Sunrise Senior College Online Course Registration

Imagine getting a guided tour of the Downeast Institute on Great Wass Island—home to the easternmost marine research laboratory in the United States. Come discover the innovative research, hands-on education, and industry-driven solutions that define the work being done by the Institute. We’ll explore their state-of-the-art shellfish hatchery, where they produce bivalve species such as soft-shell clams, blue mussels, eastern oysters, and surf clams.

From there, we will visit their education center and marine field station to learn how they are inspiring and training the next generation of marine scientists and ocean stewards. The tour concludes with a stop at their lobster hatchery, where we’ll see juvenile lobsters up close and learn how they are raised for critical research efforts.

Next, we’ll take a short drive to the nearby Three Islands Oyster farm, a working aquaculture operation affiliated with the Downeast Institute. Here, we’ll hear the story behind the farm, what makes it unique, and what it takes to grow a premium oyster in the cold, clean waters of Downeast Maine. We’ll wrap up with a live oyster shucking demonstration by Kyle, followed by an optional tasting. Fresh oysters will also be available for purchase to take home and enjoy. 

Instructor: Kyle Pepperman is the Executive Director of the Downeast Institute, a nonprofit marine research and education organization based on Great Wass Island in Beals, Maine. A lifelong advocate for Maine’s working waterfronts, he leads efforts to advance applied marine research, expand aquaculture innovation, and strengthen education and workforce development programs that connect people to the ocean. Under his leadership, the Institute supports shellfish growers across the Northeast through hatchery production and collaborative research while inspiring students and community members to engage with marine science. Pepperman is committed to ensuring that coastal communities remain resilient and economically vibrant by bridging science, industry, and education in service of the blue economy.

Class Information: This class will be held at Downeast Institute, 39 Wildflower Lane, Beals, Maine 04611, and Three Islands Oyster Farm.  It will be in person only with the presenter in-person. There are two short flights of stairs at the Downeast Institute and one at the oyster farm.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                                IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.