April 22, 2020, marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. To celebrate how far we have come in protecting our environment, staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine created daily digital care packages from across our program areas that we provided to our members for each day of Earth Week. These resources-informative webinars, inspiration poetry, videos & podcasts, kids’ activities, and much more-are timeless, so we are sharing them with you here. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed putting them together for you!
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Climate & Clean Energy
Reflect – Poetry Podcast of the Day
Richard Blanco, “Cloud Anthem”
Watch
Impact of Climate Change on Maine Industries
Maine Lobsterman Switching to Solar
Developing Maine Jobs in Solar
Impact of Climate Change on National Security
Listen
Conversation with former NRCM staff member Dylan Voorhees
Climate & Clean Transportation Webinar
In Maine, 54% of our climate-changing pollution comes from our cars and trucks. It can often be difficult and expensive to get from Point A to B. If we want to address the climate crisis, then we need healthier, less-polluting options for moving goods and people. Watch this webinar to learn about how we can work toward cleaner, more resilient and equitable ways to get around Maine. This webinar was led by Sue Ely, NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Policy Advocate. Watch the full webinar.
Read
A Dangerous New World: Maine Voices on the Climate Crisis
Take Action
Learn more about the Maine Climate Council’s work
Kids’ Activities
Sustainability
Reflect – Poetry Podcast of the Day
Russell Libby: “A Pledge” (Read by Mary Anne Libby)
Watch
Virtual Tour of ecomaine recycling facility
“The Story of Plastic” trailer
Simple Food Waste Solutions Webinar
Did you know that 40% of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted? The good news is that there are simple things that households can do to make a significant impact on this problem. Learn about steps you can take at home to divert food from the landfill and put it to better use. Watch the full webinar.
Read
Addressing Plastic Pollution in Maine
Take Action
Promote sustainability in your community with NRCM “toolkits”
Support local food and farmers, now more than ever
Kids’ Activities
Make a reusable shopping bag out of a t-shirt
Make gift bows out of magazines
Earth Day
Reflect – Poetry Podcast of the Day
Watch
Stories from the Frontlines: Protecting the Nature of Mainewith stories from:
- Laura Rose Day, former Executive Director, Penobscot River Restoration Project
- Lucas St. Clair, Executive Director, Elliotsville Foundation
- MJ Ferrier, founding member, Protect South Portland
- Pete Didisheim, NRCM Advocacy Director
- Ania Wright, College of the Atlantic student & climate activist
History of the Natural Resources Council of Maine
Listen
Brownie Carson and Joan Welsh – From the State House
Read
NRCM Accomplishments Since 1959
Lisa Pohlmann’s Earth Day op-ed in the Bangor Daily News
Kids’ Activities
25 Kids Activities for Earth Day
8 Great Kids’ Distance Learning Nature Resources by Maine Organizations
Forests & Wildlife
Reflect – Poetry Podcast of the Day
Kristen Lindquist, “The Rapture”
Watch
Local Voices for Katahdin Woods & Waters
Celebrating Katahdin Woods & Waters
Maine Moose in the North Woods
Video of the Maine Wildlife Park
Listen
Conversation with legendary journalist Bill Green on the Maine outdoors
Webinar: Birding in Maine: Ask the Experts Jeff & Allison Wells
Spring has sprung here in Maine and that means birds are returning. What birds are you seeing in your backyard? Watch Maine birding experts Jeff and Allison Wells in this webinar to learn about the birds that have arrived and ones coming next. Jeffrey Wells, PhD, is one of the nation’s leading bird experts and conservation biologists. He is National Audubon Vice President of Boreal Conservation and a Fellow of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Allison Wells is NRCM’s Senior Director of Public Affairs and coauthor, with Jeff, of several books, including, Maine’s Favorite Birds. Watch the full webinar.
Read
The Maine Woods by Henry David Thoreau
Explore
Exploring Maine’s Outdoors During Trying Times
Find a Land for Maine’s Future Site Near You
Kids’ Activities
Healthy Waters
Reflect – Poetry Podcast of the Day
Watch
Dean Bennett on Saving the Allagash
Celebrating Removal of Edwards Dam
Clean Water, Great Beer – Source to Tap
Listen
Read
Ed Muskie: Environmental Leader and Champion
Founding of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
A River Runs Through It – Penobscot Restoration
Take Action
Share: Our Celebrate the Beautiful Waters of Maine video with a friend or family member who loves Maine
Kids’ Activities
Download EPA coloring book to help kids learn ways to protect clean water
Banner photo: Moosehead Lake by J. Monkman/NRCM
