Outdoors

Published
June 12, 2010

Birding: Guide enhances exploring, conserving

The Maine Natural Areas Program recently published a book that will be of interest to any naturalist in Maine. “Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems,” by Susan Gawler and Andrew Cutko, describes 104 natural communities in Maine, based primarily on the distribution and abundance of woody plants. Some of the […]
Published
June 12, 2010

Boating: New way to check radio should clear channels

Is the boating community about to take a giant leap forward with regard to VHF radio courtesy? Possibly, if boaters catch on to a new automated service for radio checks. Radio checks are probably the most common call heard on marine VHF radios. A day on the water just wouldn’t be complete without hearing multiple […]
Published
June 12, 2010

Bike Polo: It’s the wheel deal

In the Washington, D.C., area, this version of pickup basketball -- only on bicycles, with mallets -- gains a dedicated following of hard-core enthusiasts.
Published
June 12, 2010

Outdoors Dispatches

NEWRY Sunday River to re-open improved bike park The Sunday River Mountain Bike Park will open for the summer on June 25, with two new trails and a new skills park. “We’ve worked hard to provide something for every rider to test out, learn on and advance to,” says Steve Boulanger, director of the bike […]
Published
June 6, 2010

Saltwater Fishing: Here’s what new registration rules require

Usually I begin the first saltwater column of the season with updates on any regulations enacted since last year, and because of some confusion about the federal and state registries, I would like to try to clarify matters. First, anyone recreationally fishing in saltwater in Maine this year should check to see whether they must […]

Published
June 6, 2010

Outdoors Dispatches

JEFFERSON Bluebird houses to be built at Nature Center event The Hidden Valley Nature Center on Egypt Road will hold a bluebird house building event at 2 p.m. today. The center has the plans and all the pieces and just needs people to put them together. If you want to take one home, a $10 […]
Published
June 6, 2010

Biking: Good ride and good people are joys of Trek Across Maine

For the second straight year Maine was named the third most bike-friendly state in the nation by the League of American Bicyclists. No surprise here. And in addition to the kudos awarded our state, I’ve long thought that Maine has some of the friendliest cyclists around. And I’m defining friendly in terms of the overwhelming […]
Published
June 6, 2010

Allen Afield: Naturalist offers natural place to start

As children start getting out of school, woodland hiking picks up in Maine, and one appeal of this healthy sport is observing wildlife, flora and geological formations. Nothing jump-starts an average hiker’s knowledge more than reading nature books with solid information on what to look for or what we’re seeing while walking through forests and […]
Published
June 6, 2010

Freshwater Fishing: Bass finish nesting in the south and trout cruise the rivers

With water temperatures reaching toward 70 degrees in some areas, it appears Maine fishermen are heading into the dog days of summer — before summer has begun. But read on and find where fishing abounds, with hatches in the Moosehead region, and the fast action in the small trout ponds of The County. REGION A: […]
Published
June 6, 2010

Camping: Campers can sample best of Maine at state parks

Summertime camping is a Maine tradition, a chance to get outside with family and friends, pursue your favorite recreational activity, breathe some fresh air, cook a hearty meal, relax around the campfire and sleep under the stars. Whether it’s for a night, a weekend or an entire week, camping lets you escape from the hectic […]

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