Trees and people share the same breath. As Earth Day approached in April, we found ourselves having that discussion. Fascinating, when you think about it. Willows, pines, oaks, spruce—they also share their breath with birds. And with every oxygen-breathing creature on Planet Earth. Every minute of every day, we breathe deep into our lungs the Read More
Nature of Maine Blog
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s “Nature of Maine” blog gives you the inside scoop on some of the latest issues facing Maine’s environment. From environmental news to threats to opportunities, NRCM is on the frontlines of the latest goings-on—and we’re often leading the charge on efforts to protect Maine’s precious lands, air, waters, and wildlife. Read what NRCM staff members have to say and get the perspective of some of our members and supporters who have been guest contributors.
Perhaps you have an issue you’d like to write about. Maybe you’re an expert on a particular topic and are inspired to share your expertise. Maybe you’ve recently made a visit to a spectacular Maine nature preserve or other natural area and would like to write about it (captioned photos welcome!). For submission guidelines, email nrcm@nrcm.org.
Exploring Maine’s Beaches in the Offseason
For most people, “beach season” is a very specific time of year in Maine: that luxurious four-month spell of warm weather from June to September when the sun convinces visitors to brave the icy bite of the Gulf of Maine. For some more intrepid recreationists, the off-season holds promise for surfing as winter swells bring Read More
Federal Climate Funding at Work in Maine
This is the first blog post in a series that will illuminate the ways federal funding has allowed Maine to successfully complete climate and clean energy projects; the projects that are underway with funding coming down the pipeline; and the needs that still exist for continued climate and clean energy work. The processes and negotiations Read More
It’s Time to Celebrate (and Protect) Maine’s Most Precious Resource: Clean Water
We are lucky to live in a state so beautifully crisscrossed by pristine, fresh waterways. From the Allagash up north, to the Penobscot in the middle, to the Saco in the south—fresh, clean water is a luxury to which we Mainers have become accustomed. I am personally grateful for the federal and state laws, along Read More
Critter Chatter – An April Reminder
When visiting at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center a couple of weeks ago, I asked Don Cote if he had any thoughts about what we should submit for the April column. Without missing a beat, he said spring is the time we need to alert people that not all young animals that appear lost Read More
“Pop-up Pond” Birding
There are many ways to spend time birding in the spring. As for us, we especially enjoy the surprises found by “pop-up pond” birding. To us, it has become a savored spring birding tradition. Sure, springtime birding also means frequent visits to favorite ponds, lakes and rivers. The increasing ice out means an increasing chance Read More
Why Are My Energy Bills So High? It’s Because of Fossil Fuels.
Since the fall, we’ve seen the consequences of our continued dependence on oil and gas here in Maine: Heating oil and utility gas prices have spiked, becoming unaffordable for too many Maine people. The New England grid’s reliance on expensive natural gas caused electricity prices to nearly double this winter. And now Putin’s war in Read More
Melt, Renewal, and Bogs — Maybe March Has Its Merit
For most of my quarter-century in Maine, March has been my least favorite month. Unpredictable weather conditions, slushy roads, mud everywhere, and hardly a touch of green make for a grueling 31 days as we wait for flowers to poke through. The ski season is coming to a close, the snow is rapidly disappearing, and Read More
Color of Climate: Amplifying the Voices of Youth from Diverse Backgrounds in Maine
Idey Abdi Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to leave Maine. I thought it lacked diversity and there were not a lot of activities to do. I never got to go on family vacations or explore the beautiful state. Last summer, I got to go on a three-day trip to Acadia National Read More
