GRAY

Moose exhibit on display this week

Additional Photos

“Final Charge,” which depicts two bull moose with their antlers locked in battle, will be on display this week at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. Contributed photo

From Tuesday through July 10, “Final Charge,” a massive display showing two bull moose with locked antlers, will be on display daily at the Maine Wildlife Park.

Created by taxidermist Mark Dufresne of Nature’s Reflections Taxidermy in Gray, these moose are often exhibited at L.L. Bean in Freeport. Dufresne will be on hand periodically throughout the week as he cleans and upgrades the exhibit and will be available to answer questions.

In May 2006, Adella Johnson found the remains of two moose on her property in New Sweden. The moose had died after their antlers became locked in battle during the previous fall’s rut. Johnson donated the antlers to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to be used for educational purposes.

The IF&W then contacted L.L. Bean about recreating their battle in taxidermy and sharing interpretive and education al information with the public.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5 for ages 5-12; $7 for adults; and $5 for seniors. For more information, call 657-4977 or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

GREENVILLE

AMC’s ‘green’ lodge open for summer

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s new “green” destination for outdoor recreation in the 100-Mile Wilderness region — Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins — is open to the public for the summer season.

Located on Long Pond between the towns of Greenville and Brownville, Gorman Chairback features a new central lodge building that is LEED-registered, making it the first sporting camp lodge in Maine, and one of only a handful of backcountry facilities in the nation, to meet that environmental building standard. Certification is anticipated later this year.

Opening week festivities begin with an Independence Day cookout on Monday, kayak and canoe relays on Long Pond, guided hikes and a fishing skills demonstration.

In addition to the new lodge, the property also includes refurbished shoreside cabins, hot showers and free access to the lodge’s canoes and kayaks on Long Pond.

Reservations can be made by calling (603) 466-2727 or visiting www.outdoors.org/mainelodges.

AUGUSTA

Cycling instructor classes available

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is partnering with the League of American Bicyclists to offer courses leading to League Cycling Instructor certification. This certification is the only nationally recognized bicycle safety credential available, and it is useful for anyone involved in on-road bicycle instruction or work.

People interested in becoming certified must first take Traffic Skills 101. This course teaches people how to drive a bicycle with confidence and competence under various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions. The course combines classroom discussion and parking lot activities with on-road practice of the principles of vehicular bicycling.

Traffic Skills 101 will be offered on Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Trek Bicycle Store, 775 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N.H. The cost is $50 for Bicycle Coalition members and $75 for others. For more information and to sign up, contact Charley LaFlamme at chazbikeed@maine.rr.com or call 646-0635.

An LCI seminar will be held on Aug. 26-28 at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. The cost is $200, plus membership in the League of American Bicyclists. For more information, contact Jim Tasse, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s education director, at jim@bikemaine.org or call 623-4511.

YORK

Volunteers sought for Highland Farm

York Land Trust seeks volunteers to get the Highland Farm property ready to open to the public in August. With the completion of hiking trails and New England cottontail habitat clearing, the focus shifts to habitat restoration, visitor amenities, trail blazing and brush piling.

Sign up for a half or a full day. If you have not yet explored this breathtaking preserve, this is an excellent way to enjoy one of York’s most beautiful locations. The dates are:

• July 9, 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

• Aug. 6, 9a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

For information and/or to register, call 363-7400 or email mstelk@yorklandtrust.org.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Veterans fishing tourney set for July 30

This year’s Veterans Appreciation Fishing Tournament will take place July 30 at Port Harbor Marine in South Portland. Last year, the VETS AFT brought together more than 100 veterans from all over the state, representing all military branches, for a day of fishing and boating fun.

This year’s event will again feature a daylong fishing tournament and a cookout. During the cookout, trophies will be awarded to the veterans with the best catches of the day.

“We want to get a bunch of vets, who perhaps would otherwise find it difficult to get out on the water, out on the water to have a wonderful time,” said Kerry Birmingham, manager of the Family Assistance Center of Maine.

Port Harbor Marine already has recruited more than 50 people to volunteer their time and boats but is looking for more boats and captains. More available boats means more veterans can go fishing.

Visit www.vetsaft.com to learn more.

Related Stories