Aroostook Outdoor News: 5.14.15 edition

The #weather #forecast looks #fantastic! #GetOutThere and #EnjoyIt! #offugo

In this edition: 1) Bird watching trips in Caribou and Perham. 2) Canoe/Kayak races in Presque Isle and Stockholm. 3) Group bike rides are starting up in Presque Isle. Plus lots more! offugo...

Friday, May 15

Caribou Rec./Healthy You Bird Caribou Bog Watching Trip, Caribou

7:00 a.m. at Aroostook Valley Rail Trail parking lot on Washburn Rd.; short walk to birding area. Open to all ages. Rain or shine. Cost: FREE! Includes free bird call. Limited binoculars, bird books available. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Saturday, May 16

Aroostook Birders Perham Bog/Salmon Brook Lake Birding Hike, Perham

7:00-11:00 a.m. Meet at Perham Town Office for a 3-mile round trip excursion along the railroad trail. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, May 16
Aroostook River Fun Run Canoe and Kayak Race, Washburn

8 miles; flat water. Family oriented. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Thomas Brewer Park. Race start: 10:00 a.m.; ends at Presque Isle Fish and Game Club. Fee: $10/advance; $15/race day; t-shirts to first 75 registered. Contact Mike Gudreau (207-540-6142) or michaelgudreau@aol.com FMI

*Saturday, May 16

Deboullie Run-Around, Fort Kent

**Postponed; no make-up date set. 7.5-mile trail run in Deboullie Public Reserved Land up and over Black and Deboullie Mountains, along Deboullie Pond. Meet at Deboullie Pond parking area/trailhead at 8:00 a.m. Carpooling encouraged; roads will be rough! Contact Don Eno donenoweb@me.com FMI

Saturday, May 16

Katahdin Woods & Waters Rec. Area Fiddlers and Fiddlehead Fest, Patten

Noon-5:00 p.m. at Patten Lumbermen’s Museum. Join us for music, food, crafts, old-time activities and games, Maine Forest Service presentation and firetruck. Rain or shine; bring your own chair. Cost: donation. Visit www.lumbermensmuseum.org FMI

Sunday, May 17

Madawaska River Run, Stockholm

Registration: 9:00 a.m. at the bridge on the Little Madawaska Lake Road in Westmanland. Race start: 11:00 a.m. $12 entry fee includes t-shirt. Visit “Madawaska River Run” on Facebook FMI

Sunday, May 17

Meduxnekeag River Association Wildflower Walk, Woodstock, NB

Our popular annual Wildflower Walk will meet at Bell Forest, 200 Bell Settlement Rd, Belleville at 1:30 p.m. (Atlantic time). Allow at least two hours. Contact Meduxnekeag River Association (506-328-8227) or meduxnekeag@nb.aibn.com or visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

Monday, May 18

Meduxnekeag River Association Canoe Float, Woodstock, NB

This year's slow canoe float down the Meduxnekeag River is planned for Victoria Day, weather permitting. Contact Meduxnekeag River Association (506-328-8227) or meduxnekeag@nb.aibn.com or visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

Tuesday, May 19

3rd Annual Color Run/Soirée des Couleurs, Grand Falls, NB

7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Polyvalente Thomas-Albert School. An evening of colors, in powder form, launched at you on a race around the school track, perfect for the whole family! Cost: $10/person; proceeds benefit Relay for Life. Contact lavoie1266@gmail.com FMI

Wednesday, May 20

4th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll, Caribou

10:45 a.m. at Cary Medical Center Trails. Walk or roll 2k to benefit homeless veterans and promote health and wellness; all fitness levels welcome. Contact Tami Kilcollins (207-498-1158) FMI

Thursday, May 21

Caribou Rec./Healthy You Owl Prowl & Night Sounds Field Trip, Caribou

With audio enhancement tools, explore a local forest. Meet at Caribou Wellness Center at 6:45 p.m. Open to all ages. Rain or shine. Cost: FREE! Includes transportation, free bird call. Bring flashlight; expect moderate walking. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Friday, May 22
PI Reg. Career & Tech. Center SkillsUSA Nationals Glow 5k, Presque Isle

Registration: 8:00 p.m. at PI Middle School. Race start: 8:30. There will be refreshments along the way. Come ready to have lots of fun and bring plenty of glow sticks and glow in the dark gear! Cost: $20/adult; $10/youth (17 and under). Contact Amy White whitea@sad1.org FMI

Saturday, May 23

PI Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle 10:00 a.m.-Noon. This guided two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third Street, and covers over 30 historic sites and individuals. Fee: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

Friday, May 29

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Seminar: Wild Brook Trout, Forest City

Retired Maine fisheries biologist discusses genetic sampling of wild brook trout, stream surveys, habitat restoration, standardization of fishing regulations, renewal of hatchery stock. 7:30-9:00 p.m. at WWLT Center. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448‐3250) or pattywwlt@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, May 30

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Booming Out Ground Bird Watching, Forest City

Join naturalist Marion Bates as we look for migrating and nesting warblers, rare Black-Backed woodpeckers, and Scarlet Tanagers. 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at WWLT Center. Bring lunch. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448‐3250) or pattywwlt@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, May 30

CompetitorME Rachael's Run 5k Run/Walk, Presque Isle

This is not a race; proceeds support Rachael Frinder Gagnon's medical bills and Little Pink Houses of Hope. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Run start: 9:00 a.m. First 50 registrants get a t-shirt. Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/CT/Marlborough/RachaelsRun FMI

