Maria Forney George Fosque Bill & Elizabeth Frederick HS BOD William L. A. Fuller Carlos Garcia HS Frederick & Joan Cabot Gardiner Gene Gardner & Jo-Ann Ramsey HS Catherine C. Garnett Parker Gassett Dr. James Gaston Louisa Gebelein Jones Harvey & Pamela Geiger HS Linda & Archibald Gillies William Ginn & June Lacombe Addison Godine David Godine & Sara Eisenman Goldhirsch Family Jeffrey & Susan Goodell HS Deborah Goodwin HS
Sharon & Jerry Goodwin Carol & Jack Goralnik Bob & Maureen Gordon Judy & Shel Gordon Peter Graham & Elizabeth Wright Tony & Sally Grassi Steve Gratwick Stephen Gray & Linda Baron H.D.S. Greenway Jack & Zdenka Griswold Brent Groce & Donna Cordner George Gugelmann Peter D. Haddock Jackson M. Hall Scott W. Hamilton HS June Andrea Hanson Stephen & York-Chi Harder Robert & Diana Harding David & Kristin Leck Harman HS BOD John & Koko Harris William Harwood & Ellen Alderman HS BOD Elisa Hatch Laurie Hawkinson & Henry Smith-Miller Edward Hays & Sarah Wehle Robert Hellerson Barney Hildreth & Julia Dodge Alan & Leslie Hill Edward Hirst & Pamela Johnson Todd L. Hixon Zeke Holland Nancy & Steve Homer HS Eric Hopkins Bo & Jessica Hoppin Jill Houseal & Melinda Petit Peggy & Jack Huckel Horace Hunt
Anne Hutchins Sarah & David Hyde Phoebe Jekielek Dan Johnson & Christina Young Tim Johnson & Ruth Larkin Tim A. Johnson Patrick & Katherine Jones HS BOD Tom & Suzette Jones Paul Kahl HS R. Douglas Kahn Julie & Andrew Kallfelz HS Chris & Lisa Kaneb HS Steven D. Keirstead Rusty & Betsy Kellogg HS TS Edward & Priscilla Kern Richard Kessler & Pamela Cox Todd Kirchgessner & Anne Minnich Pamela Kittredge & Henry Holt Alexander & Linda Knowles HS BOD TS Jonathan D. Knowles
Rebecca F. Knowles Mark & Deirdre Lacambra Sylvia M. Lacey Dudley Ladd Chip Lamb Juliet Lamont & Phil Price Nicholas S. & Jean G. Lamont Shapleigh LaPointe Carrie W. Laurita HS Susan & David Lawrence Gil Leaf & Elizabeth Goodenough Herb* & Lois Lemelman D* Charles R. & Harriet F. F. Leonard Robert J. & Dianne D. Leonard Maria Libby David Liddle HS Sandy & Curly Lieber Andrew B. Lippman & Annie C. Harris Dr. Brent Lockwood & Melissa Pespeni Ruth & Michael Lockwood Nicholas H. Loeb Nancy Lorenzini & Keith Kopec Kathi & Bob Lovell Charlie Lowrey & Susie Rodriguez HS Samuel & Katherine Lowry Barry & Nancy Lundquist Robert & Mary Lux Nathan R. Lyczak Cabot & Heidi Lyman HS BOA Lucy Lyon Yuan Pamela MacBrayne & Denis Moonan HS Amelia Payson Macleod Janet Macomber Williamson John Macomber John Magruder & Brenda Free Carolyn Manson
Making the Hurricane Experience Affordable for All Students The 2019 total cost for delivering all K-12 education programs = $691,782 The gap between total cost and what schools and individuals pay is covered by the generosity of our donors.
