UNE Sustainability Fellowship

The fellow will first become familiar with the sustainability measures Nonantum has in place and recommend new processes and products that will help us establish an industry benchmark for sustainability. Then, at the end of the fellowship, apply that information to help create customer-facing collateral to support wedding, corporate, and social events at the resort and Blackrock Farm under the rubric of developing a sustainability-driven events program.

Additional objectives include: developing a statement of the financial benefits and costs of sustainable events; creating an internal sustainability guide to events at the Nonantum that promotes the responsible sourcing of materials and relies on internal processes that are considered sustainable; and working with the marketing and sales department to convert this information to customer-facing content. 

• Brief that provides a review of current sustainability measures and recommends new sustainability processes and products.
• Creation of internal resources for staff to guide guests when they are considering sustainable components of events held at the resort or Blackrock Farm.
• Value-chain analysis and financial review of sustainable products and processes as applied to Nonantum events.
• Creation of customer-facing collateral that promotes sustainability in event hosting. 

The fellow will assist the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) in planning for the future of their newest preserve, Meadow Woods Preserve. The project will begin with a review of existing documents, learning about the history and ecology of the property, followed by meetings with relevant community members (including KCT staff, board members, and volunteers). The fellow would then help to design a perimeter trail on the preserve that is compatible with existing flora and fauna. They would also design a management plan for the invasive plant species in the eastern portion of the preserve.

If time permits, trail construction and invasive species management could begin with the help of KCT volunteers. Communicating with KCT staff, board members, and volunteers will be an important part of this fellowship.

• Plan for a perimeter trail for the Meadow Woods Preserve that reflects the interest of the KCT community and is compatible with existing flora and fauna.
• Invasive species management plan for Meadow Woods Preserve.
• Begin training on construction and invasive species management, time permitting.

Assist with the creation and implementation of the Maine Climate Action Business and Innovation Network (Maine CABIN), a new statewide business support service system for businesses of all sectors, sizes, and locations. The Maine CABIN will be built to be a bold, comprehensive, effective, robust, and inclusive program that engages businesses, workers, and communities; strengthens partnerships with Maine’s private, public, and nonprofit sectors; and supports the growth and deployment of climate solutions in operations, products, services, projects, and with economic and workforce development strategies.

The Maine CABIN project will establish a sustainable, ongoing resource to shelter and support businesses in a climate-change-constrained economy. This program will lead to significantly lower greenhouse gas levels and a diversity of opportunities for a diversity of Maine businesses. The Maine CABIN will help them navigate and access new and existing resources they need to grow and succeed. The Maine CABIN will house companies that can provide jobs for hundreds of Maine’s engineers, installers, fishermen, foresters, service and utility workers, and small and large business owners and their employees. Engaging small businesses and startups especially will help them grow their businesses and workforce, market their products and services, and contribute to climate solutions.

The Maine CABIN will focus on a hybrid delivery of services to businesses and startups that include virtual business support programs, in-person advice and educational sessions, and mentoring opportunities with a statewide, regional partner support component. The programs (or “rooms”) in the Maine CABIN can be developed at different times but eventually will contribute to a virtual/physical “place” that is welcoming to all views and inhabitants.

CWM will work directly with the fellow on components of the project that match their interests and career paths. For example, the fellow may assist CWM with developing an online resource library for its member companies by working on some of the following tasks:

• A catalog of immediate and tangible actions businesses can take to reduce carbon in their buildings, vehicles, and purchasing.
• Resources on how climate change relates to their business and how to measure their climate emissions.
• Financing opportunities for new equipment, emission-reducing technologies, and development of low-carbon solutions (e.g., electricity, heating, electric vehicles, efficient machinery).
• Accessible information on state and federal rebates or incentives.
• Practical examples – from within and outside of Maine - of how businesses are implementing low-carbon technologies and reducing emissions across their supply chains.

The fellow may also participate in the following activities:

• Convene business sustainability directors, experts, influencers, and designated employees to educate, advocate for, and encourage profitable and sustainable businesses in Maine.
• Define and recognize innovative sustainability business practices
• Attend CWM and partner information and networking, including our Annual Summit on Maine’s Economy and Climate Change

The fellow will draft a comprehensive five-year economic/business strategy plan for The Ecology School at River Bend Farm through the lens of sustainability with a focus on business and education.

The project will build on The Ecology School’s prior business plan, current standing in the local and regional market, competitive analysis, opportunities for growth, and strategy for achieving growth on the 313-acre campus. With consideration of the environment, education, equity, and economy as a four-part framework, the fellow will help outline a 2024-28 strategic plan, the next fundraising campaign, and economic impact within the community. Ultimately, this plan will quantify both the societal and economic impact of The Ecology School for stakeholders.

The fellow will be introduced to all facets of the organization to develop a comprehensive understanding of the work, roles and responsibilities, and growth of the organization. While this project includes independent research and work, there will be lots of opportunities for interpersonal engagement and hands-on experience within our sustainability education programs at the River Bend Farm campus.

The fellow is expected to provide:

• A written report summarizing the economic vitality of The Ecology School as a sustainability-focused educational nonprofit organization in Maine with national and international connections.
• An updated draft sustainable business plan that builds on the “pre-COVID-19” business plan, including strategic direction and planning.
• Research for the next fundraising campaign.

The fellow will assist the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) in planning for the future of their newest preserve, Meadow Woods Preserve. The project will begin with a review of existing documents, learning about the history and ecology of the property, followed by meetings with relevant community members (including KCT staff, board members, and volunteers). The fellow would then help to design a perimeter trail on the preserve that is compatible with existing flora and fauna. They would also design a management plan for the invasive plant species in the eastern portion of the preserve.

If time permits, trail construction and invasive species management could begin with the help of KCT volunteers. Communicating with KCT staff, board members, and volunteers will be an important part of this fellowship.

• Plan for a perimeter trail for the Meadow Woods Preserve that reflects the interest of the KCT community and is compatible with existing flora and fauna.
• Invasive species management plan for Meadow Woods Preserve.
• Begin training on construction and invasive species management, time permitting.

The fellow will inventory and map heat islands and shade tree canopy and help develop a town-wide tree program that encourages the protection and planting of climate-resilient trees and shade areas. (Kittery Climate Action Strategy #6 (PDF)). The overall objective is to reduce the extent of heat islands in town over time (including preventing future heat islands) and to ensure tree canopy is managed and protected against climate-related risks, including drought, storms/extreme precipitation, and invasive plant and bugs.

This project is a specific Climate Action Plan Strategy adopted by the town council. The project will also be an important component of the policy and ordinance development associated with other components of the Climate Action Plan related to low-impact development, improving walkability (shade trees improve pedestrian safety and experience), reducing paved areas, and ensuring municipal decision-making and funding strategies considers resilience and sustainability.

The fellow is expected to provide:

• Geographic Information Systems-based map of current heat islands and shade canopies with an accompanying report providing key findings.
• Analysis of inequity within the community relative to access to shade and heat-relief building on the existing analysis of social vulnerability in Kittery provided in 2023 report.
• Develop a Shade Tree policy for public spaces.
• Summarize findings in a PowerPoint presentation and present findings to the Town of Kittery.