Invite 101 // Sep 10

This week, Maine State Parks announced that on September 20th, they'll provide free admission for anyone who shows up with a public library card.

It's the perfect collab between two public institutions and community resources. Books are a gateway to deeper outdoor experiences.

After reading Eager, I found myself awestruck by beavers. Thoreau's Maine Woods provided companionship on a 7-day solo trip north of Moosehead Lake. A book about Maine Sporting Camps made a winter ski trip in Katahdin Woods & Waters feel like time travel.
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My library checkout history reads like a nature nerd's fever dream: forestry guides, lumberjack stories, moose behavior studies, game warden memoirs, backyard adventuring, you name it.

I also pack page-turners for afternoon hammock naps.

All this reading has taught me that there are layers to being outdoors. Now I see beaver dams everywhere, notice which trees the loggers didn't cut, and recognize rivers as indigenous highways where I used to just see water.

Get a library card. Pick a book. Go outside.

✌️ Max

This issue of the Maine Outsider is sponsored by BOOKS - the original portable entertainment that never needs charging, fits in your backpack, and works offline.

Want to be a *real* sponsor and reach 850+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource? Click Here​

Rubbish Project at Coveside Coffee

Sat, Sep 13 | Portland | Free

The next morning edition of the Rubbish Project trash cleanup is around the corner. Starting and ending at the cozy Coveside Coffee on the Back Cove.

​Learn more​

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Annual River Clean-Up

Sat, Sep 13 | Auburn | Free

Help restore the Androscoggin River by joining volunteers for the 10th consecutive year to remove litter and debris from the shore.

​Learn more​

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Slow Leaf Peeping Class

Sun, Sep 14 - Sun, Nov 2 | Portland | Paid

An 8-week mindful observation journey that transforms how you experience autumn in Portland. Learn to slow down and connect deeply with nature as you witness a tree's seasonal transformation.

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Maine Apple Sunday

Sun, Sep 14 | Statewide | Free

Visit orchards across Maine for apple picking, wagon rides, hiking, and various fall activities as the apple harvest kicks off.

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Ocean Motion & Meditation

Tue, Sep 16 | Portland | Donation Based

Experience ocean-inspired movement and meditation with local instructors at a waterfront trail as part of Portland Trail's ongoing "Creative Path" series.

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Nature X Change

Wed, Sep 17 | Falmouth | Free

Apparently, autumn is a season for rest, reflection, and meditation. Join a guided 90-minute forest walk with silent observation and group discussion to reconnect with nature and leave feeling more grounded.

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ACT Trail Fest

Sat, Sep 20 | Arundel | Paid

Sign up today for a variety of trail races, including a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, all set on the ACT Multi-Purpose Trail with prizes for top finishers and celebratory drinks for all participants.

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Mt. A Trail Challenge

Sat, Sep 20 | York | Paid

Challenge yourself on the trails of Mount Agamenticus with a 1 Mile or 5K course, timed by local high school runners, while supporting conservation efforts.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Coastal Excursion: Sea Level Rise SUP Tour | Thu, Sep 11 | Free​

​Alpine Run Retreat | Fri, Sep 12 - Sun, Sep 14 | Paid​

​Maine Lighthouse Ride | Sat, Sep 13 | Paid​

​Big Falls Music & Cider Fest | Sat, Sep 13 | Paid​

​Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Donation Based​

​5th Annual Oxbow All Species Fishing Tournament | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Paid​

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 27 - Sun, Sep 28 | Paid​

​Spud Spin Gravel Ride | Sun, Sep 28 | Donation Based​

​Flagstaff Foliage & Historical Weekend | Fri, Oct 10 - Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Crooked River Rambler | Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Run MDI: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay | Sun, Oct 19 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 25 Days of Movement - Fri, Aug 1 - Sun, Sep 7​

📝 Mycology Outside - Fri, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 7​

📝 Megunticook Trail Festival - Sat, Sep 6​

📝 Maine Outdoor Film Festival @ Tidewater Farm - Sat, Sep 6​

📝 Kites and Ice cream - Sat, Sep 6​

📝 Caribou Mountain Hike - Sat, Sep 6​

📝 Damariscove Island Boat Trip - Sat, Sep 6​

📝 Ghost Apples: Outdoor Concert - Sun, Sep 7​

📝 Down for Gravel - Sun, Sep 7​

📝 Full Moon Bonfire - Sun, Sep 7​

📝 Full Moon Yoga on Mt. Battie - Sun, Sep 7​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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