Joan Lyford (left) and Diane Perry created the Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center at Pemaquid Beach in 2003.
(Photo Lincoln County News)

“We are speaking for the beach through educational programs.”

Thanks to a $4,100 grant from the Maine Community Foundation, the Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) was able to expand its educational services at its Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center located at Pemaquid Beach.

With the award, from MaineCF’s Rural Grants Fund, the association hired a part-time intern, Phoebe Jekielek, a recent graduate of Boston University with a focus in marine science, to work at the center. Part of the funding helped to support educational programs and new exhibits.




“This grant allows us to reach more beach visitors with our message of stewardship for the treasure that is Pemaquid Beach,” said Jennifer Brockway, PWA executive director.

“People need such wild places to balance their lives,” writes Joan Lyford, who helped create the nature center, “yet our beach could be lost without thoughtful protection.”

In 1940 the Partridge family deeded Pemaquid to the Town of Bristol in perpetuity. “Now, the real danger of over-use has inspired the beach community to inform ourselves about its fragile ecosystems,” Lyford states. “We are speaking for the beach through educational programs.” 

Beachcombers’ Rest, open June-September, offers exhibits, hands-on activities and programs related to Pemaquid Beach.

Among last summer’s activities was a Native American Recognition Ceremony, which included music, dance and a potluck supper of native foods.

Among the special programs were interpretative beach walks and a presentation on the life cycle of lobsters by the Lobster Conservancy.

The center is already planning programs for next year, “keeping the best and exploring new possibilities,” says Lyford. The Pemaquid Watershed Association honored her and fellow center creator Diane Perry as volunteers of the year. 

The Pemaquid Watershed Association is a member-supported land trust and environmental outreach nonprofit dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Pemaquid Peninsula Region.

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