Aroostook Outdoor News: 5.5.16 edition
Use this calendar to #getoutside more: #nature
#painting #cycling #birding #paddle #astronomy #5k #hunting #climbing #hike
In this edition: 1) Celebrate and
support the #InternationalAppalachianTrail #IAT in #PresqueIsle. 2) A #5k #run
and a #biketour #cycling in #FortKent. 3) Learn about #BaxterStatePark for a
former #parkranger in #Limestone. Plus lots more! #AroostookThing #offugo...
Friday, May 6
Knowlesville Art and Nature
School Discovery Day, Knowlesville, NB. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). Full day
program for elementary school children who would like to experience Art &
Nature schooling firsthand. Painting, forest discovery walks, gardening, nature
craft. Cost: $20/child; lunch provided. Pre-registration required. Contact Knowlesville
Art and Nature School (506-375-8623) or visit www.knowlesvillenature.ca FMI
Friday, May 6
Plein Air Painters of Maine
at UMPI Gallery Reception/First Friday Art Walk, Presque Isle. 5:00-7:00 p.m. at UMPI’s
Reed Art Gallery. PAPME artists are uniquely experienced in capturing their
impressions of the Maine landscape and coastline that can only be experienced
while painting under the open sky. The event will include a Gallery Talk with
select artists at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Heather
Sincavage heather.sincavage@maine.edu FMI
Friday, May 6-Sunday, May 8
International Appalachian
Trail Maine Chapter (IAT-ME) Annual Meeting/Program, Presque Isle. The IAT includes hiking
trails in 17 countries on both sides of the Atlantic, from the U.S. (Maine) to
Morocco! All of the IAT in Maine (Mount Chase to Fort Fairfield) is located in
The County; we’d love for more County people to become involved by attending
the meeting, and/or becoming a member. Contact Cheryl St. Peter countyee@fairpoint.net or visit www.internationalatmaine.org FMI
Saturday, May 7 &
Sunday, May 8
Plein Air Painters of Maine
Aroostook County Paint Out, Presque Isle. Members of PAPME invite local artists,
aspiring artists, students, community members to take part; starting at 9:00
a.m. each day, artists will gather at UMPI’s Reed Art Gallery and proceed to a
County location to paint. There is no registration fee to take part and no
experience is necessary. Contact Heather Sincavage heather.sincavage@maine.edu FMI
Saturday, May 7
UMPI Outing Club Rock
Climbing Trip, Acadia National Park. Enjoy the thrill, adventure, sense of
accomplishment as you climb the beautiful granite cliffs of Acadia National
Park! No experience required; beginner climbers should spend time at our indoor
rock wall to practice basic skills necessary for the trip. Fee: $30/UMPI
student; $45/non-student; transportation, guide services, snacks, gear
provided. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
Saturday, May 7
Community Voices 3rd Annual
High On Life 420 Run, Fort Kent. 5k run/walk for all ages and abilities.
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at FK Community High School. Supervised children's
activities: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Walk start: 8:45 a.m. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Cost:
$15/Individual, $25/Family (3 or more), $10/Group (business, team, organizations,
etc.; price per participant). Proceeds support Community Voices substance abuse
prevention programs. Contact Mark Shea mshea@carymed.org FMI
Saturday, May 7
UMFK Jim Grandmaison Bike
Tour, Fort Kent.
Enjoy beautiful scenery from Fort Kent to Soldier Pond to Eagle Lake; 16-mile
or 33-mile ride options. All riders should wear blue. Registration: 10:00 a.m.
on the UMFK Campus. Tour start: 11:00 a.m. Pre-registration recommended. Cost:
$10/high school student, $15/UMFK student, $35/non-student, $100/Family;
includes post-ride barbeque. Contact Frantzceau Germain (631-960-6373) or frantzceau.germain@maine.edu FMI
Saturday, May 7
Spring Fling, Limestone. 6:00 p.m. at Limestone
United Methodist Church, Burleigh Ave. Former Baxter State Park Ranger and
author Tim Caverly will be speaking of his experiences. He will also have
copies of his books and CDs available. Following his presentation homemade pies
will be served. Contact Barb Gallagher (207-328-7491) FMI
Tuesday, May 10
Southern Aroostook
Historical & Art Museum/RSU 29/70 Adult Ed. Historic Walking Tour, Houlton. 10:00-11:00 a.m. Meet in
front of Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum, 109 Main Street. Museum
open immediately after walk for tours and browsing. Leigh Cummings, Guide.
Group size limited; pre-registration required. Contact RSU 29/70 Adult Ed.
