Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) continues its Outside! 2014 series with an annual Swan Island Outing on Sunday, September 7th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This allages event is open to the public and families are welcome.

Located in the Kennebec River between Richmond and Dresden, the four-mile long Swan Island is 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.

Local historian and Friends of Swan Island president Jay Robbins will lead a truck tour through this unique and isolated island nature reserve managed by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). Attendees will get to experience the rich history of the island–once known as Perkins Township–and get an intimate look at several historic houses in various stages of preservation. The island is also known for its abundant bald eagles, whitetailed deer, and wild turkey.

Participants will meet at the MDIFW ferry landing just north of the Richmond Town Landing to take a ferry to the island. Attendees are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen.

Pre-registration is required with Jay Robbins at 737-2239. An island fee of $8 applies to all visitors and space is limited.

The final Outside! event of the year is a Mushroom Walk with Michaeline Mulvey on September 21st from 2-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required with Dup Crosson at 666-1118.

Visit www.fomb.org to learn more about how you can help protect beautiful Merrymeeting Bay.