Preserving Our Legacy, Building our Future

For over half a century, our campus at Bryant Pond has been a cornerstone of conservation education in Maine, inspiring generations to cherish and protect our natural resources. From its origins in the 1950s, when Governor Edmund Muskie and visionaries like Lawrence Stuart laid the foundation for the Maine Conservation School, to its evolution as part of the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center, this place has been a beacon of learning, community, and stewardship.

Now, we stand at a pivotal moment in our history—a time to honor the past while preparing for the future. Through our Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future campaign, we aim to restore and enhance the heart of our campus, ensuring it continues to inspire for decades to come.

In Phase 1, we will restore the historic Stonehouse—a symbol of the campus’s enduring legacy and a cherished landmark. In Phase 2, we will renovate or rebuild the dining hall, creating a modern, welcoming space to nourish minds and bodies as we build community.

Your support will help us preserve the history that defines us and build the future that will sustain us. Together, we can ensure that this campus continues to inspire a love of nature and a commitment to conservation for generations to come.

Be Part of Our Story: Give Today

As part of our capital campaign, we’re proud to showcase the strong partnership between the Bryant Pond Learning Center non-profit board and the University of Maine. Donors have two ways to contribute to this important initiative, ensuring flexibility and alignment with your giving preferences. To give directly to the Bryant Pond Learning Center via Donorbox, supporting the efforts of our dedicated non-profit board, click the link to your left under “Bryant Pond Learning Center.” Alternatively, to donate through the University of Maine Foundation, supporting the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp Facilities Gift Account, click the “Your Gift Matters” link also located to your left. Both options play a crucial role in advancing our shared mission. Learn more about the Bryant Pond Learning Center by visiting their webpage.

Phase 1: Restoring the Historic Stonehouse (Goal $1,200.000)

The iconic Stonehouse stands at the heart of the Bryant Pond 4-H campus, a cherished landmark that has created lasting memories for generations of participants. Originally the summer estate of Mrs. Lillian Waterhouse, this building became the foundation of conservation education in Maine in the early 1960s. Teachers would gather here to learn skills and knowledge they could bring back to their classrooms, instilling a love of nature in young minds across the state.

Today, the Stonehouse serves as the year-round offices for our camp and learning center staff, continuing its legacy of supporting conservation education.

However, time has taken its toll. The building was not constructed on a true foundation, and its structural supports have weakened over the years. To ensure its preservation for future generations, we aim to restore the Stonehouse, addressing its structural issues while maintaining its historical integrity.

Our initial goal is to:

  • Strengthen the building’s foundation and supports.
  • Restore key architectural features to preserve its historic character.
  • Upgrade facilities to ensure the building remains functional for staff and programming needs year-round.

Phase 2: Reimagining Our Dining Hall Facilities

As the heart of our campus community, the dining hall is more than just a place to share meals—it’s where connections are forged, ideas are exchanged, and memories are made. To ensure this vital space meets the needs of future generations, we are embarking on an exciting process to reimagine its role on our campus.

Working closely with architects and stakeholders, we will assess whether the existing dining hall can be renovated to achieve our goals or if a new facility is the best path forward. Our vision includes creating a welcoming, functional, and sustainable space that will serve our staff, campers, and visitors for years to come.

Goals for the dining hall project include:

  • Enhancing accessibility and functionality for year-round use.
  • Creating a modern kitchen and dining space to support our programming.
  • Designing a space that reflects the natural beauty and conservation mission of Bryant Pond.
  • Ensuring environmental sustainability in both construction and operation.