Our research project this spring is an investigation of salinity effects on alewife reproduction in our marsh. Despite state stocking of alewives, a self-sustaining run has not developed. We want to learn what effect spring tides may be creating in the marsh, and whether salinity may be having an effect on alewife eggs or fry. 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.
Maine’s Most Adaptable Bird?
We were captivated one recent evening by the songs of American Robins. As we listened to their carols echoing around our neighborhood during a lull in the rain showers, we started thinking about how adaptable robins are. We’d seen small flocks here and there over the winter, and just last week saw them in Florida Read More
Making Recycling a Lifelong Habit at China Middle School
In mid-March, JMG received a piece of mail that was anticipated with great excitement. Inside that envelope was the key that would open the door for a revamped recycling program. Eighth graders, Joe Wing and Colby Willey, proudly showed the grant check from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The $500 grant award was able to give Read More
Exploring Harrison Elementary School’s Nature Trail
Winters’ hold only loosened for a moment here at our school in the Western Lakes Region of Maine. Since our last blog post, the slow melting of snow, and now the addition of more, has only allowed for us to be out on our trail one day so far. Our school does “Quest” each Friday Read More
Kineo Water Testing Fieldwork by King Middle School
As my classmates and I exited the minibus that brought us from King Middle School to the back of Rowe Elementary, where Capisic Brook was located, we could not wait to begin a full day of testing elements. It was another day packed full of fieldwork to collect necessary tests and results that will contribute Read More
Eyed Egg and Alevin and Fry, Oh My!
Eyed Egg and Alevin and Fry, oh my! Windham Middle School student Nathan McCarron-Lamb shared that his favorite part about our brook trout project is “witnessing the trout grow and become alevin right before our very eyes!” He goes on to say that “this has given me a feeling of responsibility and increased interest in Read More
The Perfect Spring Ski on the Penobscot River Trails
The Penobscot River Trails provided a new and alluring destination for an April 12 cross-country ski, right before spring break. I drove north on I-95, passing miles of mostly bare ground and wondered if there would be enough snow outside of Medway to make this long drive worth it. About 12 miles north on Route Read More
Reducing Waste One Cup (of Coffee) at a Time
On April 2, 2019, Tandem Coffee Roasters launched an ambitious initiative to drastically reduce waste at both of their locations in Portland. The company has lowered all drink prices by 25 cents and started charging customers 25 cents if they need a single-use cup for their drink order. The main intention is to get people Read More
CMP Transmission Corridor: What’s Ahead
To help you decipher what’s next in the review process for Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed corridor and how you can get involved, here’s more information about what the CMP’s for-profit transmission line faces in the months to come. Flawed PUC Decision On April 11, the Maine Public Utilities Commission issued a certificate of public Read More