Gifts Raised to Offset the Cost of All K-12 Educational Programs $332,709
K-12 Earned Revenue $267,112
Restricted Gifts Raised for Scholarships $91,961
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Gregg & Caroline Marston HS BOA TS Hugh & Sue Martin Linnell Mather Jennifer Mathews John & Pepe Maynard Roy Mayne James H. Mays BOA Susan McBride Elizabeth McCann Mr. & Mrs. William A. McCue John McGough Henry & Edith McHenry Sharon Lawrence McHold Kelly McPhee Josephine Merck HS Robert & Robyn Metcalfe HS Eric Meyer & Sarah Snell Richard Miller & Catherine Straka Holly Miller BOA Robert Miller Dr. Richard Miner & Corinne Nagy Ran Miner Therese Mooney Mary Moran & Bruce Haffner HS BOD* Marian Morgan & Chris Corbett HS Carl Morgan Mr. & Mrs. A. Perry Morgan, Jr. John Morin Paul Moritz & Jayleen Ryberg HS Luke Morong HS BOD Jack & Bridget Morton William & Ingrid Mroz L. Taylor Mudge Burke & Denise Munger Dr. Stephen & Mrs. Michelle Murphy Deb & Peter L. Murray Jack Myer & Krisztina Majoros William Nowlan Hubert Tino O’Brien Whitney & Anthony Oppersdorff David & Mary Otto HS Beth & Tony Owens Jennifer & Joe Page Amy Palmer Rafe & Catherine Parker BOA James L. Parmentier HS Herbert Parsons Jeff & Patricia Parsons Deborah L. Patten Sally Patton & Leo Mondale HS David & Virginia Peabody Robert G. Pearse HS Stephen G. Pearse HS Arthur Pearson Kim & Keating Pepper Donald W. & Nancy E. Perkins HS BOA Mark Petraitis Peter L. Phillips Rebecca Pierce & Mike Prokosch Cecily Pingree BOD* Charles F. Pingree Ambassador Nicholas Platt HS George Mark Pomeroy HS Malcolm Poole Katherine Pope Bonnie B. Potter Lisa Miller Purcell Michael Quinn & Kristen Sciacca HS Sherry Rega Spencer Reiss
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Anna Remsen Douglas Rice & Melanie Carter David Rice HS BOD Eleanor & Peter Richardson Ian & Deb Riddell Shaunagh G. Robbins HS Liv Rockefeller & Ken Shure James Edward & Anne McCracken Rogers HS Mr. Paul K. Rogers III & Mrs. Martha L. Rogers Robert Rogers Silas Rogers Katherine D. Romanski HS John & Carolyn Rosenblum Janis Rothbard & Dominique Aubin Priscilla J. & Edward L. Ruegg Sarah Russell & Joseph Reynolds Eileen Ryan & Guy Holt Richard C. Sanford Colin Sarsfield Mary & Patrick Scanlan Molly Potter Scheu William Schwicker Samuel & Nancy Scott HS BOA TS Bill & Margot Seefeld William & Wynn Seemann HS Mr. and Mrs. Ross Sherbrooke HS Brad & Kathy Shirley Winthrop A. Short* D* Anne & Kendrick Simmons Ed & Priscilla Simmons Ellen C. L. Simmons Carolyn Simpson HS Edward F. Simpson Julie Slade Priscilla & William Slade J.P. & Kaki Smith Lawrence & Judith Snyder David Sobel & Jen Kramer Dr. Tony & Anne Solley John & Sylvia Sowles HS William & Valerie Sowles HS John K. Spencer Peter Sprague Anne-Seymour St. John & W. Albert Ellis BOA Andrew St. John Dagny St. John Susan St. John HS Christopher & Anne St. Pierre HS Andrew Stancioff & Randall Chanler Andrew & Esperanza Stancioff Susan Goodwillie Stedman Robert & Joanne Steneck HS BOD Bruce & Suzanne Stillings Peter Stoops & Kate Wilkinson Anthony Strauss Meriby Sweet HS Kenneth K. Talmage J. Arthur Taylor & Jeannette S. Hargroves Benjamin R. Taylor Edward & Helen Thieler Maria M. Thompson Skip & Carol Thompson Charles B. & Lois Ann Thomsen Alix T. Thorne Daniel K. Thorne HS Ellen Tobias & Joanna Billiard Christopher Tremper Peter Van Alstine
John Van Dis & Jamie Gillette Biz Van Gelder & Oliver Patton HS BOD Brian & Petra Vogel Dr. Richard Wahle & Carol A. Lariviere Antony Walker & Erin DeWolf-Walker Stacie & Toby Webb Bob & Wendy Weiler HS TS BOD* Karen Weiler BOA Patrick L. & M. Elizabeth Weiler Benjamin & Pamela Wellumson Joan W. Welsh Guy & Marilyn West Todd West Pamela Wetherbee Harold & Elizabeth White Mary H. White HS The Whitt Family Brad & Ann Willauer HS BOA TS Gale C. & Charles S. Willauer TS Langley Willauer Peter & Carol Willauer BOD Charles P. & Beverly Williamson BOA Richard B. Wilson Mary Tod & Buz Winchester Jeremy & Amy Wintersteen Marjorie Woodwell & Woody Swan Merrill R. & Charles C. Woodworth Timothy & Eleanor Wright Holly & Dick Young Lucinda Ziesing & Desmond FitzGerald Elaine W. Zimmerman
We are grateful for the 2019 support from the following Foundations, Funds, Trusts, Corporations and Businesses Además Foundation Aldermere Foundation Allagash Brewing Company AmazonSmile Foundation Ash Point Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Brimstone Consulting Brooks Trap Mill Calderwood Hall Comer Foundation Fund of the Chicago Community Foundation Compass Light Daniel K. Thorne Foundation Davis Family Foundation Dyacon, Inc. Equinox Island Transit, LLC Field Company First National Bank Fletcher Family Foundation Harbor Builders Income Research + Management J. Bonzi Fund J. Edward Knight Insurance J.P. Fletcher Foundation Jewish Federation of Cleveland John and Diane Sculley Foundation John W. Bristol Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Judge Family Charitable Fund Lyman-Morse Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust McClellan’s Maine Guided Trips
