I’m a welder and fabricator by trade. I don’t have a political science degree, but I do listen to the scientists and trust what they are saying about our environment. As a native Mainer, I value being able to live nearby some of the most beautiful places in the world. And, naturally, I want 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.
Sharing the Mystery of “Suddenly Appearing Birds”
Have you looked out at your bird feeder lately and seen birds you hadn’t seen the previous day—perhaps not since the previous year? With most of us staying home these days and exploring nature around our yards, many people are seeing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings that suddenly appear at their bird feeders Read More
Critter Chatter: Speaking of Quarantine…Part I
As we try to adjust to social distancing, I wondered about what warrants quarantining at wildlife rehab centers. Indoor and outdoor caging is required to separate incoming injured, and perhaps sick, wild animals from people as well as other wild or domestic animals on site. It is imperative that personal safety and confinement protocols be Read More
What Will Our Streets Look Like in the Future?
As the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19, bicycle and pedestrian advocates across the globe have a tremendous opportunity to prove that clean, human-powered transportation is a viable aspect of an environmentally and economically sustainable future. The age-old argument against closing streets down to vehicular traffic is “business will suffer if customers are unable Read More
What’s Happening to the Plum Creek Plan for Moosehead Lake?
Fifteen years ago, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and people who love Maine’s North Woods were embroiled in a protracted campaign to prevent the Seattle-based Plum Creek Timber Company from forever ruining the Moosehead Lake region with the largest development proposal in Maine history. Over a five-year period, ending in 2009, we collectively achieved Read More
Four Ways to Improve Our Worsening Waste and Recycling Crisis
Even eternally optimistic people struggle to remain positive sometimes. I know because I am one of them. And as someone who has thought about recycling and waste policy daily for the past decade, my positivity has never had a greater test than in 2020. Most people understand that reducing waste and recycling is an environmentally Read More
Working Together for Healthier, More Affordable Transportation Options in Maine
The coronavirus has led many people to seek outside spaces for a breath of fresh air, exercise, and a moment of reflection. The pandemic has heightened our awareness of the importance of safe, accessible places to walk, bike, or explore. This is easier for some in Maine than it is for others. Chances are, if Read More
The Trump Administration’s Giveaways to Polluters Must Stop!
Maine has a special leadership role we can all be proud of when it comes to protecting our country’s clean water and air. It was Maine’s Senator Edmund Muskie who led the efforts to pass the Clean Water Act of 1972 and Clean Air Act of 1970. In the past few years, as the Trump Read More
Our Backyard Discovery Diary: Mockers, Rattles, Ruby-crowns, and Twitters
During Earth Week, staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine sent “digital care packages” to our members and supporters, as a way to help folks stay connected to nature. Jeff’s organization, National Audubon, has also upped their online engagement opportunities, as have a number of other groups. But many of us—perhaps you?—are creating our Read More
