Maine Forest Collaborative Mid-April Newsletter
- Rural Aspirations
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
CONGRATULATIONS!
Our Telstar High School MFC teacher D Johannesen has won the Maine Environmental Education Association's Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator of the Year award! Huge congrats D!
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
Just a quick update this week (check the earlyAprilnewsletter for a more comprehensive update!)
At all schools, students are busy working on action plans, meeting with community partners, and working toward their final solutions as we approach the last couple months of the year.
In the News
Maine Forest Service urges loggers to adapt to extreme weather
A new handbook calls for those who earn a living from the woods to embrace nontraditional methods to manage a changing climate.->>> Full article
Beyond logs: Lincoln aims to lead the way to a forest bioproducts future
Over the past decade, a new generation of forest “bioproducts” has emerged from university research labs in Maine, combining the natural benefits of wood with a dose of high-tech engineering. -->>> Full article
Viable gear: Finding a sustainable solution
Founded in 2021, Viable Gear came up with a sustainable solution to solve this problem. “Viable Gear is addressing the global plastic pollution crisis at its source by replacing petroleum-based plastics with seaweed-based bioplastics that are safe for ocean, soil, and human health,” said Founder & CEO Katie Weiler. ->>> Full Article
Funding Opportunities
Bring Soil Science to Life
Are your soil science lessons limited by your lab supplies? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) wants to change that.
A recent survey showed that while teachers want to dive deeper into soil science, soil physics, chemistry, and biology, the lack of equipment often holds them back. The Soil Science Society of America and the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF) are stepping in to provide the resources you need to move from theory to hands-on discovery. Here are the particulars.
Who: 10 Educators per year.
What: Up to $750 for one-time supplies or permanent equipment.
Why: To help students discover the vital role soil plays in our global ecosystem.
Key Dates: May 15, 2026: Proposal deadline and June 10, 2026: Awardees notified
Engagement Opportunities
Maine Startup Challenge
MSC is a statewide competition where students and aspiring entrepreneurs turn an idea (app, business or side hustle) into a business plan to compete for cash prizes.
The MSC Showcase (part of Startup Maine Week this year!) will recognize the top two ideas in each tier (K-8, High School, College, and Open) on Wednesday, May 20th, at 4:30 PM.
We encourage community members and all applicants to join us for the MSC Showcase at the Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland. Sign up here!
For Teachers
Maine Science Teachers Association 2026 Conference!
When: Saturday, May 2, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm with optional activities the evening of Friday, May 1.Where: Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center, 22 Blueberry Cove Rd, St. George
Earlybird District — $75.00 (This is for a district to register three or more educators to attend at a discounted rate. Please complete the guest information for each attendee.
MSTA Member Registration — $110.00 Available from March 16 through April 26, 2026
Non-member Registration — $140.00
2026 MEEA Conference!
Build community and skills with educators at the Maine Environmental Education Association Conference! This two-day event on May 7th and 8th at the Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardiner is for environmental educators of all kinds, students, and passionate community members. Topics include environmental education, outdoor learning, Wabanaki studies and skills for action. The conference offers workshops, networking, and a retreat atmosphere at Lake Cobbosseecontee. Lodging and meals are available. The registration fee is $0-150 sliding scale. Register and learn more here!
Wabanaki Studies Workshop for Educators
On Thursday May 7, MEEA is offering a 3-hour collaborative work session intended for educators who are actively working on implementing Wabanaki studies into their teaching practices. Please bring any lessons, activities, or resources that you have been building to workshop in the company of Wabanaki advisors and other educators. This is a welcoming and open space where you will have the opportunity to receive invaluable feedback from Wabanaki knowledge sharers, collaborate with fellow educators, and leave feeling well supported in your furthered Wabanaki Studies learning journey! If you have not yet taken the Maine Dept. of Education microcourse “Wabanaki Studies - Essential Topics for Teaching & Learning” but would like to before May in order to attend this workshop, please contact brianne.lolar@maine.gov. Register and learn more here!
Cultivating Ash Resilience Across the Landscape
SAP-NE is collaborating with the ME Dept of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife on a field walk at Bud Leavitt, hosted through the Guild's Sustaining Ash Partners Network. The event will highlight the ash stewardship efforts by ME IF & W.It is scheduled for 04/16.Here is a link with all the event details
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.
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