Aroostook Outdoor News: 1.21.15 edition

#Ski or #Snowshoe. Why not both?  It’s what’s up #this weekend. #AroostookThing

In this edition: 1) An #XCSki clinic in #Madawaska. 2) #FullMoon #snowshoe hikes in #FortKent, Easton, and a #backcountry #hike in Edmundston #NewBrunswick. 3) A #Nordic #SkiRace in Fort Kent. Plus lots more! #offugo...

*Saturday, January 23

MWSC Active Maine Project XC Ski Clinic, Madawaska. 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Trails. Clinic will cover both skate and classic technique for those interested. Beginners and advanced skiers welcome. Come out and join us on some amazing trails and fantastic hospitality in the St. John Valley! Cost: $25/person. Visit www.skireg.com/active-maine-project-winter-xc-ski-program FMI

Saturday, January 23

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, Fort Kent. 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Contact FKOC (207-834-6203) or visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

Saturday, January 23

Healthy You Moonlight Snowshoe Hike, Easton. 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Francis Malcolm Science Center. Join us for a guided snowshoe hike through wooded trails with science educator Larry Berz. Hot cocoa will be served following the hike. Pre-registration required; snowshoes must be reserved. Contact Healthy You (207-498-1361) FMI

Sunday, January 24

FKOC Frostbite XC Ski Event – Aroostook Cup #2, Fort Kent. 7.5k, 15k Classic races, 2.5k Classic youth (12 & under) race. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Race start: 11:30 a.m. Youth race start: 12:00 p.m. Cost: $15/FKOC member, $20/non-member; $5/youth FKOC member, $10/youth non-member. Contact Paul Cyr (207-834-6478) or bpcyr@fkglobal.com FMI

*Sunday, January 24

Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Snowshoe Hike, Edmundston, NB. 1:00 p.m. (Atlantic time) in front of the Mont Farlagne Pro Shop. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of snowshoeing and observation in the backcountry. You will take the quad chairlift to the top of the hill and complete the rally as you go down. Kids will also get the chance to go on a treasure hunt! Cost: $5/person. Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI

Saturday, January 30 & Sunday, January 31

11th Annual Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby, Sinclair. Maine's largest cash prize ice fishing derby; $16,000 in cash prizes! Derby Waters: Long, Cross, St. Froid, Square, Eagle, Glazier, Beau, Portage Lakes, Carr Pond, St. John River. Registration: at Long Lake Sporting Club, 48 Sinclair Rd. Proceeds benefit Paradis Cancer Fund. Visit www.stagatha.com/derby FMI

*Tuesday, February 2

TAMC Couch to 5k Program Kickoff, Presque Isle. 5:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Get off the couch; train your body to run or walk in one of many 5k events next summer. Participants invited to take part in UMPI Spring Runoff, Apr. 9. Cost: $40; Free w/Gentile Hall membership. Contact Sarah Caron (207-768-4169) or scaron@emhs.org or Linda Menard (207-768-4172) or lmenard@emhs.org FMI

Tuesday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 16

Eastern Aroostook Adult Ed. Hunter Safety, Caribou. Meets at Caribou Learning Center. Required for those 16 and up seeking first time hunting license. Learn firearms safety, hunter ethics, map & compass, first aid, survival, game ID and proper care, hunting laws. Students build survival kits. Cost: $5. Contact Eastern Aroostook Adult Ed. (207-493-4272) FMI

Friday, February 5-Sunday, February 7

Moosestompers Weekend, Houlton. Activities include: Moonlight Snowshoe Hike, Giant Sliding Hill, Family Snowman Building Contest, Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, Cross-country Skiing, Cardboard Derby Race, Giant Bonfire, and more! Visit www.moosestompers.com FMI

Saturday, February 6

Twin County Wheelers ATV Club Molunkus Lake Ice Fishing Derby, Molunkus Twp. 6:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Molunkus Lake. Registration: 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Fishing time 7:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Weigh in/prizes awarded at 3:30 p.m. Great food, drinks available. Contact Mollie Straub (207-619-0025) FMI