(207-521-3100, ext. 5) or visit www.sad29.maineadulted.org FMI
Wednesday, May 11
Aroostook Birders/Caribou
Rec Collins Pond Bird Watching Outing, Caribou. 7:00-8:00 a.m. rain or
shine; please dress appropriately for weather. Meet at Collins Pond picnic area,
lower Roberts St. Light walking; warbler exploration around perimeter of pond.
Cost: FREE! Includes free bird call to all participants. Binoculars, bird books
available on a first-come first-serve basis. Drawing for a free pair of
binoculars. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
Wednesday, May 11 and
Saturday, May 21
Presque Isle Fish &
Game Club Hunter Safety Course, Presque Isle. Meets at PIF&G Clubhouse, 360 Parsons
Road. This is an on-site and home study course. Upon completion, junior hunters
(10-16) and adults may apply for a hunting license; junior hunters will need a
parent or guardian to sign their approval. All study materials are provided by Maine
Department of Fisheries & Wildlife. Cost: FREE! Contact Dick Fortier (207-496-1221)
or Peter Hilton (207-764-3933) FMI
*Friday,
May 13-Sunday, May 15
Katahdin Communities Outing
Club Park to Park Bike Ride, Bar Harbor to Patten. Core team, crew made up
of supporters of Northwoods National Monument as next step to a new National
Park in Maine. Come show your support and have some fun by riding along with
us. Helmets required, must arrange your own shuttles. One great section will be
along Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic By-way on Route 11 from Medway to
Patten. Contact Susan Adams lunksoos@gmail.com
FMI
Friday, May 13
PI Historical Society
Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour, Presque Isle. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at
Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, 3 Houlton Road. 1.5-hour guided walking
tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local historic figures. Many
hills on tour. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact Kimberly Smith
(207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI
Saturday, May 14
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 and boardwalk in this
interesting ecological reserve. Birders should bring proper clothing, snacks
and water for this rain or shine event. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, May 14
9th Annual Aroostook River
Fun Run Canoe and Kayak Race, Washburn. 8 miles; flat water. Family oriented. Come
explore the natural beauty of the Aroostook River and test your endurance!
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Washburn public boat landing. Race mass start: 10:00
a.m. Race ends at Presque Isle Fish and Game Club. Cost: $10/advance, $15/race
day; includes barbeque lunch, t-shirt to first 75 registrants. Visit www.facebook.com/Aroostook-River-Fun-Run-122185001194476 FMI
Saturday, May 14
Baskahegan Stream
Canoe/Kayak Race, Danforth. 34 miles; flat water. Kossuth to Bancroft.
Runs in conjunction with East Grand Adventure Race as a paddle-only option.
Check-in: 7:00 a.m. at East Grand School Gym. Pre-registration required. Cost:
$20/pre-registration, $30/day-of-race Contact Dave Conley (207-551-8729) or
visit www.eastgrandschool.org/adventure-race FMI
Saturday, May 14
East Grand Adventure Race,
Danforth. 20
miles; off-trail compass run, mountain bike, paddle. Challenges include river
traverse, mud crawl, tomahawk throw, log roll, cross-cut saw; earn minutes off
overall course time. 8 Divisions: High School, Adult. Check-in: 7:30 a.m. at
East Grand School Gym. Cost: $20/pre-registration, $30/day-of-race; includes
trophies, t-shirts, lunch, and $1,000+ in prizes. Contact Dave Conley
(207-551-8729) or visit www.eastgrandschool.org/adventure-race FMI
Saturday, May 14
Friends of Aroostook
National Wildlife Refuge Vernal Pool Walk, Limestone. 10:00 a.m.-Noon at ANWR
Visitors Center, 97 Refuge Road. ANWR staff will lead a short hike to view
salamanders, frogs and their egg masses, and discuss the importance of vernal
pools in northern Maine. Waterproof boots recommended. Cost: FREE! Contact ANWR
(207-328-4634) or visit www.friendsofaroostooknwr.org FMI
Sunday, May 15
Got Guts? For Crohn's &
Colitis 5k Walk/Run and Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run, Presque Isle. Join local team members
from Team Challenge NE to raise money for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative
Colitis. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at TAMC, 140 Academy St. Kids’ Fun Run start:
9:30 a.m. 5k Walk start: 10:00 a.m. 5k Run start: 10:15 a.m. Cost: FREE/Kids’
Fun Run, $15/pre-registration, $20/day of race. Visit http://tinyurl.com/z7cfrug FMI
Sunday May 15
9th Annual Knowlesville Art
& Nature School Kite Festival, Knowlesville, NB. 12:00-4:00 p.m. (Atlantic
Time) in the hayfield at 111 Simms Rd, Knowlesville, NB. Bring a picnic lunch
and a kite (or borrow one of ours) and enjoy the afternoon visiting, and
making, friends. All are welcome. Cost: FREE! Hope to see you there! Visit www.kitefestival.ca FMI
Wednesday, May 18
Caribou Rec/Healthy You
Bird Caribou Bog Watching Trip, Caribou. 7:00-8:00 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 21
Woodstock Rec Spring
Run-Off 5k, Woodstock, NB. Registration 8:00 a.m. at Woodstock Farm Market,
220 King St. Race start: 9:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Small Strides, Healthy
Lives 500m/1k Kids’ Race; for youths 14 and under. We encourage everyone to
come out to run or walk. Cost: $10, Kids’ races: FREE! Prizes and refreshments at the finish line.
