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 Format & Episode

NRCM's podcast has a brand new format! NRCM's Colin Durrant speaks with advocates & experts to bring you a summary of the latest news you need to know. In this episode, he speaks with Pete Didisheim about what’s ahead for 2021’s unique legislative session, a new effort to restore the Kennebec, & reflects on the seismic changes happening at the federal level.

Listen to the podcast

2020 Virtual Dip & Dash Video

Due to the pandemic, this year’s Dip & Dash was fully virtual. People dipped and dashed in York County, on Matinicus Island, various locations in Brunswick, Portland, and South Portland, and raised more than $20,000 for NRCM's climate action work! Click on the button or image to watch this fun video — and make sure your speakers are on!

Watch the video

Looking up the Kennebec toward Skowhegan

Restoring the Kennebec River above Waterville

The Kennebec was once Maine's most productive river, supporting vibrant Atlantic salmon runs in the hundreds of thousands, and runs of shad and river herring in the many millions. Today, the future of the Kennebec River is at a critical point. Atlantic salmon are on the brink of extinction. Four dams above Waterville stand in the way of a free and healthy river, blocking access to many miles of historic spawning habitat.

Learn more

Shop & Support NRCM's Work to Protect the Nature of Maine

NRCM has been selected to be the charity of the month at the Whitten Road Hannaford Supermarket in Augusta for the entire month of January, 2021. Thank you, Hannaford!

Throughout the month of January, head to the Whitten Road Hannaford to do your grocery shopping. While you are there, purchase one or more Community Bags. These Community Bags are reusable and eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags to transport your groceries.

Along with reducing plastic pollution, this month you get the added bonus of knowing that $1 from each bag purchased will be donated to NRCM in support of our work to protect Maine's air, land, waters, and wildlife.

News from NRCM

News & Noteworthy — January 2021

January 14, 2021

Read the latest 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. January 14, 2021 The Natural Resources Council of Maine rolled out a new podcast format this week, with...

NRCM Joins “Build by the Fourth of July” Campaign Urging Congress to Rebuild America’s Crumbling Infrastructure

January 14, 2021

The Natural Resources Council of Maine has joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), and more than 140 national and local organizations today launched the “Build by the Fourth of July” campaign, urging newly elected and reelected members of Congress to enact a fiscally and environmentally...

News & Noteworthy — December 2020

December 30, 2020

Read the latest 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. December 30, 2020 We start with news about the delay in Maine's statewide plastic bag and foam bans,...

Read Latest News & Noteworthy

Read NRCM News Releases

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

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

This Rock Wren, found recently in Ogunquit, was only the second documented record of the species in Maine. (photo by Weston Barker)

Rock Wren, Rock Star

In their most recent blog, NRCM’s bird experts, Jeffrey and Allison Wells, share stories of their visits to Ogunquit to see a bird only seen once before in Maine, the Rock Wren. They even got a "selfie" with this "rock star" bird on their second trip to see it.

Read Allison's & Jeff's blog

Critter Chatter: A Pet Peeve

Jayne Winters shares information and stories of exotic animals brought to Maine (sometimes illegally) as pets. The Duck Pond Wildlife Center has cared for several of these animals over the years, and owner Don Cote said many of the animals don't survive when owners underestimate how much care is needed for these animals. Find out more in this month's "Critter Chatter."

Read Critter Chatter

Maine Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for All

Beth shares information about the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town and its "Trail of the Senses," which is completely ADA compliant and includes opportunities for people of all abilities to explore and interact with Maine's environment. Do you know of other accessible public locations around the state for hiking, paddling, and more? If so, we want to hear about them.

Read Beth's blog

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!

Mainers Oppose Mine Proposal

Many local residents, sporting camp owners, and tribal representatives have raised concerns about Wolfden Resources’ proposed metal mine at Pickett Mountain, not far from Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument. Read their comments and then submit your own to the Land Use Planning Commission.

What’s New at Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument?

The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is a great place to get outside, decompress, socially distance, and enjoy all that Maine has to offer. NRCM Forests & Wildlife Director Melanie Sturm shares ideas and opportunities to enjoy the Monument during the coming winter months. She also shares updates about its infrastructure and its new Dark Skies designation!

Read Melanie's blog

Regional Transportation Initiative Will Help Mainers Lead Healthier Lives

The majority of Mainers support investing in clean transportation solutions to strengthen our economy, help people lead healthier lives, and better connect our communities. NRCM encourages Maine to continue tracking a regional initiative that would provide much-needed funding to invest in Maine-based solutions like better buses, EVs, and safer walking & biking paths.

Read Sue's blog

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Featured: NRCM Nature of Maine Calendar & Annual Report

Would you like a free copy of our 2021 Nature of Maine wall calendar, complete with information about NRCM's work, beautiful photos by NRCM members & staff, and more? Email us at nrcm@nrcm.org and please include your name and mailing address. We will then mail your calendar to you in time for the New Year! Donations to cover postage and costs are welcome.

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: Peter Simmons

By NRCM | January 11, 2021

My Maine This Week: Michael Walsh

By NRCM | January 4, 2021

My Maine This Week: Heather Newton Brown

By NRCM | December 28, 2020

My Maine This Week: Jayne Winters

By NRCM | December 21, 2020

My Maine This Week: Marcel Polak

By NRCM | December 14, 2020

My Maine This Week: David Small

By NRCM | December 7, 2020

My Maine This Week: Jeff Toothaker

By NRCM | November 30, 2020

My Maine This Week: Dan Ker

By NRCM | November 23, 2020

My Maine This Week: Justin Walton

By NRCM | November 16, 2020

Person caulking window on Bright Ideas pamphlet

Sustain ME

A feature to help you help the planet.

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. Request a free brochure today!

Creature Feature

Creature Feature: Snapping Turtle

Did you know that the shell of a snapping turtle is full of nerve endings and sensitive to scratches? Learn more interesting facts about this Maine animal in our latest Creature Feature.

Banner photo: View of Flagstaff Lake from Bigelow, by Emmie Theberge