IIT Fall Newsletter: Breaking Ground

By Chloe Joule

Construction of the Miller Center for Environmental Education has begun and we are thrilled! Within a week of permitting from the Town of Islesboro, after the Planning Board’s September 22 meeting, our well was drilled and Paul Grindle began ground work for IIT’s new Blueberry Hill facility. We are enthused to be working with local sustainable design and construction firm, GOLogic of Belfast, to be able to move forward with an efficient and environmentally friendly building that will blend into the landscape and not detract from the incredible view IIT worked to protect.

At the same time, across the parking lot, Brothers in Arms began foundation work for IIT’s future barn, being constructed by local island builder, Peter Mills.

The possibilities theses two structures open up for IIT are immeasurable. The office space will allow for IIT staff to work in a safe, adequate work environment. The classroom will offer an area for IIT’s many talks, workshops, school outings & community events in a space that can accommodate the need for flexibility between programs. The learning kitchen will support IIT’s mission of local food and the food-based workshops we already provide. Just as important, it will afford space to uphold our responsibility to the produce we cultivate at Blueberry Hill, by giving us sufficient infrastructure to process, store and distribute our harvest. The separate barn will provide much-needed space to house IIT’s tools and equipment used to maintain our growing trail systems and Blueberry Hill agricultural endeavors; with a separate area to be able to work on, repair and maintain said equipment. The outdoor classroom and native vegetation trail will be a space for IIT activities and events as well as self-led exploration.

Becky Cregar’s gift that has been IIT’s home for over twenty-five years on West Bay Road was not only incredibly generous, but substantial in furthering IIT’s mission and growth. In part, her and Wilde Mellencamp’s support and forward thinking, has grown IIT to a point where the 800 sq. ft. three-season cottage no longer supports all we do. Because Becky’s bequest of the Cregar Center was not intended for conservation, but to further IIT’s mission – particularly our educational programs – IIT is able to sell and utilize the proceeds toward developing a facility that will enhance current programming and give us room to expand. In doing so, this incredible donation becomes a gift twice over, and we could not be more grateful.

To be able to incorporate Becky & Wilde’s generosity into our new home is a privilege and supports the core of our purpose for a new facility; a building that is a part of the whole community - embraced by all ages and demographics of the island. With that in mind, we plan to show appreciation for all who support the Miller Center as you enter the building.

If you are interested in being a donor, our fundraising campaign is still going! Send a check to P.O. Box 182, Islesboro, ME 04848 or go to our website to donate online. Make sure to note that the donation is for the Miller Center.

And when next you drive by, slow down and take a look at the exciting progress! If you find yourself wondering about any aspect of the project, please reach out to me, Chloe Joule, at cjoule@islesboroislandstrust.org or (207) 734-6907.