BELFAST — Want to learn more about the Penobscot Bay region and help preserve its unique character and history? The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition is again collaborating with the Maine Coastal Program to offer the Penobscot Bay Stewards Program to area residents.

This is an opportunity to learn about the Penobscot Bay region and ways to conserve its resources.

The program will run morning through afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 28 through May 28.

Topics to be covered include Penobscot Bay history, marine life, island ecology, coastal land, intertidal and marine habitats, geology, the Penobscot Nation, fisheries, aquaculture, water quality, conservation issues, and current regional issues with impacts on our environment and human life. Leading authorities in their fields will give presentations and lead field trips.

The program will include classroom presentations, short hikes in nature preserves and state parks, and field trips to Rockland, Blue Hill and Stonington, Hurricane Island, Indian Island, Castine, and the Belfast area. Some days will require early morning departures and boat trips.

Participants should be prepared to car pool and bring a bag lunch.

The course is free, but participants are expected to volunteer 30 hours to local conservation efforts of their choice during the coming year.

Classes will provide an ample selection of possible projects. The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition (www.belfastbaywatershed.org) qualifies as such a conservation organization.

The course is limited to 20 enthusiastic participants who will participate in the entire program.

For more information, email penbaystewards@gmail.com or call Penny at 207 631-7572, or Barney at 207 218-1088.

The application deadline is April 1.

To download the application go to: www.belfastbaywatershed.org/uploads/3/0/9/2/3092472/pbsp_application_2015_form.pdf

Mail applications to: Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition P.O. Box 152 Belfast, ME 04915.