Invite 81 // Apr 16

This week’s newsletter might not feature the most traditionally “fun” events I’ve ever rounded up—but with the right mindset and crew, outdoor volunteer events can be a blast. If joining a group cleanup isn’t your thing, consider packing a trash bag on your next hike, bike, or paddle and bringing back a few pieces of litter as an Earth Day contribution.

Now, on to the good stuff.

✌️ Max

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

Volunteer Community Work Day

Sat, Apr 19 | York | Free

Grab your work gloves and head out for a refreshing morning of trail tidying and trash cleanup at Mount Agamenticus, complete with post-cleanup snacks.

​Learn more​

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Loon Counting in Remote Areas (Registration)

Mon, Apr 21 | Statewide | Free

Maine Audubon is looking for intrepid volunteers to hike/paddle/journey into Maine's remote ponds and lakes as part of their yearly loon count citizen science project. Register by April 21st for the count, which takes place July 19th - July 26th.

​Learn more​

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Earth Day Clean Up of Smelt Brook Preserve

Tue, Apr 22 | York | Free

Join the York Land Trust for a feel-good Earth Day clean-up at Smelt Brook Preserve.

​Learn more​

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Nature Walk: Vernal Pools

Wed, Apr 23 | Yarmouth | Free

Dive into the ephemeral world of vernal pools at Riverfront Woods Preserve in Yarmouth, where you'll spy on salamanders and frog eggs with expert naturalist Beth Sturtevant.

​Learn more​

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2025 Portland Plog

Sat, Apr 26 | Portland | Free

Put on your running shoes and join the Runaways Run Club for the only Earth Day event (I've seen) that combines running and trash cleanup in a fun, social setting.

​Learn more​

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Star Party

Sat, Apr 26 | Scarborough | Free

Join the Southern Maine Astronomers for an evening at Fuller Farm, gazing at stars and learning about the wonders of the night sky.

​Learn more​

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Marsh Clean-Up

Sat, Apr 26 | Scarborough | Free

Help keep the gem that is Scarborough Marsh clean and beautiful by joining this group cleanup, starting at the Audubon Nature Center.

​Learn more​

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BCM Bike Rodeo

Sat, Apr 26 | Gorham | Free

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is hosting free Bike Rodeos for kids ages 3–11 to learn safe biking. Catch them in Gorham on 4/26, and check their calendar for more dates.

​Learn more​

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Trail Festival at Pineland Farms

Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25 | New Gloucester | Paid

Lace up for a weekend of trail running bliss at Pineland Farms, featuring everything from a challenging 100k to a breezy 5k, plus live music and a beer garden.

​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.

Previously Featured & Upcoming

​Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race | Sat, Apr 19 | Paid​

​Portland 10 Miler | Sun, Apr 27 | Paid​

​Big A 50K Trail Race | Sat, May 3 | Donation Based​

​Riverlands 100 & Relay | Sat, May 10 - Sun, May 11 | Paid​

​Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 11 | Paid​

​Women's Spring Skills Day | Sun, May 18 | Paid​

​Sail Maine: Youth Summer Camps | Mon, Jun 23 - Fri, Jul 4 | Paid​

​Maine Summer Adventure Race | Sat, Jul 12 - Sun, Jul 13 | 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.

📝 Bow Ties & Bean Boots - Thu, Apr 3​

📝 Women's Wilderness First Aid Weekend in a Backcountry Hut - Fri, Apr 4 - Sun, Apr 6​

📝 Volunteer Morning - Fri, Apr 4​

📝 Coastal Clean Up with Mere Point Oyster Company - Sat, Apr 5​

📝 Full Moon Hike at Hidden Valley Nature Center - Sat, Apr 12​

📝 Breakfast and Birding - Sun, Apr 13​

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

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Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!