Island Campus and Vessels
Appledore Island is a near-pristine, isolated environment. The island's
facilities are simple, attractive and designed for utility. SML generates
its own electricity and maintains systems for sewage disposal and
fresh and salt water distribution. A compressed air system allows
for SCUBA diving operations associated with SML's academic program.
The SML island operating staff of about twelve provides dining services
and facilities support for our island campus and waterfront. For a detailed description of SML's facilities and
vessels, CLICK HERE! (PDF)Housing
Program participants are housed two or four to a room in four modern dormitories with washroom facilities in each dorm. SML does not provide linens (execpt for Adult and Family Education programs). Fresh water is at a premium, so showers are limited, but salt water bathing is encouraged. Showers are located in Kiggins Commons.
Laboratories
The
main laboratory, Palmer-Kinne Laboratory, is equipped with bench space
for sixty people, both compound and dissecting microscopes, and sea
tables with continuously running seawater for maintaining organisms.
Three smaller laboratories are housed in the Grass Foundation Laboratory,
Kiggins Commons and Laighton House. The library, classrooms, infirmary,
and administrative offices are located in Laighton House and Hamilton
House. Click here for pictures of our island campus (PDF).Meals
The kitchen is noted for its hearty cuisine, particularly fresh, local seafood dishes. Everyone gets a chance to sample the region's most famous delicacy, lobster. Those with dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, generally find it easy to satisfy their needs. Meals are served three times daily, and twice on Sunday.
Vessels
Laboratory vessels include inflatables; Boston Whalers; a 19-foot sailboat, the S/V Mako; and the pride of the fleet, the 47-foot R/V John M. Kingsbury. The Kingsbury, delivered in 1984, was built to the Laboratory's specifications and is used as an integral component of many courses to provide students with working experience aboard a coastal research vessel. SML is proud to announce the addition of the R/V John B. Heiser to its fleet. This state of the art, 36-foot jet-drive vessel will support SML's program and operational needs and growing research activities.
Access and communications
Access to Appledore Island is provided by SML vessel from Portsmouth, NH to the Isles of Shoals during the summer ONLY (mid-June - beginning of September). Mail services are fairly regular for most of the summer, but are subject to change or cancellation depending on sea conditions. The terrain on Appledore is rugged and the weather is typically subject to sudden change. Therefore, all participants should have modest agility and suitable clothing. Participants help regularly, within each person's own capabilities, in the transporting of food and luggage from the dock to a laboratory vehicle. Back to the Top
