Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Cool Fact: The shell of a snapping turtle is full of nerve endings and sensitive to scratches. First, about that snap. Snapping turtles can’t pull their head and limbs into their shells, so they use their powerful jaws in self-defense. They can raise up on their hind legs, stretch out their Read More
My Maine This Week: Sam Horine
“Last week, my dog, Jack, and I were out for an evening canoe. Jack was getting restless and bouncing around in the front of the canoe when I saw the deer on the bank. The wind started to push us into some driki as I’m getting my phone out of my pocket hoping the deer Read More
Critter Chatter – Heartbreak at the Wildlife Care Center
Donald Cote and his late wife have operated the Duck Pond Wildlife Center for more than five decades. Five decades of 24/7 devoted care to nature, large and small, furred and feathered. While we naturally prefer to hear about the successful stories, the “feel good, happily-ever-after” anecdotes, there are certainly sad outcomes which are inevitable Read More
U.S. House Passes Great American Outdoors Act to Reinvest in Maine’s Outdoor Economy
House Bill Sponsored by Congressman Golden and championed by Congresswoman Pingree NRCM news release July 22, 2020 (Augusta, ME) – The United States House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed the Great American Outdoors Act to expand access to the outdoors and support Maine’s recreation economy. The bill, which was sponsored by Congressman Jared Golden and Read More
Reusable Bags are the New Comeback Kids
Small victories need to be celebrated, particularly when you’re up against the monstrous plastic industry and fossil fuel companies. Store managers can now allow customers to bring in reusable shopping bags, according to the COVID19 Prevention Checklist Industry Guidance provided by the Maine Department for Economic and Community Development. This is a small but meaningful Read More
Climate Action Recommendations for a Healthier, Stronger Maine
This is the moment for Maine to build a healthier, more equitable and resilient future for everyone who lives in Maine. But we can only get there with clear direction and real solutions that will ensure our steady transition to a prosperous clean energy future. The statewide Climate Action Plan being developed by the Maine Read More
My Maine This Week: Mousam River by Laura Pope
This week’s featured photographer, NRCM member Laura Pope of Eliot, Maine, writes: “Last Wednesday, the weather was so fine…cool and with little humidity. It was Wednesday and we said, let’s go. “We started with a walk on the heavenly Rachel Carson Trail in Wells…a woodland that meets up with the Little River on its way Read More
Your Stories from the Allagash
We asked, and you answered! Thank you to everyone who sent us their stories and photos from the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in celebration of the 50th anniversary of it being designated a Wild and Scenic River. These are wonderful tales and, in some cases, utterly wild. Enjoy! —Melanie Sturm, NRCM Forests & Wildlife Director “If Read More
You’ll Head to the Allagash after You Read “Allagash Explorer”
One of my all-time favorite adventures was a trip down the Allagash. The feds designated the Allagash as a National Wild and Scenic River, with lots of protection. I was very pleased recently to receive a copy of the booklet, Allagash Explorer, created to help you enjoy an Allagash adventure. A lot of people contributed Read More