Outdoors

Published
January 7, 2012

Birding: And the results are in for Christmas Bird Count

The 112th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count is now over. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 4, birders picked a day to count as many birds as possible in a circular area, 15 miles in diameter. These count circles are visited each year, providing a valuable snapshot of changing bird populations over time. This column […]
Published
January 7, 2012

Hunting: L.L. Bean celebrates 100 years with old favorites

Every state has its own distinct lore and recognizable icons. Mere mention of Maine to most anyone across the country invariably elicits mention of lobsters, moose and L.L. Bean. Most Mainers — and a good many folks from away — are familiar with the tale of an avid outdoorsman named Leon Leonwood Bean who, a […]
Published
January 7, 2012

Best Bets

TODAY Hike in the Park, 2 p.m. in Freeport Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers nature programs year-round every weekend. This week’s program focuses on the wonder of Maine’s pine tree forest. Meet at the benches at the end of the second parking lot. No reservations needed. Free with park admission, which is $1 for […]
Published
January 1, 2012

Hunting: IF&W considers a delicate balance with each change

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is continually looking for ways to increase or improve hunting opportunity where, when and how it can be done without adversely impacting the resource. The agency also must protect wildlife populations where and when they are in decline. As a result, change is inevitable, and 2012 will […]
Published
January 1, 2012

Deirdre Fleming: Learn new ways to get your snow on at Waterville Winter Carnival

Every winter, bigger and better winter festivals are rolled out somewhere in Maine. Outdoor gatherings are more in vogue today than ever, with state parks, land trusts and cities promoting frozen family fun and snow carnivals. Waterville is one example of the growing interest here. Four years ago, Waterville held its first modern winter carnival […]

Published
December 31, 2011

Let new guide lead you to midcoast’s finest hiking spots

The unseasonably mild weather this fall and early winter has been a real bonus for hikers, extending the traditional hiking season by many weeks, with mostly snow- and ice-free trails across a good part of the state until just recently. This hiker, living within striking distance of the midcoast and not yet able to tackle […]
Published
December 31, 2011

Allen Afield: For sun, sand and fish of your dreams, go south

When winter dreams begin feeling like a nightmare, many Mainers start thinking of warmer climates where salty fishing, sunbathing and beach bumming turn into an art form. For instance, on a recent frigid morning near Wiscasset village, my thoughts turned to tropical vacations. I was driving south along Route 1, and typical of me this […]
Published
December 31, 2011

Resolve to take on more skiing

At midnight we bid adieu to 2011, and now we sally forth into the new year. Toasts were made, champagne quaffed, and decisions regretted. Now, we reach the ever-popular January 1st tradition – the New Year’s Resolution. What better promises to make for 2012 than resolve to take on some skiing-related tasks? Repeat after me. […]
Published
December 31, 2011

Best Bets

TODAY Hike in the Park 2 p.m. in Freeport Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers nature programs year-round every weekend. This week’s program focuses on the different ways that nature prepares for winter. Meet at the benches at the end of the second parking lot. No reservations needed. Free with park admission, which is $1 […]
Published
December 31, 2011

Zipping along with no snow

At ski areas statewide, non-mountain fun is becoming more of an option as skiers and snowboarders wait for the snow

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Outdoors