Protecting Maine's Environment

Since 1959

Protecting the nature of Maine since 1959, by harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine's environment.

Photo courtesy of the Telling Room

Celebrate Earth Day with NRCM & The Telling Room

Zoom In: Earth Day Youth Poetry Reading & Discussion

Thursday, April 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Join NRCM and The Telling Room for a special Earth Day celebration with young Maine poets reading their original work inspired by Maine’s environment. We hope you’ll join us to hear their poetry followed by a thought-provoking conversation moderated by Samaa Abdurraqib from the Indigo Arts Alliance.

This event is free but advance registration is required.

New Podcast Episode

In this episode of "Frontline Voices," Colin Durrant speaks with Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim to dissect what a recent state climate report and President Biden’s infrastructure plan say about the importance of leading by example to protect the environment and address climate change. Pete also provides updates on a balloon bill, Kennebec dam removal, clean cars, and more.

Listen to the April 8 podcast

Photo by Bob Patterson

Protect Maine's Endangered Species

Every species plays a role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem but many are struggling to survive, which could have major consequences for our lives and the long-term health of the environment. Sign our petition to tell Congress to lead in protecting the planet for future generations by preventing the loss of plants and animals, and to address the biodiversity crisis head on.

Sign the petition!

clean water for maine Tunk Stream from TunkLake

Celebrate Aveda Earth Month & Support NRCM's Work

April is Aveda Earth Month, a month when participating salons host events & fundraisers in support of NRCM's work to protect Maine's clean, beautiful waters. Visit one of these salons to make donations, round up for charity, buy raffle tickets, & more, all in support of healthy water for Maine.

Find participating salons

Take Action During the Legislative Session

The Maine legislative session is well underway, and we want to make sure all Mainers have a way to get involved to protect Maine's environment.

Visit Our Take Action Toolkit

Your voice can make a huge difference for passing new laws to protect Maine’s environment and stopping bad proposals from becoming law. Our toolkit provides Maine people with resources and guidelines for how to participate in the legislative process and speak out in support of Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife.

Learn how to testify online or submit written testimony
Get tips for writing and delivering effective testimony
Find contact information for legislators as well as Maine newspapers, where you can submit letters to the editor about bills being discussed
Visit our Legislative Bill Tracking page to read NRCM testimony, find out when public hearings & work sessions will be held, & more

Visit Our Take Action Toolkit

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

The American Woodcock, aka the “timberdoodle,” is a much-loved Maine bird—listen for the “peents” in brushy fields for a sure sign of spring. Photo by David Small

Acoustic Signs of Spring

"The acoustic sounds of spring. This time of year, it’s hard to miss them, as birds are winding up to establish breeding territories and to attract mates. Do you have favorites?" Learn more in this Birding with Jeff and Allison blog post, and have a chance to listen to some sounds of spring captured by NRCM's bird experts Jeff & Allison Wells.

Read Allison's & Jeff's blog

Critter Chatter — The Best of Intentions

In our latest Critter Chatter, Jayne Winters shares what you should do if you find an "orphaned" wild animal (hint: most often they are not orphaned and you should leave them alone). Most young Maine wildlife that appear to be abandoned don't need rescuing at all. And trying to do so can cause more harm than good.

Read Critter Chatter

Recognizing Unjust, Disproportionate Health Impacts of Our Waste System

In her latest blog, NRCM's Sarah Nichols writes about the health impacts of waste. Did you know that at every stage of the life-cycle for plastics – from production to disposal — there are significant human health impacts that disproportionately affect economically and socially disadvantaged people?

Read Sarah's blog

News from NRCM

News & Noteworthy — April 2021

April 15, 2021

Read some highlights from this month's news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife, in this month’s News & Noteworthy from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. April 15, 2021 Recycling in Maine has had a rough few years. Read about how...

Biden Build Back Better Plan Will Create New Jobs Through Smart Infrastructure Investments

April 1, 2021

NRCM and MCV Join National Campaign Calling for Quick Action News release AUGUSTA, ME — On the heels of President Joe Biden’s national economic address in Pittsburgh, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) and Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) are leading the call for Maine’s Congressional delegation to quickly pass...

Conservation Groups Move to Add U.S. Department of Energy to CMP Corridor Lawsuit

March 29, 2021

News release from Natural Resources Council of Maine, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Sierra Club Maine March 29, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Three of Maine’s largest conservation groups have moved to add the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to their lawsuit challenging the flawed federal permits that were granted to Central...

Read Latest News & Noteworthy

Read NRCM News Releases

Background photo: Ambejesus Lake in Penobscot County, Maine, by Peter Simmons

All of Our Events are
Now Online

To limit potential exposure to the Coronavirus, we’ve moved all events online! Visit our events page to find out about upcoming webinars. Did you miss a recent webinar? Visit our YouTube channel to watch recordings of all of our past webinars, at your convenience.

“See” you online!

Support Recycling Reform for Maine

Join our movement to reform recycling in Maine, make it more efficient, and reduce the burden on taxpayers. We’re calling on lawmakers to adopt a solution that is used around the world to make corporations share in the cost of delivering recycling programs. Sign our petition for an “extended producer responsibility for packaging” law. Learn more about the details.

Sign the petition

Support LMF & State Parks

Show your support for funding the Land for Maine's Future program and Maine's State Parks. LMF has helped permanently protect more than 600,000 acres in all 16 Maine counties, supporting a wide range of uses from hiking and birding to farming and fishing. The Legislature is considering a bond package to provide funding for LMF and our State Parks.

Sign the petition!

Looking up the Kennebec toward Skowhegan

Restoring the Kennebec River above Waterville

Atlantic salmon are on the brink of dying out in the Kennebec River. We need your help to restore the lower Kennebec and save this iconic Maine species. Learn more about the Kennebec River Management Plan Amendment and our work to remove four antiquated dams on the river between Waterville and Skowhegan to open important fish habitat and spawning areas.

Learn more

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Person caulking window on Bright Ideas pamphlet

Featured: Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings

Taking steps to improve energy efficiency in your everyday life can save you money, reduce pollution, add to your comfort, and improve your sense of well-being. Around the house, on the road, and in your community, following these tips can help you become more energy efficient. Download or order our Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings brochure today.

NRCM is dedicated to making information available on issues facing Maine’s environment and the people who rely upon it. Our publications, including our Maine Environment newsletters, will, we hope, help you better understand the topic of interest and provide you with information that you can use in your own work on behalf of the people, wildlife, and environment of Maine.

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