DV-16-11 Northern Maine Children’s Water Festival

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

November 8, 2018

Ruth Hallsworth
Senator George J. Mitchell Center
University of Maine

Email Ruth Hallsworth

Maine has a wealth of water resources with 5,800 lakes, 32,000 miles of scenic and industrial rivers, and significant estuaries and coastline. Lakes cover almost 5% of the total state area. Together, forested wetlands and freshwater wetlands comprise almost 25% of the land area. However, Maine’s water resources are not problem-free and to sustain requires that each generation of youth has an understanding of this resource, how it is used, and how to sustain it in a changing environment. The Northern Maine Children’s Water Festival is designed to provide hands-on educational opportunities for teachers and students to learn more about Maine’s water resources in order for them to become knowledgeable citizens and future stewards.

The festival was a one-day event held at the University of Maine campus on October 11, 2016. Water resource professionals from throughout the state provided presentations and activities about water, wetlands, human health, and aquatic life. Close to 700 students from across northern Maine attended the event and participated in water-related activities throughout the day. The festival is provided at no cost to the participants and includes some funding to help schools cover the cost of transportation.

Sea Grant funds: $400