Active Hope: Water is Life

Immerse yourself in the study of the waterways around us: The Great Bay, Gulf of Maine, and the rivers and estuaries that sustain us. Join Conservation Law Foundation’s Great Bay-Piscataqua-Waterkeeper, Melissa Paly and her colleagues as they engage us with the current research and teach advocacy to protect our water. We will dive deep into exploring the health of our waterways, their biodiversity, and the possibilities for the future. This interdisciplinary conference will combine science, advocacy, art, awe, and fun. Come prepared to actively engage in being a part of the solution!

As a Waterkeeper, Melissa Paly works at the intersection of science, policy, advocacy, communications and community organizing to improve the health of our region’s waterways.

Why Active Hope? During this time of political divisiveness and disregard for facts and scientific integrity, we offer a place to come together in community to keep the faith and support one another to be the change we wish to see in the world. The water needs us. Our planet needs us. We are not separate from the ecosystems we enjoy. As water quality disintegrates, as we lose native species, we lose a part of ourselves. Fortunately, there are dedicated, grounded-in-science advocates that can show us a way forward.

Our conference also welcomes Sean Mahoney, naturalist and fifth generation Star Islander, who is promoting regenerative agriculture on Star Island through his Sacred Landscape Design proposal. Sean will share his perspective on the history of Star Island’s landscape and the importance of regenerative practices to improve biodiversity for generations to come. In partnership with the Rutledge Maine Lab, we will engage in some of Sean’s projects on Star to bring a piece of his vision into fruition.

In addition to our keynote speakers and regenerative agricultural activities, here is a sampling of other activities we have planned for you at Natural History Week—

-Awe-filled guided island walks in the morning inviting us to go deeper into our relationship with nature.

-Dedicated space for a series of art classes and personal art making and journaling to document our water immersion with a “Creative Reflections” reception on Saturday.

-Partnering with the Blue Ocean Society with a coastal cleanup.

-An informative walk and talk on the geology of Star by Tom Chase.

-Time to just sit back on the porch and read. Perhaps join our book club for the week discussing the book, My Oceans: Essays of Water, Whales, and Women by Christina Rivera.

-An evening series with TJ Cullinane will feature Celia Thaxter’s writings that invoke the wildlife of the Isles of Shoals. Then, diving deeper into the natural history of those plants and creatures and exploring if they still thrive on the islands today.

-Fun and games with a Star Island Scavenger Hunt and more!

Our goal for this conference is to encourage Active Hope to engage participants to be aware of the critical needs of the water around us and more importantly to find the inspiration and energy to to be a part of healing our water, our planet and ourselves. Water is life. We hope to see you on Star in 2026!

“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship into a sacred bond. -Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

Families are welcome to attend the Natural History Conference—the content is geared to high school-aged level and above. We do not provide specific youth programming for younger children.

Theme Speaker:

Melissa Paly, Waterkeeper of the Piscataqua-Great Bay, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF); Jennifer Felt, Ocean Campaign Director, CLF; Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation; Tom Irwin, VP New Hampshire, CLF; TJ Cullinane, Outreach Coordinator for the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach; Sean Mahoney, Naturalist; Julie Kaus, Wellness Educator and Mindful Outdoor/Forest Therapy Guide.