The Capstone Project involves in-depth research into some aspect of Maine natural history and culminates in a tangible product. A MMNP participant may write a report on his or her research, or may create a trail guide, display, brochure, booklet, illustrated lecture, Internet-based program, etc. that can be used by the participant or others in a classroom or in the field for instructional purposes. (Participants may elect to develop material with the intention of using them at their volunteer site.)

The Capstone Project, which is developed under the supervision of a faculty member and/or mentor, will take no fewer than twenty hours to complete. Participants can shape their projects in ways that are personally challenging, useful and exciting. Capstones from the 2011-2012 class include:

The Wonders of Insect/Plant Relationships – Pollination & Beyond: Did independent reading and interviewed twenty individuals (from entomologists to land stewards) about insect-plant relationships, summarizing her findings in a report. (Susan Caldwell)

Wrote and illustrated “A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Edible Plants of Maine” featuring nineteen common edibles. (Jason Chandler)

Phenology of place. A four season observation of a biotic community on a log floating where he kayaks and skates. Photos, narrative. (Chuck Dinsmore)

Researched and wrote a brochure, “Habitat Gardening,” for home gardeners with the goal of helping gardeners use landscape design to decrease lawn space, increase the use of native plants, and attract wildlife. (Wendy Everham)

Naturalist Facebook Page: Sharon’s goal was to provide nature information in a format that teens regularly consult in order to encourage them to get outside and enjoy/learn about the natural world. She designed, developed and keeps current a Facebook page. (Sharon Gallant)

Conducted a vernal pool survey at Hidden Valley Nature Center and developed curriculum materials.(Bambi Jones)

Vernal Pools in Maine (research, lesson plans for unit with 7th graders)

With Bambi Jones, monitored vernal pools at Hidden Valley Nature Center, then wrote and taught lessons about vernal pools to her 7th graders; the project culminated with a field trip to Hidden Valley. (Sue Kistenmacher)

Studied salamander density at  Cathance River Educational Alliance, a non-profit in Topsham. Andrew McCullough)

Natural History Field Trip for Winthrop 8th Graders to Mt. Pisgah, ME: In conjunction with Winthrop Middle School and Kennebec Land Trust (property owner), investigated property with KLT steward, geologist and others; designed field trip, signed up co-presenters and parents; developed pre-trip orientation for students; took three classes (25 - 29 students each) on field trip; evaluated program and will continue it in ensuing years. (Linda McKee)

In Search of Cypripedium arietinum: A Survey of Four Sites in Maine. (Steven Perkins)

Developed natural history curriculum for the Great Salt Bay School Nature Trail, interpretive lessons of the landscape, and created an E-book. (Lili Pugh)

Phenology – Signs of the Seasons: Took photographs of tree flowers and created a PowerPoint presentation to show to various natural history groups. (Joan Ray) CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDESHOW.

Developed a PowerPoint presentation about seals in Maine (particularly winter “ice” seals) based on her work with a marine mammal rescue nonprofit in southern Maine; gave the presentation at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust. (Erika Rhile)

Researched and created a large-format poster of fungi and how they are integrated into the ecology of the forest. (Karen Robbins)

Read literature and watched a beaver pond; wrote a paper that gave a brief history of the species in North America; information on habitat, adaptations, family life, dams, lodges and canals; and ecology. (Pat Smith)

In partnership with Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and Pond Cove Elementary School, developed nature-based outdoor activities that complement the existing science program as well as other disciplines. (Betsy Winslow)