Maine Forest Collaborative Mid-October Newsletter
Students at our high schools are beginning to dial in their challenges!
Telstar students will be working on the emerald ash borer.
Schenck will be working on water quality in their community.
TCTC has been meeting with community partners and exploring natural resources continually as they work to decide which challenge they would like to work on.
Middle school is just beginning to look at their communities and prepare their Map of Place
In the News
Moose are under a tick attack. Could changing the way forests are logged save them?
In fall, hoards of winter ticks latch on to New England’s moose — sometimes upward of 50,000 per adult animal. Over the course of the winter, the ticks drink their fill of blood, weakening adult moose and sometimes killing calves. ->>> Full article
Forest Succession
Every forest tells a story of disturbance. Understanding succession helps landowners and foresters “read” the woods – explaining which species are present, which are absent, and what will likely happen next. ->>> Full article
Narraguagus River: Fish Passage
Efforts to remove barriers in the Narragaugus River to restore habitat for Maine's Atlantic Salmon and other wildlife
Engagement Opportunities
Business of Maine's Forest Products Sector Course
Now available on demand!
This online workshop series leverages strong industry and workforce partnerships that bring available opportunities, job support resources, and education to participants. Each session is led by a different guest lecturer who is a subject matter expert in the field.
Funding Opportunities
Rural Schools Collaborative Grants in Place
To qualify for the Grants in Place Program, teachers must be working in a public, rural school district to be considered for this grant opportunity. Rural areas fall under one of six categories of the National Center for Educational Statistics classification (you can confirm that your school is eligible by checking your Locale Number to match 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43). (UMaine is one!)
The Grants in Place Program awards one Place-Based Education grant within the general service area of each of our Regional Hub Partners. For more information on our regional hubs, see the map on our website here. A small number of additional awards may be granted to rural educators outside of RSC's Regional Hub Network.
Awardees will be announced in December 2026, and all projects will be implemented during the spring 2027 semester.
Applications open until 10/30. Learn more and apply here!
For Teachers
Teacher Institute Winter Weekend
Attendees will head out into the winter landscape to experience outdoor learning led by The Ecology School's seasoned educators, and have time to design outdoor learning as a year-round reality for their students. Presentations by both teacher ambassadors and community partners will demonstrate and encourage participants on how to take the next steps to make outdoor and place-based learning a reality for their students. Attendees will also enjoy delicious meals, stay in our comfortable, sustainably built dorms, and have time to enjoy the beautiful River Bend Farm landscape in the winter.
This opportunity is open to any teachers or school staff who are looking to make outdoor learning a reality for their students. No prior outdoor teaching experience necessary.
January 22-24, 2027
***Teachers and attendees will receive a $200 stipend after attending, and be reimbursed up to $150 for travel. After being accepted, attendees will be asked to pay a $50 registration fee. This fee may be waived if it presents a barrier to attending.***
Outdoor Learning Day at MeANS!
November 9th - 9am - 3pmMaine Academy of Natural Sciences, Hinckley/Clinton$25 per person to cover lunch/snacksScholarships available and $50 travel stipendsThe Outdoor Learning day is a professional development opportunity to gather, share resources, and build skills - whether outdoor and environmental education is completely new for you or something you’ve been at for a long time. There will be experienced educators modeling lessons for a wide variety of grade levels and subject areas and time for debrief and discussion after each lesson. Attendees will be able to view outdoor learning infrastructure at the Maine Academy for Natural Sciences and participate in conversations about funding outdoor learning and getting started- from safety planning to behavior management. All are welcome! 6 contact hours.Register here
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