Maine Forest Collaborative Mid-June Newsletter
- Rural Aspirations
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
I'd like to give a final THANK YOU to all of our MFC teachers for yet another wonderful year in MFC!
Thank you also to our administrators as well who supported teachers and their students participation in events throughout the year and to our community partners and funders who helped bring these projects to life this year!
Check out this year's 2024-2025 Impact Report, highlighting many of our accomplishments this year and a full list of student projects.
Teachers, you will be hearing from me soon to schedule summer PD together in preparation for next year if you have not already, have a great start to summer!
In the News
Northern Maine braces for spruce budworm outbreak
Now, after years of quiet, one of the most destructive forest insects in North America is making a comeback. And Maine landowners have a new plan to avoid another destructive outbreak.
His 'little cocoon' in the woods - Maine made laid to rest in mushroom casket
In the back woods of Industry, Maine, an intimate gathering was held to honor the life of Mark Ancker. While the ceremony marked the end of Ancker’s 77 years on earth, it also marked the start of something new. The mushroom casket he was buried in — unlike the wood and concrete used in traditional burials — is designed to provide nutrients to the surrounding soil.
On a Maine island, historians discover one of the oldest living apple trees in North America
The Drap D'Or de Bretagna — or Golden Cloth of Brittany, in French, is one of a few historic apples that are the genetic ancestors of many of the common varieties we eat today. And the Verona Island tree is the only known living specimen in North America.->>> Full article
For Students
The University of Maine (UMaine) College of Engineering and Computing is hosting a 5-day Semiconductor Camp for 11th and 12th grade high school students in Portland. Participants will explore electronics, build systems, and visit Texas Instruments.
Details:
July 14 to 18, 2025
UMaine Portland Gateway, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Open to students entering 11th or 12th grade
FREE to attend!
Includes tour of Texas Instruments
Get hands-on with real tech tools and learn from experts. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon! Flyer and schedule are below. Please share with students, families, and educators who may be interested!
For Teachers
The Climate Initiative - National Climate Educators Retreat
Make your school and community more resilient! Join our partner The Climate Initiative for their 5th Annual National Climate Educators Retreat at River Bend Farm, home of The Ecology School. This event brings together classroom veterans and aspiring teachers for 3 full, transformative days at The Ecology School. Develop cross-curricular climate teaching strategies, build a powerful professional network, and experience sustainable living firsthand. Limited spots remain for this July 28-August 1 immersive experience that educators call "truly transformative." Don't miss your chance to shape the future of education!Video Trailer here: Hard download here, Youtube & Vimeo
FMI and to register:
Pre-service: $75 | Experienced: $150 (early bird special; price increases July 1st)All-inclusive retreat with lodging & meals included
Acadia National Park Teacher Workshops
Thursday, July 17 – Citizen Science in Acadia, Sign up to join us in a review of local Citizen Science projects suitable for students in grades 5-12., Workshop will take place at the Schoodic Institute in Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor, Maine. $100 stipend available.
July 24 –Island Life, Teaching with Historic Places, Sign up to join rangers for tour of learning activities about Island Life over the last 200 years. Weather permitting, the day will include a boat tour of the Cranberry Isles and time to explore the Carroll Mountain House, circa 1825, . Workshop will focus on location on Mount Desert Island, Northeast Harbor & Southwest Harbor. $100 stipend available.
Tuesday/ Wednesday, August 12th-13th, - Exploring Outdoor Classroom Activities, Please sign up to join us for a two-day workshop exploring outdoor classroom activities, equipment, and ideas!
$200 travel stipend, accommodations, and four meals covered included.
Workshop will take place at the Schoodic Institute in Acadia National Park, Maine. Sign up while there is still space available.
Register for any of the above workshops at this link: https://forms.office.com/g/R6ndnHenWw\
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