Dreaming of Winning Big
We’ve got some great opportunities to bid on unique midcoast experiences that are not available commercially during our live auction at the Midcoast Summer Night’s Dream! AND every dollar from a winning bid goes to support the innovative and aggressive land, water, and community conservation work of Midcoast Conservancy. Stay, sail, eat, and experience all these great things while protecting this amazing place…
AUCTION ITEMS
SUNSETS OVER BELFAST HARBOR:
Two Nights in Belfast Waterfront Home (Sleeps 6)
Overlooking the deep blue waters of Penobscot Bay, this two story apartment has a panoramic view of the harbor from its rooftop deck, as well as an expansive view from a sun-filled dining room. This oceanside apartment gets spectacular morning sunlight and sea breezes! Less than a two-block walk to a beach and five-minute walk to downtown, this charming rental accommodates six people
A SAIL WITH BENEFITS!
Sailing And Lunch For 2 In South Bristol With Bob And Jo Steneck
Sail the midcoast of Maine with Bob and Jo Steneck on their 28' Alerion Express. Learn about local marine biology and fisheries from Bob (professor of marine biology in the University of Maine's School of Marine Sciences). Enjoy lunch at Jo and Bob's cottage in South Bristol.
OSPREY NEST GETAWAY ON THE SHEEPSCOT RIVER
Take an almost-staycation yourself, or wow your visitors with their own idyll while visiting Maine. Located on a tidal river in midcoast Maine, The Osprey Nest is a classic Maine camp turned family-run bed and breakfast. They only book one party per stay so whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, when you are there the whole space is yours. Situated near the towns of Wiscasset, Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, you are never far from the classic midcoast must-see spots and wonderful local restaurants... but you will feel a world away.
The guest accommodations are perched right on the river's edge. The Cottage and The Cabin are our guest sleeping quarters. The Boat Barn houses a kitchen, living room and dining area. The Bath House has a beautiful tiled shower plus a sink and toilet.
Amenities & Services
Private accommodations
Private parking area
Breakfast fixings in the Boat Barn
Shampoo, conditioner and soap
Use of boats and swim dock
Use of grill and fire pit
BOATING EXCURSION FROM BOOTHBAY HARBOR
A four-hour boating excursion on the Maine coast for six guests on a 23’ powerboat, leaving from Boothbay Harbor. Picnic lunch with wine or beer will be provided. Possible add-on of birding, with Midcoast Conservancy’s very own Maine guide and naturalist Air Rhodes!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF OYSTER FARMING
Don’t let our Sheepscot Watershed Manager Melissa have all the fun with our Heafitz Oyster Farm on the Sheepscot River! This is your chance to spend a couple of hours on the water with her, flipping oyster cages and seeing up close how our oysters are growing, and cleaning the water while they do! Then head over to Glidden Oyster Farm to see how a large-scale farm functions on a tour with owner Ryan McPherson–then it’s time to slurp some bivalves, sip a craft brew or cocktail and enjoy the stunning views of the Damariscotta River with a new appreciation for all that goes into making these aquatic superheroes taste so good!
TESTING, TESTING, 1…2..3..HOUR CRUISE!!
A 3-hour cruise on the Sheepscot River with Paula & David Swetland. Participate in water quality testing at five stations from the mouth of the river to the Wiscasset trestle bridge. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way!
ANTIQUE CANOE: PADDLE WITH A PEDIGREE!
A lovingly restored, certified 1934 wooden-and-canvas canoe. Originally owned by Wavus camp, now donated by its adoptive parents Pris and Bill Watson! Certificate of authenticity is included.
WATERSHED TOUR AND HAPPY HOUR IN A COUNTRY COACH VAN
Gather a group of twelve to board a deluxe passenger coach for a tour of the watershed of your choice. Disembark at a preserve along the way for a short hike, then climb back aboard to enjoy a mobile happy hour as the tour continues. A staff member will be along to offer sightseeing information and answer any questions. Explore new territory, or dig deeper into your own neck of the woods!
