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.

New Podcast Episode

In this episode of "Frontline Voices," Colin speaks with Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim about why we’re excited to see a broad range of investments for Maine’s people and environment in the plan announced by Governor Mills to distribute American Rescue Act funding. Pete also gives updates from an extremely busy legislative session on tribal sovereignty, plastic pollution, and more.

Listen to the May 7 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!

Take Action: Stop Filling Maine's Landfills with Out-of-State Waste

Tell Maine legislators to pass LD 1639, which would close a loophole in state law that currently allows toxic out-of-state waste to fill up our State-owned landfills. This current practice threatens sites of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for the Penobscot Nation, neighboring residents, and the Penobscot watershed, and it must be stopped.

Sign the petition

Stay Informed & Involved During the Legislative Session

Public hearings on many bills related to Maine's environment are happening right now, and your voice is one that legislators need to hear.

Visit Our Bill Tracking Page

Your voice can make a huge difference for passing new laws to protect Maine’s environment and stopping bad proposals from becoming law. Our bill tracking page has hearing date and time information, NRCM testimony, action on the bills, and more. We also have a Take Action Toolkit to provide you 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.

Visit Our Legislative Bill Tracking Page

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

The authors hosted their first “VIP” bird last week, a rare White-winged Dove, from southern U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean. (Photo by Jeff Wells)

Rare Dove Wings It into Maine

NRCM's bird experts Jeff & Allison Wells write, "For years we had been lamenting, 'When will it be our turn to host a rare bird?' After all, our feeders were always full and provided a smorgasbord fit for a wide variety of species." Well, their time is now, and you can read all about their rare visitor in the latest "Birding with Jeff & Allison" blog post.

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

The American Jobs Plan Provides Historic Opportunities for Maine

What does the American Jobs Plan mean for Maine? NRCM Federal Director Emmie Theberge shares 11 examples of how the Plan would benefit the lives and livelihoods of Maine people in every part of our state: from clean drinking water to high-speed broadband, clean energy jobs, a reliable energy grid, and more.

Read Emmie's blog

News from NRCM

Broad Support for Land for Maine’s Future Funding in Governor Mills’ Bond Package

May 7, 2021

Land for Maine's Future Coalition news release May 7, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — A broad coalition of organizations are applauding Governor Janet Mills for including funding for the popular and effective Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program in her proposed bond package announced today. Created in 1987, LMF has supported...

News & Noteworthy — May 2021

May 6, 2021

Read some of the 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. May 6, 2021 Funding for the Land for Maine's Future program—which protects Maine...

Governor Mills’ Plan for Rescue Act Funding Includes Critical Investments for Jobs and Cleaner Air and Water

May 4, 2021

May 4, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Maine Governor Janet Mills has proposed distributing American Rescue Plan funding to make critical investments in energy efficiency, broadband, wastewater clean-up, State Parks, and other essential programs that will help Maine emerge from the pandemic stronger, support local jobs, and lead to cleaner air...

Read Latest News & Noteworthy

Read NRCM News Releases

Background photo: Aerial view of Pleasant Lake and Pickett Mountain by J. Monkman/NRCM

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!

Celebrate Penobscot River Progress

The Penobscot River Restoration Project has been a huge success, improving access for sea-run fish to more than 2,000 miles of habitat. This exciting, challenging, and deeply meaningful collaboration is the subject of a new book, From the Mountains to the Sea, released late last year. Join us via Zoom on Thursday, May 20 at noon to hear stories from Mainers directly involved in the project. Advance registration required.

RSVP today!

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 in support of LD 1541, an “extended producer responsibility for packaging” law. Learn more.

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.

Get Your Copy Now

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Explore Maine

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Find hiking trails, beaches, paddles, bike paths, & more with our interactive Explore Maine Map.
View the map & learn more.
Learn about our Maine Sporting Camp & Guide Service discount program.

Attend an Event

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

Get NRCM T-shirts, Caps, Totes, & More

Get NRCM t-shirts featuring beautiful artwork by Maine artist Jon Luoma, mugs, a black or khaki NRCM cap, totes, & more.
View online store

My Maine This Week

My Maine This Week: Kristen Lindquist

By NRCM | May 10, 2021

My Maine This Week: Bonnie Kane

By NRCM | May 3, 2021

My Maine This Week: Jayne Winters

By NRCM | April 26, 2021

My Maine This Week: Sierra Frith

By NRCM | April 19, 2021

My Maine This Week: Sara Dulac

By NRCM | April 12, 2021

My Maine This Week: Megan Nathanson

By NRCM | April 5, 2021

My Maine This Week: Brownie Carson

By NRCM | March 22, 2021

My Maine This Week: Callie Wronker

By NRCM | March 15, 2021

Steve Cartwright My Maine This Week Slideshow

By NRCM | March 12, 2021

Sustain ME

A feature to help you help the planet.

Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings

Piping Plover by David Small

Creature Feature

Creature Feature: Piping Plover

Did you know that a Piping Plover parent will attempt to lure a potential predator away from its nest by feigning a broken wing? This endangered species nests at Maine beaches. Learn more about conservation efforts for Piping Plovers in our latest Creature Feature written by NRCM member Kristen Lindquist.

Banner photo: View of the Bubbles at Acadia National Park, by David Small