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Maine Public Broadcasting's Emmy-nominated documentary television series ‚"Sustainable Maine," is featuring the Saco River Estuary Project and the scientists, students and community members involved in its success in an upcoming episode titled ‚"Return of a River," airing October 2.

"Sustainable Maine" shares stories about how Maine's top researchers are partnering with stakeholders and communities to address some of Maine's most complex issues through the Sustainability Solutions Initiative.  The initiative was made possible by an EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) grant from the National Science Foundation to the University of Maine.

The Saco River Estuary project focuses on understanding the effects of increasing coastal development on the health of the estuary and on ways to mitigate these effects, and stakeholder engagement and collaboration are central to its success.

The Saco River Estuary Project brings together researchers from the 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵ and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve to learn more about the ecological health of the estuary. Researchers are interested in the ways coastal development and the stewardship efforts of local governments, businesses and organizations affect the diversity of fish and birds and water quality of the estuary.

The MPBN episode interviews Saco River Estuary Project co-directors Pamela Morgan and Christine Feurt from the 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵDepartment of Environmental Studies, as well as fellow researchers and collaborators Michael Daley Noah Perlut, Jake Aman and Jeremy Miller.  The episode includes appearances by environmentalist and outdoorsman R.J. Mere, Captain Carl Lagerstrom, and other local community members.

"Return of a River" is scheduled to air on MPBN television on October 2 at 9:00 p.m., October 5 at 10:00 a.m. and October 6 at 1:00 p.m.  Check your local listings, or visit the website.

A celebration and free community viewing of the episode is being planned and will be announced in the near future.