Join Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) for two Swan Island excursions, one by land and the other by sea. Each will be led by local historian and president of Friends of Swan Island, Jay Robbins. On Friday, September 16th from 9am-1pm FOMB offers a tour of the Island by truck with ample time to walk about and on Sunday, September 18th the group offers a nautical circumnavigation tour of Swan in the IF&W ferry from 3:15-5:30. There is an $8 island fee to MDIF&W for Friday’s tour and donations are suggested for the circumnavigation. Participants will meet and launch from the Swan Island ferry landing just north of the Richmond Town Landing. Required pre-registration for both of these outings is with Jay Robbins at 737-2239. Located in the Kennebec River between Richmond and Dresden, four mile Swan Island is a part of the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area and included on the National Register of Historic Places. The Island's name itself is derived from “Swango,” the Abenaki name for “Island of Eagles.” In the late 1800s, a small settlement on the Island survived by farming, fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, brick manufacturing, and ice making. The Island was also reportedly visited by American historical figures Aaron Burr, Benedict Arnold and Colonel Henry Dearborn. On the tour, you’ll come to know the history of the abandoned community, once known as Perkins Township - and get an intimate look at several historic houses in varying stages of preservation from eighty years ago when last inhabited. The Island is also known for its abundant bald eagles, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. There are also eight Adirondack style lean-tos on the island available for overnight camping and several trails to hike on. FOMB member and Friends of Swan Island president, Jay Robbins, will lead the tour to this unique, island nature reserve managed by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Few are more qualified as guide than Jay who also is president of the Arnold Expedition Historical Society, Stewardship Committee Member and Docent for Pownalborough Court House and tales-teller extraordinaire. The group will reach the island by ferry from Richmond for the truck and walking tour and begin here for the circumnavigation. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring some drinking water. For more information on FOMB programs including the upcoming 20th annual Winter Speaker Series, October-May, and Fall Bay Day for 4th graders on September 27th, call Kathleen McGee at 666-3598 or go to the FOMB web site at www.friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org . Tubbs-Reed House, Swan Island