The Maine Outsider

Invite 84 // May 14 When I put out the call for positive outdoor stories, I received this surprising and fun story from Alicia Heyburn, executive director of Teens to Trails."An enormous oak fell in my neighborhood woods. The landowner called the Midcoast Wood Bank—an effort that connects trees needing clearing with people who love to chop, split, and stack and those who need heating assistance. Over the fall and winter, a cadre of volunteers transformed that fallen giant into stove-length...

Invite 82 // Apr 30 Several weeks ago, I took a bus from my apartment to the edge of Portland and walked home via the Portland Trails. I'm not sure if it was the sunny weather or stretching my legs for the first time in a while, but I saw things differently. I saw things as good, and I saw good things. I noticed a stretch of trail by the Canco woods that has been vastly improved, a new disc golf course at Payson Park (shoutout to JoySwich), and a handful of new plots opened at the community...

Invite 80 // Apr 2 It's not exactly prime time for outdoor activities in Maine. The next few emails might not provide immediate opportunities to get out there. However, there are a few things to plan for:1. Earth Day: You'll notice a lot of upcoming events related to volunteering and Earth Day (April 22nd). I'll be featuring less than 5% of what's out there. Search around you. If you love being outdoors, consider being a steward for a day or a few hours. 2. Race Season: Summer is race season,...

Invite 78 // Mar 5 Rather than write a standard intro this week, I thought I'd share a few reader experiences submitted through the "Trail Log" feature this winter. Gardens Aglow"Super pre-Christmas family event - everything is better outside, especially their kettlecorn!" Climb for a Cure"It's been a while since I've gotten into the "too winded to talk" zone, and it felt really great. The cookies were a sweet reward and skiing down by headlamp (and narrowly missing uphill climbers and...

Invite 76 // Feb 5 This week's newsletter is celebratory, with a handful of organizations hosting Winterfest events. Although weather often spoils these events, the forecast is looking good for winter activities like sledding, skiing, fat biking, and even skijoring. It can be easy to bunker down this time of year. I hope you resist the urge and jump on the free opportunities provided by these community events. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always...