Throughout 2009, NRCM celebrated the 50th anniversary of our organization's work protecting the nature of Maine, now and for generations to come.
Founded on June 25, 1959, by a small group of volunteers working to protect the Allagash River, our homegrown, member-supported group has evolved to confront the most important environmental problems facing the state. In so doing, we have helped Maine to accomplish many model, first-in-the-nation successes that have helped keep Maine a special place.
Today, NRCM has more than 25,000 supporters from across Maine and beyond. The power of your voices, your actions, and your passion are why we continue to succeed. In celebration of our past, present, and future, we held "50 Events for 50 Years" in 2009.
You make NRCM the powerful organization we are today. You talk with friends and neighbors, write to newspapers and legislators, testify at hearings, and give generously of your time and money to help win victories we can all be proud of. Thank you!
Documentary Film: "Protecting the Nature of Maine: Fifty Years of the Natural Resources Council of Maine"
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we worked with filmmaker Richard Kane to create an inspiring documentary film featuring some of Maine’s most important environmental victories and the people who helped to make them possible.
Stunning footage and dozens of interviews bring the threats and the accomplishments to life—and remind us what can be achieved when concerned people come together for a cause in which they believe.
Watch the movie trailer with updates.
Watch the full film, including an update added in 2015.
"Protecting the Nature of Maine" was nominated for a 2011 New England Emmy Award. Read the full press release about this nomination.
Protecting the Nature of Maine features interviews and historic footage of more than 30 people, including:
- Barry Dana, Former Chief, Penobscot Indian Nation
- Governor John Baldacci and former Governor Angus King
- Edmund Muskie, U.S. Senator 1958-1982
- Maine Guides Bill Houston of Kingfield, and Alexandra and Garrett Conover of Willamantic
- Brownie Carson, NRCM executive director
- Bill Townsend, NRCM early board member
- Dan and Ruth McLaughlin, Blair Hill Inn, Greenville
- Adam Lee, President, Lee Auto Malls
- Marina Schauffler of Camden, Author of Turning to Earth
- Marion Fuller Brown, ME Legislature (R) York 1966-1972
- Hannah Pingree, Speaker of the House, 2008-10 (D) North Haven
- Josh Tardy, House Minority Leader, (R) Newport, ME
- Peter Gore, Vice President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce
- Bruce Babbitt, U.S. Secretary of Interior 1993-2001
- Harrison Richardson, (R) Cumberland, House Majority Leader 1967-71
- Scott Phillips, Old Town, Old Town Canoe marketer, Penobscot Nation citizen