*Saturday, February 6

32nd Annual Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, Houlton. First race in the Aroostook Musterds County Challenge Series. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Millar Arena. 2-mile walk start: 10:45 a.m. 5k run start: 11:00 a.m. Course: Pretty flat and fast (depending on weather). Cost: $12. T-shirts to first 50 registrants. Proceeds support Houlton Area Backpacks For Kids Program. Refreshments and traditional chicken stew after the event. Contact Larry Tonzi tonzimaine@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, February 6

TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Mantle Lake. Guided group hike. Cost: FREE! Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI

*Saturday, February 6

Woodstock Rec. Night Sliding Party, Woodstock, NB. 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Woodstock Golf & Curling Club, 132 St. Andrews Street. With the help of the Woodstock Fire Dept., we will be lighting up the Golf Club Hill. This special event will include a Giant Bonfire, Hotdogs, Hot Chocolate, and a Fireworks Display. Bring your family and enjoy the fun! Visit www.facebook.com/events/1927909380768293 FMI

*Friday, February 12-Sunday, February 14

Caribou Winter Carnival, Caribou. Let's enjoy the winter season together! Tons of activities, including Kids’ Fun Day, Sled and Canoe Downhill Races (w/prizes!), Snow Sculpture Contest (cash prizes!), Ice Skating on Collins Pond, Broomball Tournament ($500 cash prize to first place!), BBQ and lots more! Everyone in the area is invited to join the fun! Some events require pre-registration! All events are FREE unless otherwise stated! Contact Caribou Rec (207-493-4224) FMI

*Saturday, February 13

Fin & Feather Club of Maine Kids’ Fishing Day, Millinocket. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Jerry Pond. The club is hosting their annual "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" as part of Winterfest 2016. Fishing equipment provided, ice holes dug, free hot dogs and guaranteed tons of fun. Visit “Fin and Feather Club of Maine on facebook FMI

Saturday, February 13

Florenceville-Bristol Tourism SnowBlast, Florenceville, NB. Activities at Riverside Park, Valley Outdoor Centre, Camp Shiktehawk, Community Hall, including Youth/Adult Crazy Cardboard Classic Sled Race, XC Skiing, Woodsman Water Boiling Competition, Sliding, Human Dog Sled Race, Snowshoe Hike, Taffy on the Snow, Hay Rides, Skating, Science East, Food Court, and more! Contact Florenceville-Bristol Tourism (506-392-6763) or visit www.florencevillebristol.ca FMI

*Sunday, February 14

Katahdin Communities Outing Club Cross Country Ski and Picnic, Mt. Chase. 10:00 a.m. at Matagamon Ski Trails. Meet at Baxter State Park parking lot at end of Matagamon Road, Mt. Chase. Contact KWW Recreation Managers (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI

*Sunday, February 14

Fort Kent Outdoor Club Snowshoe Hike, Fort Kent. 1:00 p.m. at FKOC Lodge. Be a part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend! Hike to top of Lonesome Pine, roast wienies over a fire, hike to Mike’s Mountain and roast s’mores! Fee: $5/FKOC member, $10/non-member; includes food, hot cocoa, water, roasting sticks. Contact FKOC (207-834-6203) or visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

Thursday, February 18-Sunday, February 21

Fins & Furs Adventures Maine Guide School, Presque Isle. Prepares students to confidently enter the state’s testing and licensing process. Material Covered: Hunting, Fishing and/or Recreation guide’s license exam. This course builds top notch map and compass proficiency, and equips students to react quickly and efficiently during stressful situations, such as a lost client or medical emergency. Cost: $495/person. Visit www.finsandfursadventures.com FMI

*Friday, February 19

Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Snowshoe Under The Stars, Edmundston, NB. 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Mont Farlagne Ski Area. On the menu: snowshoe, party with the Paiens band, and bonfire. Cost: $25/person. Proceeds go to Canadian Cancer Society. Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI

*Saturday, February 20

Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe 3k/5k Race & Kids’ 1k, Woodstock, NB. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at AYR Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Road. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic) in Connell Park. Cost: $5/person; Kids’ 1k race is Free. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1672217796369982 FMI

*Saturday, February 20

TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Aroostook State Park during their Take It Outside Day. Guided group hike. Rentals available at this location, $2/pair. Cost: Park entry fee. Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI

