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Maine Forest Collaborative May Newsletter

As the end of the year is fast approaching, students at all schools are working to finalize and wrap up their projects and begin work on their final presentations. We have seen LOTS of progress in recent weeks from all schools. 


HIGH SCHOOL

Telstar students are deep in the weeds of "applying" for a business in an unorganized township through the LUPC adjacent to protected wildlife, wetlands, and old growth forests with the goal of examining if existing protections/zoning rules allow for such a major disturbance to a special area. 


TCTC students had a great planning session to come up with rotations to lead 4th graders through during their final fishing day with them in early June. These rotations include everything from basics of fishing and boating to macroinvertebrates, pollution, swimming, and invasives. 


Schenck students have already completed a first draft of their final presentations and have made some concrete progress on the outdoor classroom space they are building for elementary students! 


Piscataquis students have a 99% finalized first promotional video ready and are about 50% done with their second. We can't wait for the big reveal at the final cohort day! 


MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tremont students had a big week last week with some students competing in the UMaine Windstorm Challenge! This week we will be working on pulling their MFC projects together and working on and practicing final presentations. 


Greenville students had an extremely productive day last week beginning drafts of posters, and videos, finalizing plans for an ash teaching lesson for 5th graders, and designing drafts for a new sign at NREC. They have sent out some community partner emails and have visits coming up with Weyerhaeuser, NREC, and the district forester in the next few weeks. 


Piscataquis students pulled it all together and hosted a community breakfast at their school last week, inviting in community members and serving school tapped maple syrup and pancakes thanks to a MEEA grant! They also pulled together a great brochure all about tapping trees to share.


In the News

Maine ski resort is leaning into high tech in the face of warming climate 

Sunday River is using LiDAR to measure snow depth. The data can show operators precisely where and when on the trails they should target snow guns.->>> Full article


Maine logging and trucking contributes $534M to economy, study shows 

Logging and forest trucking industry added an estimated $1.3 billion to the Northeast region in 2024, with Maine contributing $534 million of that amount, according to a study released this week.-->>> Full article


The Wabanaki basketmakers' plans to save Maine's ash trees 

The invasive emerald ash borer, native to northeast Asia, has spread to 37 states over the past quarter century, killing nearly all of the ash trees it infests. But in Maine, a coalition of basketmakers, scientists and government officials are plotting a future for their trees.->>>  Full Article


Engagement Opportunities

Video Series Showcases Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap

Outdoor recreation is at the heart of Maine’s identity and economy, and its future depends on focused investment. 

These short films highlight just a few of the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that make up Maine’s outdoor economy.


Funding Opportunities

Greenhouse Grant

The Maine department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Community Greenhouse Grant is open for application! The purpose of this funding opportunity is to deliver the greatest measurable benefit by enhancing food production opportunities through investments in shared, educational-use, durable greenhouses.

This RFA provides instructions on how schools, community centers, non-profit organizations, and other public entities may apply for one-time grant funding for durable greenhouse structures and associated siting and installation costs. 

Eligibility to Apply: Schools, colleges, universities, non-profit organizations, community centers, municipalities, and public entities located in Maine are eligible to apply.

Funding Available: DACF anticipates awarding up to $500,000 through this grant opportunity.

Award Range: Award ranges will be between $10,000 and $100,000

Application Deadline: May 22, 2026, no later than 12:00 p.m.


For Students

Tractor Safety

Open to all interested adults and youth. Required for 14 and 15 year olds to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own. Participants will learn how to handle tractors and equipment safely, how to identify hazards, and how to minimize the chances of accidents. Federal Certificate of Training issued upon successful completion of the five week course.

Registration now open for two remaining 2026 courses:

  • Sidney – Register Now

  • Dates: April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11 (Exam)

  • Registration Close Date: April 12


  • Turner – Register Now

  • Dates: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, June 1 (Exam)

  • Registration Close Date: April 23

There is a sliding scale course fee of $45 full price, $20 discounted rate (for youth 14 - 17 and those who can afford ~50% of the course fee). For more information, see the Tractor Safety webpage


For Teachers

Webinar: Building Aspirations for Youth in Rural Maine

How Extended Learning Opportunity Programs Connect Youth to Meaningful Career Paths

Youth in rural communities too often believe that promising futures and successful career opportunities can only be found outside of their own community or region. At the same time, many industries across the Northern Forest are struggling to develop their workforce. In Maine, a program model called Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) is closing this gap by connecting students directly with businesses in their home region, while also supporting students in developing their interests. Register here!


Prepare Maine: Future Ready Teaching

The University of Maine, in partnership with Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education, is hosting a one-day workshop called “Prepare Maine: Future Ready Teaching.” This hands-on experience is designed for educators at all levels—from preservice teachers to those currently in the classroom—and will focus on practical strategies and tools you can bring directly into your teaching. 

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 16

  • Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Wells Conference Center, UMaine

Participants will explore a “tech playground” featuring demonstrations, activities, and best practices for integrating computer science into a wide range of subject areas. 

As an added bonus, attendees will receive a $75 stipend, mileage reimbursement, and lunch. You can learn more and register here!


Forests of Maine Teacher Tour! 

Jul 06, 2026, 2:00 – Jul 10, 2026, 2:30

Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins, 70 Gorman Chairback Rd, Greenville

  • Spend 5 days at Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins in Greenville.

  • Experience three immersive days touring around the region with stops at conservation areas, live harvest sites, and a forest-product mill.

  • Learn today's best practices for integrating Forest-based Education in your classroom through two days of interactive workshops.


Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Teacher Camp

Teacher Camp, an annual professional development opportunity through Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, invites educators of all types to join us for a day of learning and connecting. Teacher Camp connects the following principles to the annual focus: grounded in place, real, empowering, collaborative, integrated, and rigorous.Teacher Camp 2026 will focus on strengthening ongoing efforts at Tekαkαpimək to engage students, educators, and visitors through authentic Penobscot-led learning experiences. Instructors and educators will share in a commitment to provide meaningful, place-based education guided by Penobscot knowledge and connection to this homeland through purposeful exploration of Tekαkαpimək and the connected curriculum. Register here!

 
 
 

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