What can be better than a sunset cruise at the end of June?

The answer is Destination Damariscove, a sunset cruise to Damariscove Island, complete with picnic, short hikes, tours of the Lifesaving Station, the caretaker's cottage and museum, as well as late-day views of the island's abundant birdlife.

Boothbay Region Land Trust plans the evening cruise to Damariscove for Thursday, June 26. Passengers will board the Balmy Days in Boothbay Harbor at 5 p.m. and return to the mainland by 9 p.m. The time on the island can be spent hiking some of the trails, touring the Lifesaving Station - now owned by the Whitten and Ryan families - the newly renovated caretaker's cottage, and the museum. This is a good chance to visit these locations that are not usually open to the public, and learn what it's like to live on an island.

In addition, Jeff Wells, ornithologist and BRLT board member, will be available to answer questions about Damariscove's significant habitat for seabirds (including over 2,000 nesting eiders) and waterfowl and wading birds.

The picnic dinner will be catered by Elizabeth's Kitchen from the East Boothbay General Store, and will include chowder, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks and desserts.

Tickets for this BRLT fund-raiser are $125 per person and should be purchased ahead of time as it is expected to sell out. Reservations can be made by calling the BRLT office (207) 633-4818. Proceeds from this event will benefit Boothbay Region Land Trust's ongoing conservation efforts to preserve land and shorefront access for the public and working waterfront. For more information see www.bbrlt.org .