Just in time for your summer planning, welcome to Explore Maine 2018! In this year’s edition, we put the spotlight on some of our staff, board, and members’ favorite coastal locations, to help raise awareness about the threat offshore oil drilling would pose to Maine’s economy and way of life. But when it comes to enjoying the season, don’t stop at the coast when there’s so much more to Maine. Be sure to consult our Explore Maine map, your interactive guide to special places protected with help from the Land for Maine’s Future program—shorelines, rail trails, and much more. The map can also help you choose from dozens of spectacular Public Reserved Lands for paddling, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and a wide range of other outdoor activities.

We’ve assembled a stellar reading list for you, with new and newly discovered books and blogs by NRCM supporters. Our list includes guides to edible mushrooms, animal tracks, even rural landscapes. Memoirs, self-improvement through nature, poetry, children’s books—there’s something for everyone on this year’s Good Reads list.

Our new NRCM t-shirt will help you enjoy summer in style. We’ve got NRCM caps, too, and wait until you see—and hold—our new mugs! All proceeds from these items go 100 percent in support of our work protecting Maine’s environment. Thank you for caring, and for all you do to help keep Maine a special place to live, work, and play.

—Allison Childs Wells, Editor, Senior Director of Public Affairs