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Cliff Island Exploration
Saturday, April 25, 2015
6 a.m. – 12p.m. or 4p.m.
TRIP DESCRIPTION: Join naturalists Doug Hitchcox, George Libby and Gary Roberts for a ramble
around Casco Bay’s Cliff Island. The early morning ferry will get us out to the island with plenty of time
to walk to Kennedy Beach to watch for returning and resident birds, search for early emerging plants and
wildflowers, and check out the tide pools. The beach varies greatly along its length. The Bluffs—a long,
raised, narrow chunk of rock—and the main part of Cliff Island shelter a wide area of water from the
most severe wind and surf. Bring a lunch and beverage.
MEETING PLACE: Please meet George, Gary, and Doug Hitchcox at 6 a.m. at the Casco Bay Lines
ferry terminal on Commercial Street in Portland. They will be inside the ferry terminal with backpacks,
and wearing Maine Audubon hats. There is a parking garage at the terminal, but many times it is full.
Please leave ample time to find a place to park. The ferry departs promptly at 6:30 a.m.
DIRECTIONS:
From the South:
 Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Exit 44
 Take I-295 to Exit 7 (Franklin Street)
 Follow Franklin Street to the end and go straight across the intersection
-OR Take Route 1 North to Portland
 After crossing Veterans’ Bridge, turn right at the light onto Commercial Street (Route 1A North)
 Turn right at the third traffic light (corner of Franklin Street)
From the North:
 Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) South to Exit 103
 Take I-295 to Exit 7 (Franklin Street)
 Follow Franklin Street to the end and go straight across the intersection
PREPARATION: We will take the ferry out to Cliff Island and then walk around for most of the day.
Please bring water and/or something to drink, lunch, binoculars and field guides. There is a store at the
dock which should be open in the late morning. Wear appropriate clothing for cool, windy weather
(layers) and comfortable walking shoes. For those who want to return to Portland at 12 p.m., George and
Gary will see that you are back to the dock on time. If you do not return to Portland at 12 p.m., the next
boat departs at 4 p.m. There are no public restrooms on the island so please use the head aboard the ferry
before disembarking.
SUGGESTED ITEMS:
Binoculars
Camera (batteries)
Field guides
Wind-resistant layer
Warm layers
Hat and gloves
Outdoor footwear
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Lunch, snacks, and drinks
LEADERS: George Libby and Gary Roberts have been leading Maine Audubon walks and field trips
for more than 20 years. Maine natives, they have been avid sportsmen and naturalists since their youth.
Sharing their awareness and understanding of nature has always been a priority, and they enjoy being in a
community that advocates for the environment. Both George and Gary enjoy talking about local history,
coastal geology, and Maine's native flora and fauna. George is a Master Registered Maine Guide and
Gary is a Registered Maine Guide.
PLEASE NOTE: Cancellation of this trip due to weather is up to the discretion of your trip leader,
Doug Hitchcox. A few showers or a breeze are not enough to cancel this trip. If you would like to check
on the trip status during business hours please call Maine Audubon at 207-781-2330. If you have any last
minute concerns it is best to speak with Doug directly on his cell phone at 207-671-0185.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Participants receive a refund if they cancel a registration at least five
business days before the program. A processing fee will be deducted ($50 for summer camps, $25 for
programs over $100, $5 for programs under $100). Refunds may be considered after the five-day
deadline in cases of immediate emergencies or extenuating circumstances. If Maine Audubon cancels a
program, participants receive a full refund.
All program proceeds benefit the work of Maine Audubon.