*Saturday, February 20

Aroostook State Park Winter Family Fun Day, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating (bring skates), sliding, snowmobile tote-rides, nature walks, warming hut, bonfire, hot food, and Smokey the Bear. Fee: $1.50/person ages 12-64; all others FREE. Contact Aroostook State Park (207-768-8341) FMI

*Saturday, February 20

Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe Poker Rally, Woodstock, NB. 8:00 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Woodstock Golf & Curling Club, 132 St. Andrews Street. Participants snowshoe to marked locations around the golf course area. Each will collect a hand of cards on their return. By chance, the best poker hand wins! Followed by an acoustic evening featuring Ronny Michaud. Cost: $10/person. Must be 19yrs+. Visit www.facebook.com/events/219386638394381 FMI

*Thursday, February 25

TAMC Ladies’ Rock Wall Climbing Night, Presque Isle. 6:00-8:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall Rock Wall. Ladies, come and enjoy indoor rock climbing with just other women! Participants are asked to bring sneakers, comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and enthusiasm! Cost: FREE! Sponsored by TAMC. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

*Saturday, February 27

Limestone Ski Club C-Me-Ski – Aroostook Cup #3, Limestone. A great classic tour and race. Come out and enjoy the beauty of the wooded trails, the wildlife, and some good food! Distances: .5k/ages 12 and under; 7k/ages 13-18; 21k/adults. Registration: 12:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Youth race start: 1:00 p.m. Adult race start: 1:30 p.m. Cost: $10 (suggested donation. Contact Limestone Ski Club (207-328-7491) FMI

Ongoing Programs:

County Strides Running Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at various locations. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Visit County Strides at www.facebook.com/groups/447181508818122 FMI

Bootlegger Snowshoe Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth Sunday of each 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

Sportsmen’s, Inc. Meeting, Stockholm. First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Axle Siding Clubhouse (intersection of Lake Street/Rt. 161). Outdoors men and women promoting the traditions of the outdoors. If you're interested in joining, you're welcome to attend as a guest. Kids are welcome too! Visit www.facebook.com/Sportsmens-Inc-568794129811741 FMI

*TAMC Couch to 5k Program, Presque Isle. Tuesdays & Thursdays; Feb. 9-Apr. 15; 6:00 a.m. or 4:45 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Choose the time that works best for you. Get off the couch; train your body to run or walk in one of many 5k events next summer. Participants invited to take part in UMPI Spring Runoff, Apr. 9. Cost: $40; Free w/Gentile Hall membership. Contact Sarah Caron (207-768-4169) or scaron@emhs.org or Linda Menard (207-768-4172) or lmenard@emhs.org FMI

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Meeting, Presque Isle. First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. The club promotes healthy outdoor recreation, economic vitality in Central Aroostook County by providing first-class facilities and programs to area residents, athletes, visitors. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

Madawaska Valley Adventure Club Meeting, Madawaska. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Contact Real Deschaine (207-728-4992) FMI

*MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Fly Tying Course, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; Feb. 24-Mar. 30; 6:00-9:00 p.m. in PIHS Room 411. Learn to Tie Your Own Flies!  Many anglers find it enjoyable to spend the winter months tying their flies for the next years fishing season. This is a very basic workshop that is geared toward beginners and for those that just want to brush up on their techniques. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI

Valley Outdoor Centre Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB. Wednesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at VOC, 133 Upton Rd. Come on out for a night ski with a group to keep you company. Bring headlamp, stay for snacks, drinks afterwards. Cost: $2/member, $5/non-member, $3/rentals. Visit Valley Outdoor Centre at www.facebook.com/valleyoutdoor FMI

Four Season Trail Association Meeting, Madawaska. First Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of healthier lifestyles for this community; participation open to anyone interested. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

*MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Archery Course, Presque Isle. Thursdays; Feb. 25-Apr. 14; 6:00-8:00 p.m. in PIHS Gym. Do you want to learn how to use a bow and arrow? This class is for you! This class will cover the basics of archery, including archery safety. Ages 14+. Cost: $45. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent. Saturdays; 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Jan. 9-Feb. 13. Open to youth ages 4-14; Nordic skiing, rifle shooting, and LOTS of games! Cost: Free; participants asked to purchase FKOC memberships or daily trail passes. Contact Gail Johnson stegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

* = New or updated item(s).