BELFAST — On January 17, during the annual Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition meeting and program, the board of directors gave a shout-out to more than 180 volunteers, who helped with various initiatives during 2018.

A group of enthusiastic members and volunteers socialized, over refreshments, renewed old friendships, and met new people before the program began, according to a BBWC news release.

As with all BBWC programs, the general public was also invited.

President Ernie Cooper welcomed the group and introduced a slide presentation that highlighted 2018 BBWC activities.

In 2018, volunteers provided support to programs such as: the Penobscot Bay Stewards (2019 applications open on Feb. 1); the Pen Bay Stewards Alumni Association; Fish Friends (the salmon egg rearing program in 12 local schools); the monthly Harbor Bird Watch Program; the Natural Literacy Education Program in local schools; Storm Surge Sensing in seven Midcoast harbors, Water Quality monitoring in Belfast Bay, building and maintaining local trails (including the replacement of old bog bridges on the Little River Community Trail); and numerous other programs, outings, and workshops.

In addition to individual efforts, the volunteer team from Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center and high school students from The Waldo County Technical Center were recognized.

The BBWC Board of Directors expressed gratitude to the many people who work for watershed conservation through research, community-building, and education, the 3-pronged mission of the coalition, according to the release.

For more information about any of these initiatives, and how to get involved, visit BelfastBayWatershed.org.