Strategic Plan 2023-2026

VISION A network of community leaders solving environmental problems creatively, scientifically, and collaboratively for the Gulf of Maine and beyond.

STRATEGIC PLAN January 2023 to December 2026

GUIDING

PRINCIPLES

MISSION We integrate scientific research and education on a Maine coastal island to develop leaders prepared to address environmental issues

curiosity

inquiry

community

stewardship

Our island classroom and laboratory in Penobscot Bay inspire thoughtful ecological, environmental, and community-based questions.

We problem-solve using the scientific process, data, and critical thinking.

We are more effective and make better decisions when we bring diverse people together to share ideas, their work, and their stories.

We challenge students and researchers to create innovative solutions for a sustainable world.

Penobscot Bay, Maine P.O. Box 1280, Rockland, ME 04841 | info@hurricaneisland.net | www.hurricaneisland.net

in a rapidly changing world.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES January 2023 to December 2026

PLACE-BASED EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS

Educate and equip a more scientifically literate society • Cultivate a community of scientists, students, and teachers to broaden the impact of their work.

• Excite students and inspire researchers as leaders of community action with an emphasis on the Gulf of Maine and our changing climate.

• Seek out and remove economic, cultural, and social barriers to allow a diverse population access to science on Hurricane Island.

• Support schools and teachers to develop an interest for science while implementing strong science instruction utilizing realworld experiences.

Build strong organizational systems for long-term success • Build financial capacity to achieve the plan’s strategic and capital goals.

• Invest in staff to promote individual professional growth and staff retention.

• Recruit and support a strong, engaged and diverse board.

• Strengthen internal communications, data management, and financial systems for organizational efficiency and growth.

• Establish a clear and effective brand that promotes the mission and our strategic direction.

Further scientific understanding to address compelling ecological questions • Leverage the Field Research Station to build affiliations with higher education and research institutions.

• Identify and articulate the research opportunities emerging from the geographic location of Hurricane Island.

• Build a long-term data collection and monitoring strategy.

• Facilitate research collaborations that respond to community-driven science and research questions.

Model and advance environmentally responsible infrastructure • Establish an infrastructure plan to achieve sustainability and support program goals.

• Reduce direct and indirect use of fossil fuels, minimize use of pollutants, and promote environmentally responsible systems and operations.

• Implement and model innovative technologies through the new Field Research Station and campus-wide infrastructure.

• Preserve and protect our place on the island through continued investment.