Contact Woodstock Rec (506-325-4307) or jill.dunnett@town.woodstock.nb.ca FMI
Saturday, May 21
Hodgdon High School My
School Color Run FUNdraiser, Houlton. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Houlton Rec.
Center. Run start: 9:00 a.m. This is an untimed fun run. Runners pass through
several color stations throughout the course and end with a color toss. Cost:
$35/before May 13, $45/after May 12. Contact Anita Levesque (207-694-0314) or anitalevesque@msad70.org or visit www.HodgdonColorRun.eventbrite.com FMI
Saturday, May 21
CompetitorME Run For
Heroes, Presque Isle. 8:00 a.m. at County Physical Therapy, 5 North
Street. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk to support current and past U.S.
service members. All proceeds to Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Veterans
encouraged to wear camouflage as a symbol of their service. Fee: $5/Kids’ Fun
Run, $25/5k. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI
Saturday, May 21
Caribou Rec/Healthy You Birding
Trip, Portage.
The lake’s Floating Islands are home to a variety of water and shore birds,
best viewed from kayaks. Departure: 9:00 a.m. Cost: free; includes transportation,
kayak and gear, binoculars. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Saturday, May 21
Ashland Logging Museum
Spring Games, Ashland. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Ashland Trotting Park. Come
see what logging equipment is all about! Competitions include: Skidder Obstacle
Course, Log Loader Checkerboard, Forwarder Event, Log Load Tie Down; logging
equipment displays; kids’ activities. Fee: $7/13 years and up, FREE/12 and
under. Hot dogs, French lunch available. Contact Amanda Barker (207-435-4870)
or search "Ashland Logging Museum" on Facebook FMI
Saturday, May 21
Katahdin Woods & Waters
Rec. Area Fiddlers and Fiddlehead Fest, Patten. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at
Patten Lumbermen’s Museum. Fiddlers will fiddle while fierce fiddlehead cooks
compete in the Cast-iron Chef cook-off. Artisans, craftsmen, demonstrations,
food vendors, tours, and much more! Giant slingshot, scavenger hunt, and games
will keep the kids happy! Rain or shine; bring your own chair. Cost: donation.
Visit www.lumbermensmuseum.org FMI
Saturday, May 21
Life By Design Pathway to Recovery
Walk, Presque Isle. 1:00
p.m. at Riverside Park. There are many paths individuals in recovery, people
seeking recovery, families take to address substance use disorders. Taking the
first step can lead to healthier individuals, families, communities. Please
join us to celebrate those on the road to recovery and remember those who we
have lost. Contact Kelley Johnston (207-764-6825) or visit www.facebook.com/events/826092787497203 FMI
Sunday, May 22
36th Annual Madawaska River
Run, Stockholm.
Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Little Madawaska Lake Road bridge in Westmanland.
Race start: 11:00 a.m. Race ends at Stockholm American Legion. Cost: $15/craft;
includes 1 t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for $12. Contact
Perkins-Plourde American Legion Post 136 (207-896-3161) FMI
Sunday, May 22
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 23
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 24
Caribou Rec/Healthy You
Grimes Road Birding Trip, Caribou. Meet at Caribou Wellness Center at 6:30 a.m.
Bird watching at the Caribou Waste Water treatment ponds with Bill Sheehan. 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
Sunday, May 29
13th Annual Alzheimer
Society of NB Walk for Memories, Edmundston, NB. Join families and friends
across New Brunswick and walk with a purpose! Registration: Noon at La Place de
L'Artisan. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Alzheimer
Society of NB (800-664-8411) or info@alzheimernb.ca FMI
Sunday, May 29
13th 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, 870 Main St. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic).
