Invite 85 // May 21

Kicking things off, here’s a recent reader report submitted via the trail log feature.

Please continue sharing your experiences by replying to any email or using the easy "trail log" feedback forms included in each issue.

Now, let’s continue this month’s theme of positive news and developments from the outdoor world.

• Construction Begins on 84-Mile Bike Trail near Monson
• The Nature Conservancy and Tree Street Youth Co-Create Outdoor Program for Underserved Youth​
• Maine Voters Approve $30 Million Trails Bond​
• Kennebunk Land Trust Opens new 50-acre Tributary Preserve​

More highlights to come throughout the month.

✌️ Max

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

This issue of the Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling statewide.

Note: My views of this sponsor are in no way influenced by the fact she's my wife, I deeply respect her work, and I've benefited from a few great walks myself.

Pub Run Club

Wed, May 21 | Lewiston | Free

Baxter Brewing hosts a weekly run club every Wednesday of the summer. Get out for a social run and optional post-run drinks.

​Learn more​

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Bike & Brew on the Eastern Trail

Sat, May 24 | Biddeford | Free

Gear up for a scenic 15-20 mile bike ride along the Eastern Trail, starting and ending at Banded Brewing in Biddeford.

​Learn more​

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Songbird Stroll

Tue, May 27 | York | Free

Join Maine Master Naturalist Frank Dehler for an early-morning stroll in search of migratory songbirds. Free binoculars are available to borrow from York Public Library.

​Learn more​

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Midnight Flooding: Art From the Edge

Tue, May 27 | Portland | Free

Join the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for a midnight adventure documenting climate-induced tidal flooding in a combined art & citizen science project.

​Learn more​

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Maine Canoe Symposium

Fri, May 30 - Sun, Jun 1 | Woodstock | Free

A weekend for canoeing enthusiasts at Bryant Pond featuring a full schedule of skills courses, presentations, and group activities.

​Learn more​

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BCM Joy Ride

Sun, Jun 8 | Kennebunkport | Paid

Register today for your choice of an 18-mile family-friendly ride or a 35-mile adventure, both featuring beachside “Shore-cuterie” and a lively afterparty with live music—all to support community cycling.

​Learn more​

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Paddle for Pine Tree Camp

Sun, Jun 8 | Brunswick | Donation Based

Grab your paddles and head to the Androscoggin River for a day of paddling in support of Pine Tree Camp, which provides life-changing outdoor experiences for Maine children and adults with disabilities.

​Learn more​

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Paddle for a Purpose

Sat, Jun 14 | Damariscotta | Donation Based

This event inspired the creation of this newsletter several years ago. Join Hearty Roots for a day of paddling on the Damariscotta River, oyster shucking, live music, and friendly vibes, all in support of youth development on the Midcoast.

​Learn more​

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MITA Daysail & Island Stewardship

Thu, Jul 24 | Portland | Donation Based

Set sail from downtown Portland for a day of island cleanup & stewardship with the Maine Island Trail Association and Sail Seabird.

​Learn more​

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Peaks to Portland Swim

Sat, Jul 26 | Portland | Paid

Challenge yourself with a 2.4-mile open water swim from Peaks Island to Portland's East End Beach while supporting local kids through the YMCA of Southern Maine.

​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)

​Slow Blooming Course | Sun, Mar 30 - Sun, Jun 1 | Paid​

​Spring Novice Ride Series | Thu, May 8 - Thu, Jun 12 | Paid​

​Downeast Spring Birding Festival | Fri, May 23 - Mon, May 26 | Paid​

​Trail Festival at Pineland Farms | Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25 | Paid​

​Run with the Alewives 5K | Sat, May 24 | Paid​

​Maine Fly Fishing Festival | Fri, May 30 - Sun, Jun 1 | Paid​

​John Andrews 5k Walk/Run | Sat, May 31 | Paid​

​Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race | Sat, Jun 7 | Paid​

​Maine Outcast Campout | Thu, Jun 12 - Sun, Jun 15 | Paid​

​Acadia Running Retreat | Wed, Jun 18 - Sat, Jun 21 | Paid​

​Maine's High Peaks Paddlefest | Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

​Bay of Fundy International Marathon & Half Marathon | Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

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

​Breaking Trail Running Weekend | Fri, Jun 27 - Sun, Jun 29 | 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.

📝 Life Happens Outside Challenge - Fri, May 9 - Fri, May 16​

📝 Riverton Trolley Bike Park Grand Opening - Wed, May 14​

📝 Portland Bike Party - Fri, May 16​

📝 Feathers Over Freeport: Birding Festival - Sat, May 17​

📝 Wescustogo Paddle - Sat, May 17​

📝 Live Well 5k - Sat, May 17​

📝 Women's Spring Skills Day - Sun, May 18​

📝 York Family Ride - Sun, May 18​

📝 Pine Tree Ride - Sun, May 18​

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 400+ 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!