Middlecott Foundation Morong Falmouth Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust North American Association for Environmental Education Patagonia Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation Philbrook & Associates The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation Ralston Gallery Robbins-de Beaumont Foundation Robert R. Gould & Sarah Copeman Gould Fund Rockport Automotive Seal Bay II of the Maine Community Foundation Spectrum Healthcare Partners Stanley Family Fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey Stonesthrow Fund The Florence V. Burden Foundation at the recommendation of Foundation Directors Ordway and Jean Burden The Thendara Foundation The White Pine Fund Verrill Vinalhaven Chamber Of Commerce Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation WestWind Foundation HS Hurricane Society honors donors who help sustain our organization with gifts of $1,000 or more (within the 2019 calendar year) BOA Board of Advisors (during 2019) BOD Board of Directors (during 2019) BOD* Board of Directors (term ended 2019) TS Tillson Society recognizes Founding Members whose gifts of $50,000 or greater in our first years left an indelible legacy.
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of your name. Please contact us if a correction is necessary.
2019 Gifts Received in Memory of the Following Individuals Susan St. John in memory of Bob Rheault Tim A. Johnson in memory of Claudia J. Lewis Lucy Lyon Yuan in memory of Claudia J. Lewis Therese Mooney in memory of Ellen Dawn Kingsbury David Rice in memory of Mrs. Barbara S. Rice Anne-Seymour St. John & W. Albert Ellis in memory of Peter St. John
Hurricane is honored to have been named a beneficiary in the bequest made by the late Robert V. Shotwell (1920-2018)
“Hurricane is so special and has fundamentally changed the way people live their lives. It is an amazing confirmation of what a place can do... Hurricane is rising up now to teach us about science and leadership.” Cecily Pingree, Board Member through 2019
Gift in Memory of Barbara Rice In May, 2017, David Rice attended a one-week Wilderness Medicine course on Hurricane. As it does for so many, Hurricane drew him in. Last fall, David made a major unrestricted gift to Hurricane in memory of his late wife, Barbara. In retirement, Barbara became a self-taught botanist collecting and archiving plant information. Her wealth of acquired knowledge as a “citizen scientist” resulted in her becoming an expert on local ecology for the homeowners at Sea Ranch, a small, rural, seaside community in California. Barbara’s dedication to the natural world helped shape David’s enthusiasm for the work being done by the educators and researchers at Hurricane Island. We are deeply grateful to David and honored by his gift in memory of his loving wife. This organization is proud to carry forward Barbara’s curiosity, love for learning from the natural world, and commitment to nurturing citizen scientists.
Remembering Peter Coburn Our former Board member and friend Peter Coburn died Sunday, June 21. He was passionate about Hurricane Island, the sea, and learning. Over many decades, Peter contributed significant time, energy, and inspiration to those organizations he served— HIOBS, the Apprenticeshop, and Ocean Classroom among others. Many will miss him dearly. 7
An Island that Teaches A grant from North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) ee360 Initiative provided Director of Education, Dr. Jenn Page, funding to host a group of local educators for a workshop retreat on Hurricane Island in August 2019. These educators, part of an effort to increase teacher capacity to implement impactful, place-based learning in their classrooms and communities with a focus on environmental sustainability, joined us from Bucksport, Islesboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven, and St. George for a week on Hurricane Island. Along with funding the 2019 teacher workshop, the grant allows Dr. Jenn Page and other Hurricane educators to support local schools throughout the school year and beyond. From Middle School Adventure Art to High School Advanced Marine Biology, Women of Water to Sustainability Leadership, collaborations from Camden to Geneva brought more students to our granite shores in 2019 than ever before.
