Since January, eight middle schools selected for grants that help students engage with Maine’s environment have been working diligently to learn as much as they can about the nature of Maine through projects designed by their teachers. Though school is out for the summer, many of these projects will continue into the fall and beyond. 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.
Windham Middle School Students Help Reduce School Waste
Two weeks ago, I had the great treat to get out of the office and head to Windham Middle School. I met up with NRCM staff member Ryan Parker and two NRCM members to learn what the Windham Middle School Green Team had been up to over the course of the school year. Windham was Read More
Saco Bans Single-use Plastic Bags!
Earlier this spring, Saco became the ninth Maine town to enact an ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags. Saco’s ordinance will apply to all businesses in the town and follows on the heels of the city’s efforts to curb the use of single-use foam containers. Several Maine towns, including Saco, have now banned the use Read More
Spring Showers Won’t Stop DISES Science Students
“Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.” Deer Isle-Stonington, much like the rest of New England, has been experiencing what seems like an enormous amount of rain and cool weather this spring. DISES science students‘ gloves, clippers, and trowels are still too clean and awaiting the day where the soil temperature warms enough to Read More
Memorial Middle School Students Head Outdoors to Study Maine’s Environment
For the last two weeks of May, Memorial Middle School sixth grade students in South Portland have been immersed in the process of designing and creating interpretive trail signs. Students first looked at different examples of commercially produced trail signs by searching online. They identified characteristics and elements of effective signs and possible topics. On Read More
Gorham Middle School Weeds Out Invasive Species – Part II
Gorham Middle School students spent May 3rd and part of May 4th outside collecting data and treating the plots. Students came up with a variety of ways to try and eradicate the knotweed. Methods for treating plots include: covering with tarps, digging knotweed out, spraying with a mixture of vinegar and soap, also trying a Read More
My Thoughts on Tragic Trump Decision to Exit Paris Climate Agreement
President Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is a devastating blow to the nation and the planet, and could have dire consequences for the state of Maine. Just 18 months ago, the U.S. provided critical leadership in securing support from 194 other nations to participate in this voluntary action Read More
Brunswick Bans Bags!
A year, almost to the day, after Brunswick banned single-use foam containers, the Town Council voted overwhelmingly to further protect Maine’s environment by adopting an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags. The new ordinance, which was adopted by the Town Council in March after lengthy discussions and multiple opportunities for public input, will go into effect Read More
Sayings That Get Me Through | Maine Environment
Familiar sayings comfort me in times of great distress. Indeed, the Trump Administration’s attacks on our environmental protections and on science-based policymaking—and his complete disregard for truth—infuriate me every day. “This too shall pass,” is an adage that reminds me I have lived through several national crises, and I will live to see better days Read More
