Scott Pruitt, the Trump nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), faces his first hurdle this Wednesday (February 1) when Congress’s Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) votes on his nomination. They will undoubtedly vote to recommend him. Maine’s Senator Susan Collins needs to make her move now. Pruitt’s record is a laundry list 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.
NRCM Awards 2017 Middle School Grants
Happy 2017! The New Year brings an exciting opportunity to eight middle school classrooms in Maine to utilize grants awarded to them by the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The purpose of these grants is to aid classrooms in teaching and creating enthusiasm amongst students about Maine’s environment and how to protect it. Each school Read More
Presque Isle Community Garden Off to a Great Start!
Community gardens are one of the best ways to bring people together around common goals while taking real steps toward a more sustainable future. That’s certainly been the case in Presque Isle during the second year of the Presque Isle Community Garden. The Presque Isle Community Garden, focused on offering sustainable vegetable gardening and habitat for Read More
Quest for Protection of Maine’s Headwaters: The Conclusion of the Adventure
It has been a few months since I returned from my last expedition to the Maine North Woods. Since then, President Obama has announced the creation of the new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, encompassing more than 87,000 acres adjacent to Baxter State Park. This impressive conservation area adds habitat protection and connectivity for Read More
Keeping the Torch Lit: Higher Education During The Great Disruption
“….the way we have structured research and organized universities is not consistent with how reality works…..the sciences and universities are stuck in the disciplinary status quo they have been in for centuries.” Anders Wijkman & Johan Rockström in Bankrupting Nature. 2012. “…..there has never before been a geological force aware of its own influence.” David Grinspoon in Earth in Human Read More
Here’s To All of Us
It has been a very big year for NRCM and the people of Maine. In June, the Penobscot River Restoration Project was completed, opening up nearly 2,000 miles of habitat for 11 species of native sea-run fish. NRCM began working on this project with others more than 16 years ago. In August, we saw the Read More
RSU 16 Takes a Stand to Cut Food Waste and Costs
RSU 16, comprised of schools in Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland, which recently made news for pushing back against a waste handling company trying to bill the schools for dumpster removal, is pushing ahead with their efforts to implement recycling and composting programs. RSU 16 schools are working to reduce waste and save money. As Read More
Freeport Says No to Plastic Bags, Yes to a More Sustainable Maine!
Two years ago, two young women who had recently graduated from Freeport High School appeared before the Town Council to ask for an ordinance to ban single-use, disposable plastic bags. These two young leaders had conducted a senior project involving research about the environmental impacts these plastic bags have, particularly regarding Maine’s marine environment. Through Read More
Holiday Guide: Green Tips, Great Gifts that Support NRCM
Here come the holidays, and all I want for Christmas is…less waste and more sustainability. OK, that’s not all I want, but it’s definitely part of my holiday planning. You can probably easily imagine that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the most wasteful, but did you know Americans produce a million Read More