Moose at the Salt Marsh
Oceanside Meadows Inn stands on 200 Acres that we as owners are committed to preserving in its natural state. Utilizing our training; Sonja's degree in geography and post-graduate degree in education, and Ben's doctorate studies in marine biology and ecotoxicology, we are both dedicated to making environmental education and preservation the focus of our efforts at Oceanside Meadows. We hope to share the experience of our historic inn and extraordinary location with people that share our enthusiasm and wonder of our natural environment.
We
hope you will join us in our efforts to preserve our worlds
natural and delicate balance; by visiting us here you will be
supporting our goals of widening an understanding of the
environment and appreciation of the great value that lies in the
health of our worlds ecosystem. Oceanside Meadows is committed to
programs that support these goals; furthering protection of lands
on Schoodic Peninsula and the development of environmental
education materials and resources such as this web site are a few
of our ongoing projects. The evolution of all these programs are
supported through the successes of the Oceanside Meadows Inn. We
hope you come and join us here on the coast for what we will
endeavor to provide - a unique and memorable experience.
The
property encompasses a wide variety of habitats, from deep ocean
frontage, rocky shore and tidal pools that form the sides of the
bay, a white sand beach and dune system that forms the head of
the cove behind which there is a brackish water pond.
Around the inn we have mature perennial gardens that are raised exclusively using organic methods. On either side of the inn there are two fresh water streams that flow throughout the year; the calming sounds of which blend with those of the crashing surf which can be heard all around the inn.
Across the croquet lawn made up of mixed wild grasses the formal gardens end and the 100 plus acre forest begins. Stretching out towards the salt marsh this mature forest lies both on high dry ground as well as low lying wetland, traversed by many small streams, a combination that offers an extraordinary diverse collection of habitats.
The
salt marsh is the home to species that have adapted to a habitat
in this ocean-land interface ruled by the rise and fall of the
tide. A fresh water pond and stream sits at the head of the marsh
and feeds in to it; a favorite feeding ground for many blue heron
and moose, the home to many beaver and some otter. Looking
closely at the above photograph the streams path can be clearly
seen as it meanders its way through the marsh cutting a deep
channel in the mud bed. Navigating this passage in sea kayaks on
a high tide right to the head of the marsh is one of the best
ways to view the hive of wildlife activity in this one of the
world's most productive ecosystems. The salt marsh is a bird
watchers paradise that has been studied by a research group from
the Smithsonian Institution over the past 20 years. Studies of
bird species found at the marsh commissioned by the Maine's Fish
and Wildlife service document 94 different species sighted,
including bald eagles, numerous hawks, ravens, loons, owls
amongst many other rare and endangered species.
Walking back towards the inn to the south east of the marsh, one passes through a five acre natural meadow that is home to thousands of flower and plant species, a favorite place for many butterflies, humming birds, and field mice. Hawks and eagles that are often seen flying over head looking for small voles and other prey who rely on the meadow for food.
Please visit this site again to see more information about our efforts in the environmental realm. We look forward to welcoming you to Oceanside Meadows.
Please visit our information source front page for more information.
Please call us if you would like any information or to make a reservation, and do visit this new site again where we hope to show you more of Oceanside Meadows and our local area.
Your hosts, Sonja Sundaram and Ben Walter, look forward to welcoming you.
Oceanside Meadows Inn P.O. Box 90, Prospect Harbor, Maine 04669
Tel: (207) 963 5557 Fax: (207) 963 5928 Email: oceaninn@oceaninn.com