Two new leaders will join the staff of the Bangor YMCA in March, according to a recent press release. Bangor Y CEO Diane Dickerson has chosen Jodie Burckhard as the director of the Bangor YMCA Wilderness Center of Camp Jordan, and Suzanne Brunner as the Bangor Y’s grant development manager. Burckhard has been with the […]

If there’s one weekend this winter to get outside for an adventure, it’s the weekend of Feb. 14-16, the fifth semi-annual Great Maine Outdoor Weekend. More than 100 outdoor events are scheduled to be held throughout the state. Ice skating parties, owl watches, ice fishing derbies, full moon snowshoes, ski races, winter camping workshops and more will […]

The Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust has reached its goal of raising $750,000 for the “To the Summit” campaign to purchase 200 acres of property on Great Pond Mountain in Orland, according to a recent press release. The “To the Summit” campaign went public in June, and by the end of 2013 the conservation trust had secured […]

Bing. A text message from my boss, John Holyoke. 3:20 p.m., Feb. 7: “I just got face makeup.” Huh? Bing. Another text. “White and black.” Oh, that makes more sense. John and I were dressing as grim reapers for the US National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl the next day. We had signed up for […]

Maine residents are asked to take part in this winter’s Great Backyard Bird Count, taking place Feb. 14-17, according to a recent press release. By going for a stroll outdoors or simply looking out your window, you can contribute in an important study that helps better define bird ranges, populations, migration pathways and habitat needs. […]

Last night, I attended the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which has been visiting Bangor for the past 18 years, thanks to Epic Sports. I didn’t plan on writing about it, but I saw an incredible film that I’d like to share with you. But first… If you haven’t heard of the Banff […]

BikeMaine — The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s epic, week-long ride — is already gearing up for its second edition. They recently announced the 2014 route, a 350-mile journey that explores the people, places, culture and landscape of Maine. This year’s ride, scheduled for Sept. 6-13, is entitled “BikeMaine 2014: Pedaling the Waterways.” Building on the […]

The month of February is crowded with Maine outdoor events, from ski competitions and winter carnivals to tree pruning workshops and guided hikes. There’s something for everyone. So, to help readers plan a fun-packed February, I’ve decided to pull together a list, however incomplete, of outdoor events. I’ve organized the events by date and then […]

The 2013 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, a show of award-winning films on mountain sports and culture, is showing at four locations throughout Maine from Jan. 31 to Feb. 10, and it’s not too late to buy tickets (I hope … depending on when you read this). I’ve attended this event in Bangor for […]