Welcome to the MFC 2023-2024 school year! Schools are off to a great start this year as we are getting ready for our first cohort day at the YMCA Camp of Maine in Winthrop!
In the News
A federal grant will help create a new community forest in Rumford
The U.S. Forest Service has awarded $422,000 to the coalition working to preserve a popular outdoor recreation area just outside of downtown Rumford. When combined with more than $360,000 in matching funds from the Land for Maine's Future program, the money will allow the groups to cover acquisition costs for the 446-acre Rumford Community Forest.
Biochar: Startups use thermal process to transform wood waste into a versatile product
A new forest product sector in Maine is heating up as startup companies establish facilities to turn forest residuals into a versatile high-value product called biochar. Biochar is the solid material obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment.
Forest Journal: The doctor's prescription - Take a hike
Part of a new collaboration between Concord Hospital and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Setnik and other medical professionals are helping spread the word about the role that forests and outdoor recreation play in keeping our bodies and brains healthy.
Opportunities for Engagement
Sustainable Forestry Education Program
Tues., October 3 - Thurs, October 5 - Tues, October 10 - Thurs, October 12
The Kennebec Land Trust is hosting their annual Sustainable Forestry Education Program at the Curtis Homestead Conservation Area in Leeds. This experiential education program for high school students is focused on forestry, sustainable timber harvesting practices and wildlife habitat.
The program will take place at KLT’s 360-acre Curtis Homestead Conservation Area in Leeds, and will be a great opportunity for students who may be considering careers in forestry, or related outdoor work. The program includes a series of demonstrations with presentations from a forester, logger, sawmill operator and log scaler, and hands-on forestry and Maine wildlife education activities. All presenters will also share information about their education and career paths.
If the dates do not work, there may be opportunities for others. Spots are filled on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like to attend, please call or email Marie Ring (mring@tklt.org 207.377.2848) as soon as possible to reserve space.The Crossing Paths of
Recreation and Forest Management
September 19, 12:00 - 1:30 PM via zoom
Join the Northern Forest Center for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges that come with opening working
forestlands to recreational users.
Conservation Career Expo
September 20, 2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Portland Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Dr, South Portland
Are you a student or young professional interested in the environment, natural resources, conservation, or ecology? Do you represent an organization or company working in these fields? Join Maine TREE and Maine Association of Conservation Districts for a day of networking, connecting, and learning with local community partners and career professionals.This event is free for students. Student & Teacher Registration
Maine Woodland Owners is hosting an active timber harvest tour at Hutchinson Family Woodland in Auburn on September 16. For more information and to register contact Andy Shultz at andy@aforestry.com or (207) 242-8845.
Piscataquis County Soil & Water District is showing the documentary Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut on September 23 at 4pm in Dover-Foxcroft. Learn more here. (They might be willing to host this event more locally or come to your school in that county!)
For Students
Teens to Trails Youth Advisory Council Applications Open
T2T Youth Advisory Council provides a space for Maine high school students to share their ideas, plan and lead activities during our seasonal programs, and know that their voices matter. We currently have spots open for the 2023-24 school year, and hope you'll encourage a high school student you know to apply. We meet monthly for an hour online, and with full participation, students are given a $150 stipend in June. Applications are due by Sunday, October 1. Apply here!
For Teachers
GMRI Science Learning Resources
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute has just released three middle school curriculum modules on their teach.gmri.org Learning Resource Hub!
Maine Climate Change Education Hub
The Maine Climate Change Education Hub gives Maine educators access free, high-quality resources on climate change education. Click here for activities, audiovisual media, curriculum materials, digital information, and reading resources that are vetted by climate scientists and current teachers.