WALK AN ISLAND PRESERVE, FOLLOWED BY PAELLA DINNER ON THE SHORES OF MUSCONGUS BAY
One of the jewels in Muscongus Bay is the Berger Preserve on Bremen Long Island. Accessible only by private boat, it is a unique experience. We’re here to make it easier by ferrying your group of 8 people out for a guided hike of the 100-acre preserve then bring you back to the Kieve Boat Landing where cocktails and a wood-fired paella dinner under the stars await. A magical night on the shores of Muscongus Bay!
GUIDED BIRD WATCHING ADVENTURE
Master birders will lead your group of 8 on a trip in late August/early September to Clarry Hill, depending on weather conditions. It’s a great spot to see migrating raptors in the fall, as well as other birds - and it’s also a great spot for a picnic! Lunch and drinks provided. Participants should have their own binoculars, sturdy footwear and bring water and sun protection.
GUIDED SEA KAYAK TRIP ON MUSCONGUS BAY
Visit the scenic and wildlife rich Muscongus Bay with Registered Maine Guide and Ecologist John Hayden. Kayaks and safety equipment provided by Maine Kayak in New Harbor (mainekayak.com). You can tailor the trip to your interests and preferences for up to 4 people and up to half a day of paddling. Appropriate for all levels from beginners up and children over 5. We will leave from Bremen and visit a beautiful Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) Island for a snack or bring a picnic. MITA will also provide a family membership for one year.
WANT TO BRING MORE POLLINATORS, BIRDS, AND OVERALL BIODIVERSITY TO YOUR LAND OR GARDENS WITH NATIVE PLANTINGS?
Get advice on how to enhance your gardens or plot of land. Learn about how to deal with invasives, sequester carbon, and improve water quality. Get ideas on what native plants will be appropriate to your site. Nancy Hayden, co-author of 'Farming on the Wildside: The Evolution of a Regenerative Organic Farm (Chelsea Green Press), will offer a free on-site consultation in mid-coast Maine. She will be joined by ecologist and organic farmer John Hayden and the two will put their heads together to help you come up with a plan.
“CLARRY HILL” BY RONALD FRONTIN
A signed artist’s proof of Ronald Frontin’s monumental painting “Clarry Hill”. Frontin, a Rockland native, studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia before apprenticing with world famous portraitist Nelson Shanks and then Andrew Wyeth. Frontin has had sellout shows at Spanierman Gallery In New York City and Dowling Walsh in Rockland.
Frontin has gone to Clarry Hill to paint en plein air for more than two decades, finding inspiration in the vistas and wide views of Maine native vegetation and rock outcroppings. Clarry Hill is Frontin’s most recent painting of this extraordinary location and he has generously donated three signed artist’s proofs to support Midcoast Conservancy.
GUEST HOUSE IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Spend two nights in this lovely Queen Anne-style house, circa 1870's, in a quiet neighborhood, with pleasant walks near the Charles River. Nearby, on Concord Avenue, are buses to Harvard Square and public transport to Boston and other areas
BESPOKE COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS TOUR
This package includes: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens entry for 7 people, a day at the Gardens with a private cart tour by a docent, picnic lunch on the grounds. Good through the 2024 May-Oct season (not available during Gardens Aglow).
SWEETWATER SOIRÉE
Cruise Damariscotta Lake aboard the “Hakuna Matata,” Brent & Carter’s pontoon boat. Two-hour tour for four includes wine, beer, nibbles, and tunes of your choice. Date (Aug - Sept) and launch location to be determined by boat captain, successful bidder, and weather. An evening with Brent and Carter is priceless!
GLAMPING AT HVNC!
Two nights at the cabin or yurt of your choice with no heavy lifting! We will ferry your gear to the cabin, and stock the larder with gourmet meals for your stay. Working with your group’s taste buds and dietary needs, we will craft a menu of woods-worthy treats to keep you nourished through a couple of days worth of hiking/biking/skiing the trails of Hidden Valley Nature Center!
