#WEOUTSIDE Winter – A Visit to Indian Island

Tami leads the way.
•••

The #WEOUTSIDE crew recently paid a visit to Indian Island, home of the Penobscot Nation, to learn about how the natural world all around us informs Wabanaki perspective and lifeways. We were SO fortunate to have our guide, Tami, leading us on some of the trails around the island. Tami is in the Nation’s Department of Agriculture. We learned about how some plants all around us – cedar, black ash, spruce, and more – can be used as medicine and in ceremonies. The kids – who are very curious about native cultures and religions – were quick to ask questions about Gluskabe at his statue, or about what the Natural Resources officers do, or how ancestors were honored. Tami was gracious enough to take us to the new farm property the Nation acquired recently, and to show us all the work that has been done to prepare for growing season.

It was a wonderful way to wrap up the #WEOUTSIDE Winter season!

Maine Outdoor Film Festival Earth Day Event

MATLT was lucky enough to be the featured nonprofit for the Maine Outdoor Film Festival’s Earth Day screenings! This event, held with Northern Forest Canoe Trail, featured several thoughtful films which focused on paddling, farming, and the plight of indigenous First Nations in Canada. There was an undertone of sorrow in these films which, while celebrating the humanity and community around some of these rivers, also dealt with the changes we have inflicted on our planet. Great films, lots to think about.

We were fortunately enough to also have the #WEOUTSIDE Borealis segment screened also, since we always want to reach new audiences about this great program. And finally, the sales of beer brought in donations for the High Peaks Initiative program, which is focused in conservation and recreation in Maine’s High Peaks (around the A.T. near Sugarloaf and Saddleback).

Thank you to everybody who attended and to our super volunteers!

#WEOUTSIDE Winter Edition – Dog Sledding, Guiding and Living the Outdoor Life

Despite the end of the snowy season, the #WEOUTSIDE program marched on so that these New Mainers could get the full experience of “spring” in Maine. Recently, the group was able to pay a visit to Mahoosuc Guide Service to visit with Polly, Kevin, Helen and all the amazing sled dogs that they use for guided trips during the winter. They also run Wabanaki Cultural Canoe Trips during the summer, partnering with native guides who teach participants about Wabanaki lifeways, medicinal plants, and cultural practices. They won an award at the recent Maine Outdoor Economy Summit!

We had a great day learning about all their adventures in 40 years of guiding. Alaska, Nunavik, Maine, and more. Kevin is a master craftsman and makes wooden canoes in the way of the Wabanaki. And of course there were the dogs! So many dogs, all with unique personalities and traits. One has so much energy that she runs around in circles when the kids come near. One is very nervous and stayed away! Another was even more nervous and barked when we came near (“Jiminy Cricket”). The kids fell in love with the dogs and most of their questions were based on how they might breed them for puppies they could take home.

Next adventure…Indian Island!

Report from the Zone of Totality

The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust was fortunate enough to get a great first-hand report from the recent eclipse zone of totality, which passed directly over the A.T. region of Maine on April 8th. Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Maine Regional Manager, Leah Beck, was stationed on Saddleback Mountain to assist the Saddleback resort in managing visitors for the day. Leah writes:

We ended up seeing between 300-400 people post up in alpine between the Saddleback side trail and the summit.  A small handful ventured over to the Horn as well.  Folks were extremely receptive to our messaging and I’m happy to report that I feel our presence made a big difference in protecting the alpine zone. Saddleback was super helpful throughout the day, they provided us with radios, ski rentals, lift passes, and a few support staff. 
To summarize our crowd control strategy: laminated temporary signs (attached) were placed sporadically from the entrance to the side trail up to just before the summit.  One volunteer posted up in the first vulnerable location where visitors would be prone to wander and directed them to stay on the tread surface, rock, or deep snow.  Two other volunteers were at the next pinch point (the side trail intersection with the A.T.) showing folks that they could rock hop to spread out if need be.  It seemed to work out! People were even yelling at their kids to “stay off the plants!”. Right after totality people were eager to get back down and ski, but no one rushed and a long but fast moving line formed on the tread surface.  
We would like to extend our great thanks to Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Saddleback, all the volunteers from the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and to Leah Beck for making sure the resource was protected and people got to have this great experience!

#WEOUTSIDE Winter Edition – Downhill Skiing at Mt. Abram

The #WEOUTSIDE crew was at it again for more winter adventures, this time teaming up with Mt. Abram, one of Maine’s beloved smaller ski areas. Despite the rough winter in terms of actual winter, the ski area had more than enough snow on their closing weekend for the #WEOUTSIDE crew to get out on the slopes. Special thanks to Kevin, Allie, Lori and all the instructors who worked with us.

