The effects of climate change on Maine’s environment are severe. We’re already seeing extreme weather patterns. Wildlife habitat and our recreation, leaf-peeping, and fishing industries are threatened. Seas are rising and our air quality is decreasing.  

The Natural Resources Council of Maine advocates for energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses, pollution-free air, clean transportation, and renewable energy sources. Every cent raised through the Polar Bear Dip & Dash is used to directly support this work to reduce emissions and realize a clean energy future. 

History

In 2009, 14 staff and family members gathered on East End Beach in Portland and plunged into the icy, cold Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness of NRCM's work to curb climate-changing pollution and support a clean energy future for Maine.

Since then, we have had a polar plunge each year on New Year's Eve Day, with hundreds of participants. We added a 5K “warm-up” run in 2011. From 2020-2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we switched to an all-virtual format...and still met our fundraising goals! In 2022, we moved to a new location at Southern Maine Community College's South Portland campus for our December 31st for an in-person event.

Watch a fun video by Josh Gerritsen of one of our past Dip & Dash events.