2025 calendar cover with red bow in top left corner

NRCM's Beautiful 2025 Calendar Makes a Great Holiday Gift

Watch: Mainers Support EPR for Packaging

Join Us for Our Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash

News from NRCM

Maine Finalizes Nation-Leading EPR for Packaging Program

December 5, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Board of Environmental Protection today finalized rules for a first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law that will save taxpayers money and improve recycling by holding corporations accountable for the wasteful packaging they produce.   “Today’s vote is great news for Maine taxpayers and our environment,” said Read More

NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King Not to Undermine Senate Confirmation Process for Nominees

November 25, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization today urged Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to insist that the full, deliberative “advice and consent” process be pursued in the U.S. Senate for nominees to federal agencies that play a critical role in helping protect Maine’s environment.   The Natural Resources Council of Read More

Updated Climate Action Plan is Opportunity for Maine to Lead

The Maine Climate Council released its updated Climate Action Plan (view PDF) today as is statutorily required under a bipartisan climate law passed in 2019.   Since the first Climate Action Plan was published in 2020, the impacts of climate change have become more pronounced, causing damage to critical infrastructure, harm to local communities, and interruptions Read More

NRCM Apparel for Everyone on Your Holiday List!

Looking for holiday gift ideas for the nature lover on your list? Check out our new orange bandanas! We also have hooded sweatshirts, adult long-sleeved tees, and adorable toddler tees to match! Limited quantities of each available for purchase in our online shop. All items were designed by local artist Mel Andrel and printed locally at Creation Lab. Get yours before they sell out!

dog wearing bandana
back of hooded sweatshirt
toddler wearing NRCM tee
long-sleeved tee

Birding with Jeff & Allison: Tundra Swan Makes Rare Visit to Maine

Critter Chatter — Reminiscing, Part II

One Rural Maine School District's Electric School Bus Experience

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.

Explore Maine

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Find hiking trails, cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails, paddles, bike paths, accessible trails, & more with our interactive Explore Maine Map. View the map & learn more.

Learn about our Maine Sporting Camp & Outdoor Recreation Discount Program.

Shop for NRCM T-shirts, Caps, Totes, & More

Purchase our limited-edition merchandise, with original artwork by local artist Mel Andrel. You can also find made-in-the-USA caps, totes, & more, all in support of our work to protect the nature of Maine.
Visit our online shop

Attend an Event

Find out about events & webinars NRCM is hosting or taking part in throughout Maine. Plan to attend!
View events

sunset behind trees and snow-covered ground

My Maine This Week: Singing Meadow by Margot Stiassni

Eastern Bluebird sitting on leafless tree branch

My Maine This Week: Eastern Bluebirds by Ted Anderson

a view of mountains, forests, and some lakes in the forefront, with a blue sky full of wispy clouds

My Maine This Week: View from Borestone Mountain by David Preston

Woodchuck

We could have called this Creature Feature "Groundhog," because, yes, woodchuck and groundhog are names for the same critter. It’s the largest member of the squirrel family, specifically ground squirrels, known as marmots. Be sure to check out the "cool fact" about other fun names for this animal in our newest Creature Feature.

Banner photo: Kennebec River mist, by David Preston