*Saturday, May 30

The County Walk Towards a Cure, Island Falls

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 4k Walk/5k Run fundraiser to benefit Sarah’s House of Maine and Bridge to Hope, Houlton. Contact Ruth Frasier ifrec@fairpoint.net FMI

Saturday, May 30

Malcolm Science Center Spring Open House, Easton

11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Join us for hands-on science activities, planetarium shows, model rocket launches, and University of Maine ocean touch tank demonstration. Contact Malcolm Science Center (207-488-5451) or info@francismalcolmsciencecenter.com FMI

Sunday, May 31

12th Annual Alzheimer Society of NB Walk for Memories, Woodstock, NB

Join families and friends across New Brunswick and walk with a purpose!    Registration: Noon at Riverside Court. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Alzheimer Society of NB (800-664-8411) or info@alzheimernb.ca FMI

Saturday, June 6

Northern Maine Bird Festival, Limestone

6:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Features: guided bird walks, netting and banding demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, plus a special Birds Acre presentation, "Owls of Maine" at 11:00 a.m. Cost: FREE! Contact Bill Sheehan thearoostookbirders@gmail.com FMI

    

Saturday, June 6

Plaster Rock Bicycle Rodeo, Plaster Rock, NB

10:00 a.m.-Noon (Atlantic) at Plaster Rock Tobique-Plex. For youth ages 5-12. Bring bike and helmet for inspection, take part in our obstacle course, learn safety tips, get snacks, refreshments, certificates, and prizes! Contact Village of Plaster Rock Recreation and Parks Department (506-356-6075) FMI

Sunday, June 7

Community in Motion 1k/5k Walk to Fight Arthritis, Hartland, NB

The Walk to Fight Arthritis stretches across Canada to help the over 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis every day. Registration: 1:00 p.m. at Hartland Covered Bridge. Walk start: 2:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact: Donna Clark (506-452-7191 ex. 103) or frederictonwalktofightarthritis@arthritis.ca FMI

*Tuesday, June 16

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Mud Lake Falls Canoe Trip, Forest City

Paddle from Spednic Landing to the Booming Out Ground. 9:00 a.m. at WWLT Center. Bring canoe/kayak, lunch; traditional wood/canvas canoes can be reserved. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448‐3250) or info@woodiewheaton.org FMI

*Tuesday, June 16

Spring Summit Run: 2015-NT, Baxter State Park

Run to the top of North Traveler (NT) Mountain; 2.5 miles, 2000 foot elevation gain; scramble down to South Branch Pond Campground; drinks and grub will most likely be waiting! Camping an option the night before. Hosted by Donald Eno. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1500535286861000 FMI

*Saturday, June 20

Rally in the Valley Mountain Bike Festival, Fort Kent

8:00 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. For kids of all ages. Pre-registrations receive free helmet, water bottle, cool t-shirt! Cost: $5; includes bag lunch, all participants present eligible to win new mountain bike! Contact Gail Lamarr (207-834-1459) or gail.lamarr@nmmc.org FMI

*Sunday, June 21

SW Collins Co. 5k Run/Walk, Caribou

Aroostook Musterds Challenge Series Race #3. Registration: 8:30 a.m. Start times: Kids’ Fun Run: 9:00 a.m.; 5k Walk: 9:45 a.m.; 5k Run: 10:00 a.m. First 75 registrants receive t-shirt. Contact Leslie Jackson (207-496-6723) or lesliej@swcollins.com 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

*NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle

Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

TAMC Community Couch to 5k Program, Presque Isle

Mondays & Wednesdays; 5:00 p.m. Get off the couch; train your body to run or walk in one of many 5k events this summer. Running program: 9 weeks; walking program: 7 wks. Participants invited to take part in Freedom 5k, July 11. Cost: FREE! Contact Sarah Caron (207-768-4169) or scaron@emhs.org or Linda Menard (207-768-4172) or lmenard@emhs.org FMI

*Little Musterds Running Camp, Houlton

Mondays & Wednesdays; June 15-July 3, times vary by age group. This 3-week camp will give your child support and encouragement to run their first race. Cost: Grade 3-4: $15/Houlton resident, $22/non-resident; Grade 5–8: $25/Houlton resident, $38/non-resident. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI

*Running 101 for Adults, Houlton

Tuesdays; 4:30 p.m. at the Houlton Rec Center. Start date: June 16. 8-week program will teach safe and proper running; warm-ups, group runs, cool downs, “homework assignments.” Cost: $20/Houlton resident, $30/non-resident; must be 18 years or older. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI

Tuesday Track Workouts, Caribou

Tuesdays; 5:15 p.m. at CHS. Join runners of all abilities to do predetermined intervals, your own workout, or just run with others and forget the workout. Average distance: 5-9 miles; can be adapted per individual. Contact PJ Gorneault pgorneault@rsu39.org FMI

*NHSC Women's Trail Night, Presque Isle

Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. May-June. Leaders will take you on hiking, trail running, and mountain biking adventures; beginner and intermediate groups. Equipment rentals available. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.com FMI

*NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle

Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

Village of Perth-Andover Walk in the Park, Perth-Andover, NB

Wednesdays; 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Atlantic time). Meet at Perth-Andover Bandstand; weather permitting. Visit www.perth-andover.com FMI

*Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle

Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at Bike Board and Ski rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 25-35 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph early season, 18-20 mph mid-season. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com 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

* = New or updated item(s).