Ecology & Art on Hurricane Island

October 11, 2016

Bow Seat’s partner Hurricane Island Foundation (HIF) provides experiential, hands-on education programs focusing on marine sciences, STEAM education, sustainability, and leadership in environmental stewardship for all ages.

This summer, Bow Seat sponsored a scholarship to support a creatively-minded student attending the Island Ecology Program at the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership in Maine. During this program, students gain expertise in science concepts and processes as they investigate Hurricane Island’s terrestrial and aquatic environments. 

We recently caught up with scholarship recipient Kayla Haskins to hear about her experience.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What are some things you love to do?
Hello, my name is Kayla. I am a sophomore in high school at Northampton High School, where currently I am in three honors classes and one non-honors including English, Math, Spanish 3, and Chemistry. I grew up in a town in the foothills of the Berkshires called Ashfield. Then in 6th grade I moved to our local city called Northampton. It was when I moved here that I learned how much I really loved nature and missed constantly being surrounded by it.

Some of the things I love and strive to do in my life include playing the flute (I am currently on my 8th year of playing), watercoloring, sketching, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, lacrosse, helping others, and helping the environment. 

So, how was the program? What did you learn? Give a favorite memory or highlight.
The Island Ecology program was an amazing experience that I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to do. I had the chance to be with an all female group which was a really amazing opportunity as well as eye-opening to see that so many females are becoming involved in science just as I am. Hurricane Island is a really humbling experience for really anyone that has the chance to go. You get thrown together with a bunch of people you have never seen and are put in a new environment where you really have no choice but to just think about yourself and reflect. On this program to Hurricane Island I learned through a lot of self-reflection and it has helped me form a version of myself that I really feel comfortable in.

Although it is very hard to chose my favorite memory of Hurricane Island, I would pick stargazing outside of the bunk house with a group of friends. The stars on the island are so unbelievably humbling. During my time there, there was a meteor shower, and the shooting stars were so extraordinarily clear and bright that it would take your breath away. But unfortunately the stargazing did not last long because with us outside there was also a very aggravated mink who seemed to creep closer and closer. A few minutes after hearing its first scream it quickly sounded as if it were only maybe ten feet away. We took that warning sign to run into the safety of our bunk house!  

What is your connection to the ocean?
Although I have never lived or resided by an ocean I have always felt a very strong connection to the ocean. Every time I go to the ocean I find myself sitting with my eyes closed taking in the smell of the salty air, the ocean breeze, and the gently rising and falling of waves. I always have this feeling like I belong right there by the ocean. I really hope that one day I can live by the ocean. The ocean has become a large and important part of my life that I hope to incorporate into my everyday routine as I grow to become my own person.

What is your favorite ocean species?
My favorite ocean species is by far the brittle star. I love how they twist and twirl into themselves. It’s always an exciting surprise to run across one while exploring the intertidal zone.

Tell us about your artwork. What inspired you?
I want to start with my second piece that I did while on Hurricane Island. This one contains a girl reading a book with the sun gently setting behind her. I was inspired by this piece when I was sitting on a cliff edge looking out onto the ocean, when I turned and looked up at a friend of mine from the group. The sun was so perfectly and beautifully behind her and her hair was gently blowing along with the wind, I knew then I had to draw it. I made it to show a person in true bliss and happiness: that fleeting moment when nature has the power to take you away from reality. I still feel at peace every time I look back on the artwork and remember that feeling of there – nothing in the world but me and the view ahead, untainted by our modern world.

The second piece includes four different perspectives of a Hemiptera pentatomidae beetle. I chose to draw and paint this piece because of my love for entomology. I wanted to take the simple beetle and bring it to life with color and detail.  

How does art-making help you connect to the natural environment?
For me, creating art has always been a of way of appreciating nature. Taking the time to go sit outside with nothing but nature surrounding me is a really humbling experience no matter how many times I may have done it or will. While making artwork, I expand and strengthen my connection with nature in a way that I can really enjoy and emotionally connect to.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I see myself fresh out of college (Hopefully Colby or College of the Atlantic) going into the world by myself for the first time and taking that time to adventure and travel.

What advice would you give to other young people who love the ocean?
For other young people who love the ocean just as I do my advice is… Don’t take the ocean and it’s beauty for granted. Although it is beautiful and amazing, we have to preserve it or it will no longer be the beautiful place that we know now.