Landscape of Change
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Mission: Landscape of Change is a collaborative project using history, science, and imagination to document and communicate the scope, speed, and scale of climate change on MDI.
Project Vision: Relying on historical records and scientific data to establish a common understanding of how climate change is impacting MDI ecosystems and infrastructure, Landscape of Change encourages residents, community leaders, businesses, and avid-islanders to work together for island-wide solutions.
Project Goals: • Publish analyses documenting how MDI and Frenchman Bay ecosystems and climate are changing• Build consensus around the island’s vulnerabilities and opportunities • Engage the public in thoughtful conversations about our environmental and human wellbeing.
Background: In 2020 the Mount Desert Island Historical Society invited Schoodic Institute, MDI Biological Laboratory, College of the Atlantic, A Climate to Thrive, and Acadia National Park to consider how we could use records in the Society’s archive to support scientific research about climate change. Landscape of Change was born from these conversations, with the goal of mapping, discovering, and communicating details related to changes in the ocean, climate, plants, animals, and ecosystems on MDI. The first studies were focused on birds, pollinators, climate, and sea level because this information was easily accessible through a series of observations taken by the Champlain Society between 1880-1890. The project has since expanded to focus on gathering new data and launching new studies. The partners have expanded to include the Oceanarium and local artists.
Methodology: The three core elements of the program are data, analysis, and communication. Historical records, scientific data and datasets are summarized into exhibits, public programs, websites, maps, and artwork with the goal of reaching people with varied learning styles, backgrounds, and opinions. Landscape of Change recognizes that not all people will understand, be interested in, or believe the science of climate change. Art, story, history, and music can translate the complex language of science and evoke an emotional response to the data.
Landscape of Change is based on Mount Desert Island, and project partners believe that by focusing on local examples, the larger, more complex story of climate change can be better appreciated. Grounded in over a century of observations, Landscape of Change acknowledges the reality of climate change at the local level, advocating for understanding of the complexity of the larger problem, causes, and solutions.
Each year Landscape of Change partners design and implement new research, and new ways of communicating our work to the public. This evolving and growing collaboration meets the missions of each partner organization, is flexible and responsive, and thrives on a combination of operational support, grants, and private donations.
Accomplishments:
•Website with interactive maps •Two exhibits: Landscape of Change and We Change with Them •Original artwork • Original musical performance by Halcyon Quartet •Featured in two national publications, The Arts and Humanities on Environmental and Climate Change: Broadening Approaches to Research and Public Engagement and Museums and Climate Change •Winner National Leadership in History award, AASLH •Featured in lectures and public programs in Maine and New England •Community-driven outdoor exhibit •Year One report with new analysis •King tide study with high school students •New observations recorded by community scientists •Creative use of historical resources •Increased organizational support•
MDI Bio Lab Science Cafe Recordings:
Landscape of Change, April 2021