Maine Forest Collaborative Mid-February Newsletter
- Rural Aspirations
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Just a quick update!
Belfast student's semester 1 culminating article was just featured on the Process Development Center's Nanocellulose Valley website!
TCTC students helped host an ice fishing event with a local 4th grade class last week as part of their MFC project! They planned a native vs. invasive sharks and minnows style game and talked to students about different fish species in warm and cold water ponds.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Piscataquis students spent the morning with Dawna collecting GPS coordinates on maple trees for a map we are working on as part of their project! We also had a great visit with Amir working on some budget and logistics for a planned community breakfast coming up!
In the News
Boom or dust? How tariffs are helping this Maine sawmill but creating more uncertainty for others
Duties on Canadian imports are driving up domestic sales at some Maine lumber companies. Is it enough to overcome high operating costs and a slumping housing market? ->>> Full article
Students in logger training program have jobs waiting for them when they graduate
Through the years, there have been more than 100 graduates: 60% are working in the industry and demand for additional logging and forest trucking operators in Maine is high and projected to remain so for the foreseeable future. -->>> Full article
UMaine study examines non-profit's human-centered design approach to supporting rural schools
For more than a decade, Maine-based nonprofit Rural Aspirations Project has worked withschools across the state with a simple goal in mind: To expand educational opportunities that inspire studentsand strengthen rural communities.->>> Full Article
For Students
Keller BLOOM Applications Open
Do you know a Maine high school junior with an interest in the ocean?Please spread the word that applications for Bigelow Laboratory’s free high school program are now open!The 2026 Keller BLOOM program runs May 17-22. Applications are due April 10The Keller BLOOM program was started by Bigelow Laboratory scientist Maureen Keller to provide students with a hands-on ocean science experience. The program offers Maine high school juniors an opportunity to work alongside professional researchers and be immersed in a research environment. Through field sampling and laboratory activities including data collection, synthesis, and analysis, the students learn what a career as an ocean scientist involves.No prior research experience is necessary. Sixteen students will be selected, and Bigelow Laboratory will provide chaperoned room and board. High school juniors from all Maine counties are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more here!
Engagement Opportunities
Maine Venture Fund Start-up Challenge
This could be something you apply for with students as part of their MFC project! The Maine Startup Challenge (“MSC”) is a statewide competition where students and aspiring entrepreneurs turn an idea (app, business or side hustle) into a one-page business plan and compete for cash prizes.
Ideas and early-stage concepts are welcome! No experience is required! Applications open April 1!
MSC has four entry tiers. Each tier awards a 1st Place and a Runner-up prize to the best ideas in each category.
Prizes by Tier:
K-8: $1,000 (Runner-up: $500)
High School: $1,500 (Runner-up: $500)
College: $2,500 (Runner-up: $1,000)
Open: $8,000 (Runner-up: $2,000)
For Teachers
Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation
This July, The Teacher Institute for Watershed
Science and Conservation will take place for its sixth annual summer at River Bend Farm in Saco, Maine. Through application of The Ecology School’s pedagogy and teaching techniques developed through 25+ years of award-winning outdoor science lessons, attendees will be invited to learn how to bring more of their teaching and learning outdoors while exploring how water connects us all! For More Information, visit The Teacher Institute website.
Thanks to the generosity of Poland Spring, The Ecology School is thrilled to offer this FREE event to K-12 educators from across the United States! Additionally, up to $500 of travel will be reimbursed, $250 stipend (plus a second $250 contingent on post-Institute implementation), 30 professional recertification hours, potential to earn university credit, and some additional scholarship funding. Housing is onsite in our dorms, and all meals are provided and prepared in our scratch kitchen with fresh produce from our farm.PS
- Photo above is of our Tremont teacher, Tonya and I at this several years ago! :D
MEEA 2026 Annual Awards Open!
Please help MEEA recognize and celebrate the excellent environmental educators, programs, schools, students, and environmental allies in Maine! MEEA is seeking nominations to recognize outstanding environmental achievement in the following categories:
The Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator
Excellence in Environmental Education Program
School of the Year
Student of the Year
Environmental Education Partner of the Year
Joan B Saxe Award
Nominations may be submitted using this form and are due by Friday, March 20th at 5 PM. Awards will be presented on the evening of May 7th at the Pilgrim Lodge Retreat Center in West Gardiner, Maine. All are welcome to attend!
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