Contact Alzheimer Society of NB (800-664-8411) or info@alzheimernb.ca FMI
*Monday, May 30
Wilderness Walk for
Warriors Memorial Day 5k Run/Walk, Houlton. Proceeds to assist veterans, service members,
and their families, as well as honor our fallen Maine heroes. Registration:
10:00 a.m. on Kelleran St. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run start: 11:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk
start: 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5/Kids’ Fun Run; $30/5k Run/Walk before May 23, $40
after May 22; includes tech t-shirt, BBQ for participants, veterans, service
members. Visit
www.competitorme.com FMI
*Sunday
June 5
Gathering of the Scots
Festival Kilted Warrior 5k Fun Run, Perth-Andover, NB. Participants highly
encouraged to run in a kilt or highland costume! Registration: 10:00-10:45 a.m. at Veteran’s
Field, Perth. Kids’ Fun Run start: 10:00 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 11:00 a.m. Cost: $25/pre-reg., includes t-shirt;
$30/race day, no t-shirt; $20/students (ages 12-20). Contact Carol McLaughlin
(506-273-2053) or carollet@nb.sympatico.ca
FMI
*Sunday,
June 5
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Gutsy Walk, Grand Falls, NB. Registration: 12:00 p.m. at The Marina. Walk
start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Distance: 2k or 5k. Fun-filled event to
raise awareness, proceeds to stop Crohn's and colitis for life! Music, warm-up,
kids’ face painting, Kids’ Zone play area. Visit www.crohnsandcolitiscanada.akaraisin.com/Pledge/Event/GroupHome.aspx?seid=11470&mid=82&sgid=1553 FMI
*Sunday, June 5
Community in Motion Walk to
Fight Arthritis, Hartland, NB. Registration Open: 1:00 p.m. at Hartland
Covered Bridge, 365 Main Street. Walk start: 2:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic).
Route Options: 1k or 5k. The Walk to Fight Arthritis stretches across Canada to
unite families, friends, organizations to achieve one common goal: to help the
over 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis every day. Contact Renee
Crouse (506.375.4017) or reneecrouse@hotmail.com FMI
*Wednesday, June 8
MSAD 1 Adult Ed. GPS & Geocaching
Course, Presque Isle.
An introductory class that will provide you with the basics to using a GPS
navigational system. Join in on the fun as we test our skills with coordinates
by finding hidden clues at our destination! 6:00-8:00 p.m. at PIHS Room 411. Cost: $15. Contact LeRae
Kinney (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI
Ongoing Programs:
C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure
Program Open Registration, Caribou. Weekdays. Exciting outdoor activities for youth
entering grades 5-11. June 17-19: Allagash. June 20-24: Kayaking I. June
29-July 2: Backpack Baxter. July 11-14: Kayaking II. July 18-21: Mountain
Biking. July 26-28; Baxter State Park I. August 2-4: Baxter II. Cost/age:
varies by program. Open to all area youth. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224)
or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
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
River Valley Runners
Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Mondays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group
fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb 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
Friends of Aroostook
National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. Second Monday of each month; 6:00
p.m. at ANWR headquarters and Visitor’s Center, 97 Refuge Rd. Founded in 1998, Friends
are involved in a number of volunteer projects on the ANWR in an effort to
balance the enhancing of habitat with the public access privilege to enjoy
wildlife in an unmolested environment. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634)
or friendsofanwr@gmail.com FMI
LP Fisher Library
Walking Club, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 12:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A nice 30 minute
(2.8k) jaunt, followed by 20 minutes of stretching led by our resident yoga
teacher. All abilities, ages welcome (parents, bring your kids in strollers!).
Stretches can be done on the floor with our mats or on chairs. Cost: Free! No
sign up necessary. Rain or shine (unless it's really, really bad!). Get out
this spring and get moving! Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) or lpfisher.library@gnb.ca 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
Presque Isle Fish and
Game Club Meeting, Presque Isle. Last Tuesday of each month; 5:30 p.m. at PIFG
clubhouse, Parsons Road. Established in 1947 to help protect, conserve,
maintain and restore our natural resources as well as to protect and promote
our outdoor heritage. Meetings
include a delicious supper, cash bar, short business meeting. Visit www.pifg.org FMI
Four Seasons 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
Fort Fairfield Frontier
Fish and Game Club, Fort Fairfield. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (fourth Wednesdays during summer);
6:00 p.m. at FFFFG clubhouse on Monson Pond, 550 Dorsey Rd. Founded in 1958 to
help conserve, protect, maintain, and restore our natural resources and to
promote our outdoor heritage. Visit www.heyevent.com/venue/bmyulgbaawlhca FMI
River Valley Runners
Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Thursdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher
Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
River Valley Runners
Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher
Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
