January 20, 2026 – Blue Hill, Maine – Clearview Energy, a Dallas-based energy company serving residential and commercial customers across the United States, has made a $15,000 donation in support of the Shaw Institute’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Blue Hill, Maine.
Founded in 2006, Clearview Energy provides gas and electric services nationwide, including in Maine. This marks the second consecutive year the company has invested in the Shaw Institute’s education and research programs, reinforcing its commitment to environmental learning and community engagement.
The donation will be divided evenly, with $7,500 allocated toward the installation of a new aquarium at the EEC, and $7,500 designated for a matching fundraising campaign that, if successful, will ensure free admission to the EEC through the end of the year.
“Clearview Energy’s support is essential to helping us enhance the Environmental Education Center while continuing our efforts towards free admission for all,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director of the Shaw Institute. “Our goal is to create a fun, engaging experience that educates and inspires both children and adults. This partnership allows us to build on the strong momentum we’ve gained over the past year, and I’m especially excited about the new aquarium, which I know will be a visitor favorite.”
The new exhibit will feature a 60-gallon eelgrass marine ecosystem showcasing species native to the Gulf of Maine. Highlights include Lined Seahorses—the largest seahorse species in the world—found along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Brazil.
“The seahorses will certainly be the stars of the show,” said Mikey Vittum, Lead Aquarist at the Shaw Institute. “But the tank will also include other species commonly found in Maine’s eelgrass beds, such as periwinkles, pipefish, long-clawed hermit crabs, and three-spine stickleback fish. Together, they’ll give visitors a true window into this critical coastal habitat.”
Mollie Fabian of Clearview Energy emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for supporting hands-on environmental education. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Shaw Institute and to support a space where science comes alive for the community,” Fabian said. “The Environmental Education Center offers an incredible opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the marine environment, and we’re honored to help make that experience accessible to everyone.”
The Environmental Education Center serves as a cornerstone of the Shaw Institute’s mission to advance environmental science, research, and public education throughout the Blue Hill Peninsula and beyond.
Winter hours for the Environmental Education Center are Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. For more information about the Shaw Institute or to plan a visit to the EEC, visit www.shawinstitute.org.
FAQ
Q: How is Clearview Energy’s donation being used?
A: The $15,000 gift is split between installing a new aquarium exhibit and supporting a matching campaign to keep admission free at the Environmental Education Center through 2026.
Q: What species will be featured in the new aquarium?
A: The exhibit will showcase a 60-gallon eelgrass ecosystem featuring lined seahorses, pipefish, periwinkles, hermit crabs, and threespine stickleback fish native to the Gulf of Maine.
Q: Where is the Shaw Institute Environmental Education Center located?
A: The EEC is located in downtown Blue Hill, Maine, and serves the surrounding Blue Hill Peninsula and visiting communities.
Q: When is the Environmental Education Center open?
A: Winter hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10am–4pm.
About Shaw Institute
Shaw Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific research organization based in Blue Hill, Maine. Established nearly 35 years ago, the Institute’s mission is to work to discover and expose environmental threats to the health and wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environments we share. Our research on plastics, ocean pollution, marine mammal health, toxic chemicals, and climate change has informed public opinion and influenced public policy, impacting millions of people in Maine, the U.S. and worldwide.
About Clearview Energy
Founded in 2006, Clearview Energy is a retail energy supplier providing reliable electricity and natural gas solutions to residential and commercial customers. Led by President Frank McGovern, the company is committed to transparency, customer choice, and responsible energy practices. Clearview Energy offers straightforward energy plans and dependable service designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Among Clearview’s sustainability initiatives are electric vehicle (EV) products and support for nonprofit organizations focused on environmental sustainability.
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