Eyes on Research Farm Expansion and Scallop DNA
In spring 2019, Hurricane received approval from the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) for development of our 3.2 acre aquaculture research farm. The expanded lease allows us to grow up to 5 species on the farm—scallops, oysters, sugar kelp, blue mussels, winged kelp—and provides space for a 20’ x 15’ research and education float. Current research on the farm explores the potential for aquaculture gear to affect the timing of scallop spawning (reproduction).
“It took the better part of 8 years to become an educational institution, to become an island that teaches not just about scallops and lobster fisheries, and kelp, but about archeology, history, place; how to run a school without fossil fuel; how to meet the environment challenges of the time and promote sustainability. What has evolved is incredibly exciting and multifaceted.” Dr. Mary Moran Board member through 2019
Funding from the Davis Conservation Foundation supported Hurricane researchers and Dr. Sarah Kingston to use tissue samples collected during the Maine Collaborative Scallop Project (2013-2017) and the DMR scallop survey to infer connectivity between coastal populations of Atlantic sea scallops (Lower Muscle Ridge) and offshore populations (e.g. George’s Bank). Early analysis reveals a general signal of connectivity among all sampled locations. Results are currently in-prep for publication with the goal of informing future management of the Maine scallop fishery. Follow Hurricane’s 2020 research team on social media. 8
Program Growth 2012-2019 Student Program Days Delivered
6 00 0 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000
2264
2780
3765
5056
4449
5321
924
551
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
“At our first science advisors’ meeting, we talked about the importance of the island for larval lobster, as an ecological ‘listening post’ well out in the bay, and as a ‘place-based’ research and education center. Before we left the meeting, I asked each of the scientists gathered to speak to the group about when they first knew that they wanted to pursue a life in science. Not a single one talked about high school or college. Each spoke about an experience they had as a 12- or 13year-old, being in the natural world, often with an inspired adult. People left the meeting excited about Hurricane, and excited to be a part of something new and important happening in the Gulf. I left the meeting more convinced than ever that we were on the right path.” John Dietter, Hurricane’s first Executive Director
We hosted over 1,100 students in over 70 programs. Our 24 solar panels provided electricity to our campus for over 6 months. We created custom programs for 20 schools and colleges, 12 of them from Maine.
Look Who Comes to Hurricane 2019 Participant Program Days Delivered by Program Type
We grew and supplied our kitchens with over 1,000 lbs. of produce in 6 different gardens.
Events 810 K-12 Schools 1780
Summer Science Open Enrollment 754
2019
BY THE NUMBERS
Our students came from over 30 countries and 6 continents.
Group Contracts and Programs 1801
Colleges & Universities 177
Our research team is growing over 8,000 scallops in our 3.2 acre aquaculture site. 9
2019 Statement of Revenue and Expenses* OPERATING REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES
Individual and Corporate Giving $ 693,973
Program Delivery
Foundations and Grants
186,063
Island and Programs Administration 242,604
Program Earned Revenue
439,068
Development and Marketing
235,162
Island Facilities Operations
327,197
27,385
Miscellaneous Revenue Subgrant Awards Subtotal Operating Revenue
223,600
Research 84,653
1,570,089
Subtotal Operating Expenses 1,463,281
RESTRICTED REVENUE Restricted Capital for Infrastructure Improvement Restricted Capital for Field Research Station (Gifts and Pledges) Subtotal Restricted Revenue Total Operating and Restricted Revenue
$ 573,665
RESTRICTED EXPENSES 26,220
520,925 547,145 $ 2,117,234
Capital Improvement (Facilities and Research Station)
67,087
Subtotal Restricted Expenses
67,087
Total Operating and Restricted Expenses
$ 1,530,368
* Source is year-end management financial report in accrual basis which may differ from organization’s 990.
