Maine’s natural beauty is defined by its forests, coastlines, rivers, and wildlife, all of which play an important role in the state’s ecological health and economy. However, many species that call Maine home are facing significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, is one of Read More
Nature of Maine Blog
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s “Nature of Maine” blog gives you the inside scoop on some of the latest issues facing Maine’s environment. From environmental news to threats to opportunities, NRCM is on the frontlines of the latest goings-on—and we’re often leading the charge on efforts to protect Maine’s precious lands, air, waters, and wildlife. Read what NRCM staff members have to say and get the perspective of some of our members and supporters who have been guest contributors.
Perhaps you have an issue you’d like to write about. Maybe you’re an expert on a particular topic and are inspired to share your expertise. Maybe you’ve recently made a visit to a spectacular Maine nature preserve or other natural area and would like to write about it (captioned photos welcome!). For submission guidelines, email nrcm@nrcm.org.
Critter Chatter – Happy Endings x 2
I don’t remember that I’ve ever written back-to-back articles about the same species, but sometimes things just naturally fall into place. Both of these recent rescues have a happy ending, so how could I resist? As a follow-up to August’s column about the raccoon that underwent surgeries for a broken leg, fractured jaw, and dislocated Read More
One Rural Maine School District’s Electric School Bus Experience
When Scott Lawyerson, the Head of Maintenance and Head Bus Driver at MSAD 13, was asked to describe experience with the district’s new electric school bus in one word he said “dependable.” Over the past 3 years, Maine has been awarded 72 electric school buses across 28 school districts through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Read More
Think You Know the Fish of the Kennebec River? Let’s Find Out!
At the Natural Resources Council of Maine, we’ve been working alongside Mainers to restore and reunite the Kennebec River for decades. From the opportunities it opens up for local communities to its impact on global conversations about dam removal and river restoration, the Kennebec is truly special. To celebrate this incredible river and the Read More
Long Goodbyes, Short Hellos
With the gradual shift to cooler early evenings these August days, we’ve been enjoying sitting out on our porch, our dog happily sprawled out beside us, sniffing the air. We’ve been listening and scanning the powder-blue skies and the patchwork green of the lilac bushes, crabapple trees, maples, ashes, and other vegetation. Almost every night, Read More
What the Supreme Court’s 2024 Ruling on Chevron Doctrine Means for Maine
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings on two related cases that are expected to seriously undermine the power of federal agencies to protect clean water, healthy air, and wildlife. The cases challenged what is known as the “Chevron doctrine,” a pillar of the U.S. legal system for 40 years, which holds that Read More
Tracking Fossil Fuel Shipments in the Gulf of Maine
I’ve known for a long time that Maine is reliant on heating oil and has heavy emissions from the transportation sector. However, without fossil fuel infrastructure such as oil rigs or fracking wells in Maine, it’s easy to forget just how reliant we are. We import all our fuel, mostly via tanker ships and pipelines. Read More
Help Shape Maine’s Climate Action Plan
Maine’s next Climate Action Plan is coming out later this year, and we all have an opportunity right now to help shape what it looks like by taking this survey. In this blog, I’ll lay out why Maine’s statewide Climate Action Plan matters and give you some more details about the recommendations we’ll be asking Read More
Critter Chatter — Cautiously Optimistic
As is often the case, I wasn’t sure what this month’s article would be about and had asked Don to give it some thought so we could talk about it last week. And, as is often the case, it didn’t take very long for that question to be answered! When I stopped by Duck Pond Read More