It is with much sadness and great appreciation that this month’s column is written in memory of Amy Messier, who passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2021. Amy had been a volunteer at Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center in Vassalboro for almost 20 years. Although unable to work most of this past year due to 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.
Community Solar—What’s the Deal?
Have you received multiple offers to sign up for solar and save money on your electric bill? Do you wonder if these offers are legitimate? Where’s the catch? How do these work? People are asking these questions, so I did a little research. Here’s what I found out. There are two ways to engage in community Read More
We’re Dreaming of a Gray Christmas
For the last few weeks, we’ve been dreaming of a gray Christmas, but many birders have already had such a dream come true. On December 3 a Gray Kingbird was found near Fortunes Rocks Beach in Biddeford Pool, only about two miles from where another rare flycatcher, an Ash-throated Flycatcher had been found before that. Read More
Exploring Community Trails, Big and Small, in Maine
With new funding streams coming in and plans progressing to improve our walking and biking paths, we have a lot to be hopeful for in Maine. In the coming years there will be myriad opportunities to engage at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for community trails. Such an investment would be not Read More
A Clean Energy Future Maine Can Be Proud Of
Maine people delivered a stunning defeat to the Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor at the ballot box on November 2nd. The overwhelming vote to reject the corridor sends a clear message that Mainers are not going to accept the damage done to Maine’s western mountains, especially for a project that offers no new climate benefit. Read More
Putting Our Plug-in Hybrid to the Test: Pandemic Road-tripping
In August of 2021, my husband and I decided to accept an invitation to an in-person wedding of a dear friend in southeastern Michigan, about 900 miles away from our home in Lewiston. Seeing friends and embarking on a road trip, one of our favorite ways to vacation, seemed the perfect antidote to our COVID Read More
Critter Chatter – Changing Seasons
As most of our readers are excitedly anticipating the holidays and time off from work and school, daily chores at Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab continue, no matter the weather, dropping temperatures or reduced daylight. Carleen described preparation for winter in portions of earlier columns: From 2008: “The babies that arrived in the spring and summer Read More
Offshore Wind Holds Great Promise for Maine
The United States has made great strides over the past several years in developing and deploying the clean energy we need to help address the climate crisis. But one area that still holds a great deal of unfulfilled promise for our country – and especially for Maine – is offshore wind, particularly deep offshore wind that might be located 25 or 50 miles from shore. The Gulf of Maine Read More
Tips for Reducing Waste this Holiday Season
The holidays are a time full of tradition, nostalgia, friends, and family….and unfortunately a lot of waste. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can find ways to lower your impact and even support our environment by creating new traditions. Here are some dos and don’ts for an environmentally friendly holiday season. DO: Read More
