In 2003, the PWA formed a partnership with the Town of Bristol Parks & Recreation Commission to open Beachcombers’ Rest, a nature center located in the town pavilion at Pemaquid Beach Park. In addition to its displays and interactive exhibits, the Center serves as base of operations for a variety of multidisciplinary programs that draw upon beach resources. The overall intent is to foster awareness and appreciation for the local environment, thereby helping to ensure that this rare and remarkable beach will be enjoyed by future generations of beachgoers. Interested in volunteering at the Nature Center, click here to learn more. or Email:info@pemaquidwatershed.org

Directions: Click on the green arrow below for an interactive map to Beachcombers' Rest at Pemaquid Beach.

Beachcombers' Rest in the News

Maine Community Foundation Spotlight Grant, click here to learn more.

The Center is open seven days a week, July through August, weather permitting. Please join us for our weekly interpretive beach walks and hands-on activities, including visits from a marine animal touch tank, art classes, tide pool explorations, and more. A complete schedule of events is posted at the start of each season. The BRNC programs are fun,
educational, and free (unless stated otherwise), although each visitor is required to pay the nominal admission charge to enter the Pemaquid Beach Park.

Founders at the Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center Joan Lyford (left) and Diane Perry (right)

Workshops are held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a touch tank will be available courtesy of the Gulf of Maine Foundation and Darling Marine Center, allowing young and old alike to experience first-hand many of the animals and plants that inhabit our coastal waters. Fridays feature interpretive beach walks, which are a great way to learn about the fascinating geology and natural history of Pemaquid Beach (check at the beach for dates and times).

Read the column at right for more details about our current season.

Beachcombers' Rest Schedule

Wednesday, July 23–28: Wabanaki Days: This six-day event will feature Native American cultural ceremonies, historic re-enactments and docu-drama, turtle shell rattle and flute making demonstrations, a potluck of Native American foods, storytelling by the campfire, face painting, sea kayaking, musical performances, speakers addressing Native American tools and gardening, beading workshops and canoe building instruction. For a complete schedule see www.wabanakidays.org or contact the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-563-8340.

The following is a sampling of events from the 2007 season ... information for 2008 will be available soon.

Zen Garden in a Box at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. Valerie Haskins will lead this activity that honors the earth and celebrates the creative spirit. Apply principles of design and traditional elements of sand and stone to create your own miniature garden. Participants will receive a box and mini rake. All ages.

The Blossoming Beach at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. Liz Kellet is an herbalist and naturalist who will offer a tour of beach plants. All ages.

Seascape Contest at Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center From sandcastles to seaweed and sand gardens, come be inspired by the beautiful white sand at Pemaquid Beach. Register at the Nature Center that day between 10:00 a.m. and noon for your own special space. Prizes and participation certificates for all to be awarded by “King Neptune” at 2:00 p.m. All ages.

The Wawenock at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. Native Americans met and feasted at Pemaquid Beach for hundreds of years before Colonial times. Marie Arnold will be your expert instructor, sharing her knowledge of this intriguing culture. All ages.

Native American Recognition Celebration PWA’s Fourth Annual Native American Recognition Celebration, rain or shine, will be held at Pemaquid Beach. The evening events will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a potluck meal of traditional foods, such as corn, clams, beans, nuts and berries. Come learn about and commemorate our region’s rich cultural roots. Music, storytelling, demonstrations, and authentic ceremony make this an event to experience with the whole family.

Mud Mobile at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. Come get your hands into clay! Create images of the beach with the help of local artists. Registration is required because space is limited. Please register by calling Nature Center Co Director, Joan Lyford, at 677-2795. There is a $5 fee per participant. All ages.

The Wonder of Seaglass at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. The creative spirit will be unleashed as participants gather for a story about this mysterious gem of the sea. Artist and jewelry designer (and PWA Education Coordinator!), Tenley Wilder, will help participants make a beautiful necklace pendant or decorate a picture frame with the colors of the sea. All ages.

Shore Birds at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 9:30-noon. Local ornithologist Bruce Bartrug will guide participants in the viewing of the migrating shore birds at Pemaquid Beach. Bring binoculars if you have them. Also, for those interested, bring a long a sketch book and drawing materials. Ages 8+.

Seascape Contest at Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center By popular demand, there will be two contests this year! See July 21 above.

Prowl the beach and tidal pools at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon, with Jean and Bernie McAlice. Discover how all sciences relate to oceanography. All ages.

Roses at the Shore at Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, 10-noon. From rose hip syrup to eye tonics, the beautiful beach rose has many uses. Come to get recipes and learn why herbalists have suggested drinking a cup of rose hip tea daily. Nature Center Co-director, Diane Perry, will share her research and recipes. All ages.