Some of the kids have been attending high school and had been skiing at Mt. Abram just a week before, so they jumped out of the van and went right up the chairlift. One of the goals of the #WEOUTSIDE program is not just to introduce these New Mainers to everything the Maine outdoors has to offer (in all seasons), but to ensure that they have a path to advance in their interests for their benefit and the benefit of all Mainers. The last thing we want are kids sitting at home, thinking of the great experience they had skiing that time, but being unable to pursue other opportunities to ski, or unable to fill lift operator or ski patrol positions because of the gap in knowledge for all parties.

The new skiers took to things pretty readily and by the early afternoon everybody was going up and down on the West Side chairlift…and up and down…and up and down. Staff were having so much fun that lunch wasn’t served until 2pm. After that…up and down…up and down. Mais um! One more! They all said, until the chairlift was shut down and nobody was around. Even then, some kids took to taking off their skis and walking up the magic carpet slope for a bit more fun before leaving.

Every week we say, “that trip was the most fun yet”, but the truth is they are all the best.

In Memory of Former MATLT Executive Director Carole Haas (1950-2024)

Former Executive Director Carole Hass, who was the organization’s first staff hire and then led MATLT until her retirement in 2013, passed away in January. “Carole was very loyal and dedicated to MATLT and important to its early success,” said former MATLT board president Bill Plouffe, and “she was instrumental in getting MATLT started,” said director Lloyd Griscom.

Prior to leading this organization, Haas served for three years as chair of the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club and was involved in the national branch’s Wildlands Committee. She also served on the board of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and on the town’s Conservation Commission. Haas’ tenure with MATLT began in 2007 and in short order the organization was working on large, complex, conservation projects along the A.T. in Maine, most notably in the High Peaks region. According to her obituary, Carole’s most treasured achievement was overseeing the Crocker Mountain project that preserved spectacular views for Appalachian Trail hikers. This was quickly followed by the Orbeton Stream Conservation Easement project, and the groundwork was set for several others.

Without Carole’s leadership, MATLT would not be the organization it is today. Her dedication to protecting the A.T. landscape in Maine is infused in the organization’s culture and success, and her legacy remains an example for all of us to strive for.

Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust Earns Land Trust Accreditation

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 2002, the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT) has been doing just that for the people of Maine and the Appalachian Trail. Now, MATLT has achieved national recognition – joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. “Accreditation demonstrates the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust’s commitment to permanent land conservation in the Appalachian Trail region of Maine,” said David Kallin, Board President. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as Saddleback Mountain, White Cap Mountain, and Bald Mountain Pond –will be protected forever, making Maine an even greater place for us and our children.”

MATLT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that MATLT’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.

“It is exciting to recognize MATLT with this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

#WEOUTSIDE Winter Edition – Ice Fishing at Range Pond State Park

The winter adventures continue! The #WEOUTSIDE program partnered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to have a day of ice fishing at Range Pond State Park in Poland. Range Pond is a great place for activities all year round: swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and eating lots of snacks. We were fortunate to have interpretive and educational staff from the park and the state agencies on hand with all the gear you need for a great day on the ice, from tip ups to augers to red snapper hot dogs and s’mores.

The sweet spot for catching stocked brook trout is usually over by 10am but these kids had the magic touch. Tip up flags were flying up all over the ice, trout were being skillfully yanked out of holes, IF&W staff were showing kids how to clean and prepare the fish. Per capita, hand warmer usage was high but lower than on previous #WEOUTSIDE outings due to the sun and lack of wind. The group caught so many trout that some of the kids were able to take them home to eat. This group is from Angola and fish is a big part of their diet so it was interesting to compare how different cultures prepare and cook fish. And since we all know that part of winter recreation is good warm food, there were red snappers (the red hot dogs) and s’mores to keep everybody warm and satisfied.

More adventures with #WEOUTSIDE to come!

#WEOUTSIDE Winter Edition – Nordic Skiing with Loon Echo Land Trust

The #WEOUTSIDE crew is back at it for a round of trips to experience outdoor recreation in Maine’s winter months! The program participants from the summer edition are all geared up and ready for some downhill skiing, ice fishing, fat biking, hiking, hand warmer wearing, and more. The Maine Association for New Americans and the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust have been so fortunate to have the support of so many foundations, brands, partners and individual donors to keep this special program going. And we’re already planning for the summer of 2024!

Our initial trip this winter was in partnership with Loon Echo Land Trust for a day of nordic (cross country) skiing at Five Fields Farm. The property is an apple orchard in the warmer months and is surrounded by lands conserved by Loon Echo in the Bridgton area. In the winter it is a great spot to learn to cross country ski because of the flat trails, good snow and nice lodge to hang out in. Special thanks to Loon Echo for providing the rental skis and passes for the #WEOUTSIDE participants!

Despite having ZERO experience on skis, these kids were amazing. All of them were out on the trails for several hours – some were cruising on the more difficult trails, some were doing hill climbs five minutes after getting on skis, some were flopping around and zooming down slopes through the orchards (fortunately missing the trees!). They will build on these skills later in the winter with a downhill skiing trip and another trail center day. Stay tuned for more reports.