Two faculty and eleven students spent the second weekend in September on Allen Island. Our trip focused on climate changes research (mostly fixing and calibrating sensors). We also made some time for walking the island and discussing recent papers on surface ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine. Enjoy a few photographs of the trip and read the student “Allen Island – Student Impressions” to understand wh
y Allen Island is such an amazing resource for Colby.
” Being at Allen Island is an amazing experience. It is not only a magnificent place visually, but it also provides many opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation between Colby’s departments. While I’m at the Island, I see both the artistic value and potential of the environment, as well as the ecological interactions occurring all around me. Each trip I take is an opportunity for growth, both as an artist, and as a scientist.” – Sergio Madrigal
“I first heard of Allen Island in general chemistry. A professor was whisking away a group of students to the island for a weekend trip. The words “climate change research” were enough to hook me in, but my friend provided the final push by turning to me and saying, “You should definitely go.” I gave in easily to the peer pressure.
“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I received a confirmation email. I’m a little glad I went in with no idea of what Allen Island was like, since it made me be open to any and all kinds of information. Over the two days, I became in awe of everything around me – which, with the type of views the island provided, it was easy to be. While being enchanted by the scenery, I listened to Professor King sneak in teaching moments wherever he could. I learned of the rapid warming occurring in the Gulf of Maine, and its impact on underwater organisms and the seafood industry. I learned of the history of Allen Island, and the many ways the island can become a classroom. I felt like I learned about a variety of topics, not just specifically climate change. All the information related to each other in some way, so it left me with a well-rounded crash course on not only Allen Island, but on how Allen Island could help further understand climate change, Maine art, and Maine history. If given the chance, I’d go back in a heartbeat, because I know I’ll come back having learned something new…. ” – Ana Petire