Maine Forest Collaborative October Newsletter

Rural Aspirations
Oct 29
5 min read

THANK YOU TEACHERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We had an excellent cohort day on Friday for our high schoolers and had amazing support from so many community partners who worked with students in small rapid prototyping groups at the the State House to work through challenges and build a solution.

Policy - Olivia Griset, Kaya Lolar, negina lawler-naluai (Maine Environmental Education Association)

Jackson Chadwick (Maine Youth for Climate Justice)

Forestry - Molly London (WW London Woodlot)

Recreation - Brian Threlkeld (Maine Outdoor Brands)

Conservation - John Whittaker (Kennebec Land Trust)

MIDDLE SCHOOL COHORT DAY

Our cohort day will be Monday October 27th from 9:30-1:15 at the Bangor Parks & Recreation Department.

Map of Place Pr esentations will be due to me by October 23rd at the latest.

In the News

Maine communities prepare for future wildfire threat

Over 250 wildfires burned across Maine in August, more than twice the average number for the month. Forestry officials say drought conditions helped to ignite and spread those fires.

->>> Full article

How does Maine's forest carbon credit market work?

As carbon credits gain traction, efforts are underway to help small family forest landowners participate.

->>> Full article

What to do about Maine's green crab problem?

In Milbridge, a former farmer is grinding invasive green crabs into fertilizer. In South Portland, a Cambodian food incubator is incorporating them into seafood dishes.

->>> Full Article

Engagement Opportunities

Lab to Classroom!

Rural Aspirations and MaineTREE co-led a workshop this spring for graduate students designed to help them share their work in the classroom! A handful of University of Maine Graduate students have designed lesson plans to be able to share their ongoing research with youth in schools in a hands on and engaging way. The goal is for these visits to increase youth exposure to post-secondary research efforts and career opportunities and to create a bridge between institutional research and education. Note: We will share a rough outline of the plan with you prior to the visit so you know what to expect.

Please complete this form to be connected with a graduate student to be able to set up this classroom visit. We will try to match you with students based on interest and geographic proximity.

Green Schools Symposium

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce Maine's first-ever Green Schools Symposium—a groundbreaking event celebrating climate education and sustainability leadership across Maine’s schools. It will take place on Friday, November 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thomas College in Waterville.

This unique, statewide gathering will bring together school leaders, educators, youth, environmentally-focused nonprofit organizations, and private entities for a full day of networking, resource sharing, and cross-sector collaboration. Please register here and attend to hear inspiring stories of school-led sustainability efforts and explore practical tools for improving energy efficiency, cutting facilities costs, and creating healthier learning environments.

For Students

Learn to Hunt with Archery Equipment

Have you already taken Hunter Ed? You’re halfway there…You can simply take Maine's new Archery Hunting Education Addendum Course!

The addendum course is convenient and a great way to become archery hunting certified with a 4 ½- 5 hour class. This class will cover intro to archery hunting, equipment, hunting methods, shot placement and recovery, tree stands, safety, ethics, and a review of land owner relations and laws. This course is available to anyone 10 and over that has a valid hunter education certificate.

If you are new to hunting or simply want the convenience of an online experience, you can choose Maine's Online Archery Hunter Education Course. Students 16 and older can complete the archery hunter safety course online. Upon successful completion of the online course, students can download their completion certificate (bowhunter education card) which allows them to purchase a Maine Archery Hunting License online or from a licensing agent (such as a town office or sporting goods store).

Traditional in-person courses are available to all students 10 and up, and are taught by trained, certified volunteer instructors who meet state and international standards. Volunteer instructors provide valuable information to new hunters including insight into the sport of hunting, resources, and support. In-person courses provide students the opportunity to ask questions of instructors and gain further guidance. Students attend a 10-hour session typically broken up over a weekday evening and weekend day. Learn more here.

Funding Opportunities

MEEA Outdoor Education Mini Grants

Up to $1,500 to fund your school’s outdoor learning environmental education, and Wabanaki studies projects! Applications open today! Apply by October 17th. (Even a loose concept will be considered, your solution does NOT need to be fully developed yet!)

NRCM Sustainability Grants

NRCM is offering grants of up to $2,000 for schools organized nonprofit committees, municipalities, and community libraries to help them reach their sustainability goals.

The Sustainability Grant Program encourages communities to adopt innovative, practical, and effective measures to reduce waste. This grant program helps schools, municipalities, and other nonprofit entities share the tools, knowledge, and skills to prevent waste at the source, and divert valuable resources from the landfill.

Deadlines:

- September 12th

- December 5th

Learn more and apply here!

For Teachers

Exploring the Deep Ocean wiith NOAA

Are you a STEM educator looking to bring the excitement and mystery of the deep-sea alive in your classroom?

Register today for the Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA Professional Development workshop offered by @NOAAOceanExploration at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute on November 15, 2025 from 8:30 am – 4:00pm. During this full-day, in-person workshop you will learn about why and how we explore the deep sea while diving into hands-on lessons and activities, exploring additional resources to use in your classroom, and connecting with fellow educators in your area. Participating educators will also receive a $100 stipend and Certificate of Participation.

Space is limited so click here to register today!

Rural Thrive "What I Need (WIN)" Funds

We know that rural teachers are talented professionals who often face barriers to getting the support they need to access continuing education: Fewer local professional development offerings, insufficient district funding, lack of substitute teacher availability, transportation costs, and trainings that are poorly aligned with rural school or community needs.

To address this, the Rural Thrive project is making a pool of funds available to support rural teachers in accessing what they need to support their longevity, resilience and growth in the profession of teaching using a responsive low-barrier grant disbursement model. Up to $2500 are available per teacher. Apply here!

Teach ME Outside Fall Workshop

Discover new ways to bring science and math learning outside! Join fellow educators for a FREE full-day workshop that explores how to connect real-world environmental phenomena with classroom learning.

Workshops include: