“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” is a phrase we associate with U.S. postal carriers, but I think it could easily describe Don Cote and his volunteers at the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro. (Out of curiosity, I searched online 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.
Environmental Issues in Maine
The 2024 Legislature has begun with a flurry of activity, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) staff experts have been hard at work to identify our top priorities for protecting Maine’s climate, water, wildlife, and outdoors and solving other environmental problems. There are a variety of environmental issues in Maine being discussed this Read More
Tribal Sovereignty: A Step Toward Environmental Justice
We all depend on a clean, healthy environment and are united by our love for the Maine outdoors. We must use this unity to ensure equity and fairness for all. It’s this obligation to make the outdoors more equitable and the recognition of past injustices toward Wabanaki tribes that is motivating the Natural Resources Council Read More
Fifteen Years of Owl Hope Pays Off
Fifteen years is a long time. It represents hundreds, maybe as much as a thousand trips to one of our favorite local birding spots. Our visits aren’t specifically to look for owls, but just about every time we’re there, we say the same thing: “This is the perfect place for a Short-eared Owl.” If we Read More
Making Room for Everyone in Conservation
I am an avid hunter and angler, and I am also a fierce environmentalist. I believe there is no reason why sportsmen and sportswomen need to be a mutually exclusive group from the environmental movement and alliance. I was lucky enough to be raised by very progressive parents in the 90s and 2000s who taught Read More
Critter Chatter – Nuts to You!
I love chatting with Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center – he has more than 50 years of critter stories to share! Not all have happily-ever-after endings, but I think every one of the animals Don and his late wife Carleen cared for over the decades touched his heart. It’s comforting to Read More
Grid Reform to Maximize Maine’s Clean Energy Future
Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing Maine’s woods, waters, wildlife, and communities. To stay strong and well prepared for the future, we need to continue building home-grown clean energy sources to power our homes, cars, and businesses. A successful clean energy transition will deploy hundreds of thousands of heat pumps, zero-emission vehicles, Read More
Connecting with Community — Reflections on Our Year Together
As 2023 comes to a close, we are entering the traditional season for reflection. This is the time that we look back over the past year, give thanks, and begin to envision what future the new year holds. For me, this has been a momentous year, and I am especially grateful for your warm welcome Read More
Mysterious Murmurations
The mild temps on Saturday, December 16, had us wondering: is this really the Christmas Bird Count time of year? (It felt a little like Breeding Bird Atlas time!) But indeed, there we were, traipsing through the streets of our Gardiner neighborhood and beyond, binoculars around our necks, as part of the Augusta area Christmas Read More