Senator Brenner, Representative Tucker, distinguished members of the Committe on Environment and Natural Resources. My name is Josh Caldwell. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in support of LD 1974, An Act To Establish and Fund the Maine Climate Corps Program Read More
Smart Funding Decisions Needed to Build a Climate-friendly Transportation System for Maine
Maine’s transportation system is largely focused on moving cars quickly from point A to point B. But this focus risks missing the point entirely—and serves to create congestion, cost, and carbon pollution. If we are to meet the challenge of the climate crisis, Maine needs to deliver healthier, more affordable and accessible transportation options Read More
Salvation or Obsession: The Future of Skiing in Maine
As winter storm warnings flashed across our phones and televisions last week, my friend Ellis and I were hatching plans to get to the mountains for what we knew would be a truly stellar ski day. Faith in my snow tires and an acute case of powder fever put winter driving considerations on the back Read More
Support of LD 1902, Resolve, To Establish a Pilot Program To Encourage Climate Education in Maine Public Schools
Senator Rafferty, Representative Brennan, distinguished members of the Committe on Education and Cultural Affairs. My name is Josh Caldwell. I am the Climate and Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am testifying today in support of LD 1902: A Resolve, To Establish a Pilot Program To Encourage Climate Education Read More
Exploring Community Trails, Big and Small, in Maine
With new funding streams coming in and plans progressing to improve our walking and biking paths, we have a lot to be hopeful for in Maine. In the coming years there will be myriad opportunities to engage at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for community trails. Such an investment would be not Read More
GrowSmart Summit Inspires Confidence in a Better Tomorrow
Last week, in my role as Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, I had the pleasure of attending GrowSmart Maine’s annual summit in the vast Pepperell Mill Campus of Biddeford. Vaulted ceilings and brick walls lit by rustic bare bulbs set the scene for a conference entitled, “Turning Read More
Rewilding Our Homes in Maine
In Maine, word of mouth holds a lot of weight. The best hidden outdoor nooks, secret gems, volunteer opportunities, and pristine hiking trails that I’ve discovered have come through a combination of unflagging curiosity and generously offered insider tips. So, when two separate Mainers independently approached me about Wild Seed Project, I knew I had Read More
Supporting Community by Spending Time in the Soil
I am incredibly grateful to live in a state with such an abundance of adventures waiting to be had. Each season brings with it a new landscape to explore with different modes and clothing layers, from ocean to pasture to lake to mountain and back again. You won’t often find me in one place on Read More
Monhegan Weekend: Hurricanes, Harbor Seals, and a Shark!
The Maine coastline is dappled with scenic islands, providing ample opportunities for exploration and appreciation. This is particularly true of the region in and around Penobscot Bay, featuring perennial all-stars like Mt. Desert Island and Vinalhaven alongside hundreds of lesser known, but equally alluring, sea-framed rocks. Recently, I had the pleasure of venturing to one Read More
