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.

Explore Maine with NRCM

This year's Explore Maine highlights beautiful Maine waters in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Her from staff, board, and members about favorite waterways across Maine and what clean water means to them.

Then check out reviews of several books written by NRCM members, and cool nature apps recommended by our staff. And don't forget to print off our Clean Water Word Search, too!

As always, we encourage you to visit our Explore Maine Map to find public lands in all 16 counties to visit for hikes, paddles, picnics, fishing, and more. This year we have added nearly 20 new Land for Maine's Future sites as well as 13 accessible trails around the state, with more being added soon.

See What's Inside This Year's "Explore Maine"

Explore Maine: The Moosehead Lake Region

The Moosehead Lake region is one of Maine’s greatest gems, with stunning vistas, endless recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat, a close-knit community, and rich cultural history. Join NRCM and guests for a webinar on Tuesday, August 16 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. to learn more about what this region has to offer. Register today to get Zoom link.

RSVP today

Nominate Your Choice for NRCM's People's Choice Award

You still have time to send us your nomination for NRCM's 2022 People’s Choice Award! This is your chance to bring praise and recognition to someone who goes above and beyond to protect Maine’s air, land, water, or wildlife. Maybe you know someone who is helping to protect a special area or make their school “greener.” Or took a stand against polluters, or pushed for legislation safeguarding Maine's environment. Learn more & send your nomination before noon on Friday, August 19!

Send Your People's Choice Nomination

NRCM's Frontline Voices Podcast

Hope was renewed again in Washington D.C., when Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin announced a new deal to invest billions of dollars in clean energy and climate action. In this episode, we speak with experts at the Environmental Defense Fund and National Wildlife Federation to find out how the Inflation Reduction Act would lower energy costs for Mainers and help us meet the goals laid out in Maine’s Climate Action Plan.
Listen to Latest Podcast

Explore Maine

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Find hiking trails, beaches, paddles, bike paths, & more with our interactive Explore Maine Map. New LMF sites and accessible trails have been added!
View the map & learn more.
Learn about our Maine Sporting Camp & Outdoor Recreation 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 one of our new NRCM logo beanies before they're gone! Also purchase NRCM made-in-the-USA caps, t-shirts featuring beautiful artwork by Maine artist Jon Luoma, mugs, totes, & more, all in support of our work to protect the nature of Maine.

View online store

News from NRCM

New Members Elected to NRCM Board of Directors

August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022 (Augusta, Maine) — Maine’s leading environmental advocacy group, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), is pleased to announce that four new members have been elected to its 22-member Board of Directors. The new members bring with them a wide range of experience and perspectives that will...

News & Noteworthy — August 2022

August 11, 2022
Read highlights from August 2022 news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife, in this News & Noteworthy from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. August 11, 2022 As we get ready to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the...

Maine Groups Urge Quick Action in Congress on Inflation Reduction Act

August 5, 2022
News release  Augusta, ME (August 5, 2022) — A broad range of Maine public health, labor, economic justice, and conservation organizations are urging the U.S. Congress to swiftly pass the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 because it will lower costs for everyday Mainers, create good jobs, and help meet the...

Background photo: Spring in Wales, Maine, by Jym St. Pierre

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

The Path to Restoring Maine's Kennebec River

We have an opportunity to improve the health of the Kennebec and enhance communities along the river. To help Mainers better understand the issues involved, we have compiled some answers to frequently asked questions and explained how you can help. Learn more in this blog by NRCM Outreach Director Emmie Theberge.
Read Emmie's blog

Maine Adventures with Josh—A Jaunt in the Bigelows

NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator Josh Caldwell shares his recent four-peak hike through the Bigelow Preserve, complete with stunning photos from his trip.

Read Josh's blog

Another Mega-Rare Bird Visits the Maine Coast

In their latest blog, NRCM's bird expert Allison Wells and husband Jeff share their insights about yet another rare bird to land in Maine.

Read Allison & Jeff's blog

My Maine This Week

rainbow over Bigelow

My Maine This Week: Barbara Heap

By NRCM | August 8, 2022
children playing in ocean

My Maine This Week: Kim Koza

By NRCM | August 1, 2022
Stonington from the water

My Maine This Week: Tamara Rocha

By NRCM | July 25, 2022
three puffins in water

My Maine This Week: Russell Regnery

By NRCM | July 18, 2022
Deer Isle by Katie Dobies

My Maine This Week: Katie Dobies

By NRCM | July 11, 2022
egret by Pam Wells

My Maine This Week: Pam Wells

By NRCM | July 4, 2022
loon and baby in pond

My Maine This Week: Gerard Monteux

By NRCM | June 27, 2022
looking out from mountaintop at view

My Maine This Week: Emma Bourget

By NRCM | June 16, 2022
Lady's slippers

My Maine This Week: Linda Woods

By NRCM | June 13, 2022
Reduce Your Use brochure

Sustain ME

A feature to help you help the planet.

Reduce Your Use: Tips for Reducing Your Footprint on the Environment

Do you know how much food the average Maine family of four wastes each year? Do you want to learn ways to reduce your food waste, plastic bag and foam food container use? This brochure includes tips about how to lessen your impact on the environment and save money by making simple changes to your daily habits. Request a free brochure today!

Creature Feature

Creature Feature: Quebec Emerald Dragonfly

Do you know where you can go in Maine to try to see a Quebec emerald dragonfly? It can be found in Number Five Bog because this wetland is a protected place. In 2000, Number Five Bog became part of a statewide system of ecological reserves created by the Maine Legislature to conserve the state’s diversity of plants and animals, and examples of all the habitat types found in Maine. Learn more about the Quebec emerald in this new Creature Feature by Catherine Schmitt.

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Featured: Clean Housekeeping—Toxic-free solutions for your home, yard, & garden

Find out how to clean, control pests, and dispose of household cleaning products in a way that's healthy for your family and the environment! NRCM's Clean and Healthy Housekeeping brochure features dozens of easy "recipes" to clean drains, control ants and insects, polish your shoes, and more-the non-toxic way.

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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Banner photo: Nesowadnehunk Falls, by David Preston