Aroostook Outdoor News: 3.5.15 edition

#SpringForward Sunday! Don’t forget to turn clocks ahead 1 hour & test smoke alarm batteries & #GetOutside too!

In this edition: 1) A long-time winter tradition lives on in Stockholm. 2) The final Aroostook Cup race of the season takes place in Presque Isle. 3) Have some outdoor and indoor winter fun in St. Agatha. Plus lots more! offugo...

Thursday, March 5

UMPI Outing Club Full Moon Snowshoe, Presque Isle

Meet at 6:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Equipment available to borrow. Fee: FREE! Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

*Saturday, March 7

Community Sno Carnival, Stockholm

Events and activities for children and adults. 9:00 a.m. at Stockholm Community Center/Snowy Mountain Trails; snowshoeing, XC skiing, sledding and more! Breakfast and lunch items available for purchase. Contact Mrs. Spooner or Mrs. Ferland (207-896-5541) FMI

Saturday, March 7

Himie Towle Memorial Ski Frolic – Aroostook Cup #6, Presque Isle

Mass-start 10k event is freestyle cross-country (classic track also set). Race start: 11:00 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Fee: $20/family, $10/adult, $5/youth; includes lunch. Contact Steve Towle (207-227-6908) or towlesteve@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, March 7

Beardsley Hill Nature Preserve Snowshoe Venture, Woodstock, NB

Join Meduxnekeag River Assoc. and Nature Trust of NB for a guided snowshoe trip and botany interpretation; experience the Appalachian Hardwood Forest ecosystem in wintertime. Beginners welcome. 2:00-4:00 p.m. (Atlantic). Meet at corner of Stillman Rd. and Martin Rd. Fee: FREE! Contact Richelle ntnbpreserves@ntnb.org FMI

Saturday, March 7

2nd Annual Angel Snowfest, St. Agatha

All-day event at Lakeview Restaurant; live music, outdoor Ice Bar, Snowshoe/Walk, Luminary Walk on the breathtaking Lakeview trails. Proceeds benefit Angle Flight NE and Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund. Fee: $15; includes neck-warmer, stew, entertainment. Visit www.facebook.com/angelsnowfest FMI

Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8

UMPI Outing Club Ski Bum Weekend, Presque Isle

Nordic skiing Saturday afternoon at Nordic Heritage Center; slumber party at Gentile Hall Saturday night; downhill skiing or boarding Sunday at Bigrock. Fee: $20/UMPI Students, $30/non-students; does not include lift ticket/rental. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

Saturday, March 14

Aroostook Birders Duckbox Cleanout Day, Limestone

8:00 a.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Give back to the birds on this one-mile snowshoe hike and morning of conservation work. Clean out and prep duck boxes for the upcoming season. Bring snowshoes, water, snacks. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, March 14

After The Bell/Araya Wellness Lucky Leprechaun 5k, Mars Hill
Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Fort Street Elementary. Fee: $5/runner; $20/family. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

*Saturday March 14

2nd Annual Perth-Andover Loppet, Perth-Andover, NB

Join us for a fun day on the community trails in Carlingford! Those that wish to race will be timed; medals to all participants. Registration: 1:00 p.m. Loppet start: 2:00 p.m. (all time Atlantic). Hope to see you there! Contact Perth-Andover Rec. Dept. (506-273-4845) FMI

*Saturday, March 14

Thompson-Hamel Irish Fest, Presque Isle

1:00-7:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Activities for all ages. Leprechaun Hunt with $1000 in prizes, Kids’ Gold Dollar Hunt, snowshoe races, food, drinks, live band! Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities Farm for ME for the 2015 growing season. Visit www.facebook.com/events/621093624658002 FMI

Saturday, March 14

Bigrock Winterfest Moon Light Snowshoe Hike, Mars Hill

6:00 p.m. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and join in on a guided 1-mile loop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes; limited number of snowshoes available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

Sunday, March 15

Bigrock Invitational Youth Ski Race, Mars Hill

Registration: 8:00 a.m. Giant Slalom Race start: 10:00 a.m. Slalom Race start: 12:45 p.m. Awards: 2:30 p.m. Fee: $25; includes lift ticket; season pass holders, $15. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

*Sunday, March 15

CompetitorME Triathlon 101, Presque Isle

2:30 p.m. at UMPI Campus Center. Now is the time to begin thinking, planning, preparing for TriAroostook in June! USA Triathlon Certified Coach/Race Director discusses triathlon topics. Parents of TriAroostook Kids athletes also invited. Free. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

Tuesday, March 17

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Ice Fishing Trip, Madawaska Lake

Depart Caribou Rec. at 9:00 a.m.; return by 3:00 p.m. Fee: $25/ages 18-69; $20/ages 70 and up; includes transportation, ice traps, bait, ice auger, lakeside lunch, campfire. Bring folding chairs, warm clothes. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Thursday, March 19

Aroostook Birders March Annual Meeting/Talk, Location TBA

"Seabirds of Maine" presentation by Bill Sheehan; 6:30 p.m. Maine is famous for diverse and abundant seabird life; learn about birds found along the coastline and on the open ocean. All with an interest invited! Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Friday, March 20-Sunday, March 22