2019 Revenue Earned and Raised $2,117,234
Restricted Capital for Infrastructure Improvement $26,220
Restricted Capital for Field Research Station (Gifts & Pledges) $520,925
Individual and Corporate Giving $693,973
Subgrant Awards $223,600 Program Earned Revenue $439,068
Miscellaneous Revenue $27,385
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Foundations and Grants $186,063
2019 Science and Education Program Expenses $1,530,368
Research $84,653
Island Facilities Operations $327,197
Program Delivery $573,663
Development and Marketing $235,162
$2,500,000
Capital Improvement (Facilities and Research Station) $67,087
Island and Programs Administration $242,604
2010-2019 Revenue Growth
$2,000,000
$1,500,000 $2,116,876
$1,000,000
$820,200
$500,000 $123,800
2010
$936,300
$395,600
2011
2012
2013
$681,300
2014
$1,034,800
2015
$1,294,500
2016
$1,052,400
2017
$1,180,300
2018
2019
“Hurricane is positioned well to pivot into the future.� Cecily Pingree Board member through 2019
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2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS David G. Conover President
Barbara “Biz” Van Gelder Vice President
Heather Deese Secretary
Patrick S. Jones Treasurer
J. Chip Bauer Katie Bauer Blakeslee Bell Francis I. Blair Reed Bundy Bill Frederick David B. Harman William S. Harwood Alexander “Alec” Knowles Ellen Mecray Luke Morong Katherine Reilly, D.O. David Rice Susan St. John Bob Steneck Peter O. Willauer Trustee Emeritus
2019 ADVISORY BOARD John Anderson, Ph.D. Andrew Bendheim Buck Burnaman Peter Coburn Philip Conkling Kristine Davidson Jason Day Ben Donaldson Bob Flight Charlie Harrington Kass Longley-Leahy Erica Luke Cabot Lyman Gregg Marston Jim Mays, Ph.D. Holly Miller Rafe Parker Donny Perkins Maggie Salter, Ph.D. Sam Scott, M.D. Anne-Seymour St. John Ann Willauer Ben Willauer Pen Williamson 12
Our Founding Story
During the summer of 2008, Peter and Carol Willauer took a walk on what had become a desolate Hurricane Island. Once a bustling hub of summer activity, the island stood quiet, its buildings overrun by island vermin. Peter crossed paths with island owner Dr. James Gaston, a conversation ensued and Peter’s prolific vision took off. Like the hub of a spinning wheel, Peter circled up gifted leaders in science, education, outdoor leadership—not just once with the creation of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School— but a second time supported by Carol, nephew Ben Willauer, and longtime island veterans Mary Moran, Barney Hallowell, and Sam Scott. Together, they set the course for the island’s next forty years through a lease with the Gaston family and the formation of Hurricane Island Foundation. Founding Board President,
“We will succeed despite the challenges of our times because of who we are at our core.”
Ben Willauer, picked up the mantle from his uncle and spearheaded the effort to find a new purpose for the island. It was clear that the promise of Hurricane for future generations Ben Willauer lay at the intersection of education, Founding Board President science, and leadership. Enter Chris Carrigan, followed by the likes of Cecily Pingree, Kass LongleyLeahy, Bob Flight, Bob Weiler, Susan St. John, Frank Blair, Frank Simon, Peter Coburn, and many more, all of whom played a vital role in defining the new organization and hiring the first executive director, John Dietter. Tremendous momentum was built to birth an innovative hands-on science program addressing the sustainable health of Penobscot Bay and the greater environmental challenges through science-informed decision making.
While the wheels turned to get the island operational and educational planning came into focus, it was Stan Cobb who brought the impetus for developing the scientific arm of the institution. “He would be pleased to see the Field Research Station and what we’re doing on the island now,” says Peter Willauer. Hurricane’s second executive director Barney Hallowell, noted “Stan was very enthusiastic—emphatic, in fact—about a field science research station and Four key Board members education programs on the island.” Out of this energy came a new
name, the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, and a focus on serving the local, regional, national, and international community. Through the extraordinary vision of our early founders, the island is now poised to inspire evidence-based science education and research, leadership to solve difficult problems, and sustainable living. Hurricane could not be better suited for the task.
came to the end of their terms at the close of 2019: Cecily Pingree, Chris Carrigan, Mary Moran, and Bob Weiler. They remain keystones of Hurricane’s future success, as much a part of this island as the granite blocks carved from its cliffs. Thank you for your incredible contributions in building the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership.
None of our work would exist without our inspiring, competent, ambitious staff and countless volunteers who help maintain the island campus and programs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for such a terrific 2019! 2019 SEASONAL STAFF Hallie Arno Jessie Batchelder Anna Bateman Alex Berry Maeve Carlson Anna Fischer Lilla Fortunoff Flora Gibbs Marguerite Grifka Josiah Hansen Kayla Haskins Isabelle Holt Ethan Hotchkiss Carolina Hutt-Sierra Robin Lewis Nathan Lyczak Ella MacVeagh Madison Maier Bridget Morton Jack Morton Steffi Ordway Sophia Palange Saphrona Stetson Marguerite Wiser 2019 YEAR-ROUND STAFF Caroline Albertson Kat Duvall Bo Hoppin Phoebe Jekielek Jennifer Mathews Kelly McPhee Jenn Page Silas Rogers Teddy Simpson Julie Slade 17 13
community inquiry curiosity
stewardship OUR MISSION is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally-sustainable island community.
Penobscot Bay, Maine P.O. Box 1280, Rockland, ME 04841 info@hurricaneisland.net | www.hurricaneisland.net