Slow The Rise

Project Summary

High school students created a comprehensive sea level rise awareness campaign including educational website, informational posters, and multimedia content to engage their coastal community.

Detailed Story

The Gulf of Maine Field Studies class at Kennebunk High School developed “Slow The Rise,” a multi-faceted public education campaign addressing sea level rise impacts on Maine’s coastal communities. Students researched the effects of climate change on local ecosystems, particularly the Langford Road Marsh, and created educational materials examining the issue through environmental, economic, and social lenses. Their project included development of an extensive website (slowtheriseme.com), professionally designed informational posters about topics like living shorelines, European green crabs, salt marshes, and local sea level rise impacts. The students analyzed how rising sea levels would affect the region’s biodiversity, infrastructure, and community resilience, then presented solutions including natural barriers, carbon reduction strategies, and habitat restoration efforts. The materials examine practical topics such as why salt marshes matter, how living shorelines function as natural protection, and what community members can do to help address these challenges.

Impact Statement

The project created valuable educational resources for the community including a dedicated website, informational posters installed in public spaces, social media content, podcasts, intergenerational community conversations, and informational signs. The materials help local residents understand sea level rise projections (showing scenarios for 2050 and 2100), the specific risks to local landmarks like Goose Rocks Beach, and practical actions to build resilience. The professional quality of the materials means they continue to serve as lasting educational tools for the broader community.