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Ski Trip, Baxter State Park

Join us for a two-night trip to Katahdin Lake Wilderness Cabins, featuring a 13-mile round trip ski to Chimney Pond. Fee: $175; includes skis and trekking poles, cabin lodging, all meals (excluding first day lunch). Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Saturday, March 21

Ashland Area XC Ski Club Family Fun Day, Ashland

10:00 a.m. at Chase's Ski Trails, 267 Garfield Rd. Self-guided family activities will include: ice cube hunt, snowshoeing, and ski trails to explore. Skis available for use. Contact Amanda Barker (207-712-8552) ranger.amanda.barker@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, March 21

Acadia FCU Marathon, Madawaska

40k classic/skate race with cash prizes; 20k classic/skate race. Pasta meal with lots of raffle prizes for all skiers. Race start: 11:00 a.m. at Four Seasons Trails. Fee: $25/40k racers, $15/20k racers. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22

Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Sportsman’s Show, Presque Isle

Kids’ Trout Fishing Pond sponsored by L.L. Bean, Shooting Range, Bow Range, Video Hunting Game, Moose Calling Contest, hourly kids’ door prizes! 75+ exhibitors from Maine, New Brunswick, Labrador, Quebec, New England. Fee: $5. Visit Presque Isle Fish and Game Club www.PIFG.org FMI

Tuesday, March 24

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Snowshoe Adventure, Caribou

Join us for a snowshoe adventure at Caribou High School Ski Trails. Fee: $20; includes snowshoes, trekking poles, instruction, hot dog roast. Depart Caribou Rec. Center at 10:00 a.m.; return by 3:00 p.m. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Thursday, March 26

UMPI Science Seminar Series, Presque Isle

12:15-1:30 p.m.; 201 Folsom Hall, featuring research conducted by UMPI students, faculty, other scientists. Wildlife Biologist Derek Woods presents Conservation of Wood Turtles from Maine to Virginia: A Coordinated Regional Approach. Contact Dr. Jason Johnston (207-768-9652) or jason.johnston@umpi.edu FMI

Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Winter Adventure, Spider Lake

Activities: ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing and enjoying a nice warm cabin in the woods. Fee: $150; includes transportation, fishing license, food, lodging, necessary equipment. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Tuesday, March 31

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult XC Ski Adventure, Caribou

The Caribou Ski Trails at Caribou County Club boast a wilderness experience right in our backyard. Trip includes a hot bowl of chowder and finger sandwiches on the trail. Fee: $20; includes equipment, transportation. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Ongoing Programs:

Sunday Saunter Running Group, Presque Isle

Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at UMPI's Gentile Hall. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

Van Buren Rec. Youth Hockey, Van Buren

Sundays; 11:00 a.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 3:30 p.m. at the Van Buren Ice Skating Rink (weather permitting). Come play hockey outdoors! Donations of “real” ice hockey sticks, helmets, pads, would be greatly appreciated! Contact Michael "Miles" Garcia (207-868-5059) or vbchamber@gmail.com FMI

Bootlegger Snowshoe Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC

Sundays; fourth Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the end of Path Brissette. Get to know the magical setting of the Bootlegger trails on this guided hike. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Jalbert Pee Wee Biathlon Program, Fort Kent

Tuesdays; 4:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Open to youth ages 9 and under. Kids will learn basic skate skiing skills, go on ski adventures, and play LOTS of games! Cost: FREE! Contact Gail Johnson stegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent

Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Open to youth ages 10-14; roller skiing, rifle shooting, trail running, and LOTS of games! Cost: FREE! Contact Gail Johnsonstegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

MWSC Active Maine Project Adult Nordic Program, Fort Kent

Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. The program runs January 20-February 10 and is a fun, social way to improve your ski skills. Cost: $55. Contact Mike Smith (207-227-0250) or mikes@mainewsc.org FMI

Valley Outdoor Centre Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB

Wednesdays; 7:00-7:45 p.m. (Atlantic) at Valley Outdoor Centre on Upton Rd. Ski from the lodge, as far or as little as you like, at your own pace; return to warm beverages, snacks, and a fire. Bring headlamp. Fee: $5; for snacks, beverages, fire pit, door prizes. Visit www.valleyoutdoor.ca FMI

MWSC Active Maine Project Adult Nordic Program, Presque Isle

Thursdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. The program runs January 22-February 12 and is a fun, social way to improve your ski skills. Cost: $55. Contact Mike Smith (207-227-0250) or mikes@mainewsc.org FMI

River Valley Runners Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB

Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Carleton Civic Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd. Meet in main/front parking lot of Civic Centre. Hope to see many runners out; spring is coming soon. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Youth XC Ski Program, Presque Isle

Saturdays; 10:00-11:30 a.m. Join us for a fun-filled free ski lesson! Grades K-8 welcome; ages 5 and under invited if with adult. Lessons designed for all levels. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

Four Seasons Trail Association Youth Ski Program, Madawaska

Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

* = New or updated item(s).