Aroostook Outdoor News: 4.30.15 edition

There’s something for everyone outdoors this weekend! #Birding #RockClimbing #5k #Canoeing #Kayaking #BaxterStatePark #PolarDip

In this edition: 1) A bird watching trip and summer outdoor adventures for the kids in Caribou. 2) A canoe race in Houlton and a Polar Dip in Sinclair. 3) 5k run/walks in Fort Kent and Presque Isle. Plus lots more! offugo...

Friday, May 1

Caribou Rec./Healthy You Bird Watching Trip, Caribou

Meet at Caribou Wellness Center at 6:30 a.m. for a tour with Bill Sheehan. Open to all ages. Rain or shine; dress for weather. Cost: FREE! Includes transportation, free bird call. Limited binoculars, bird books available. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Friday, May 1

C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure Program Registration Opens, Caribou

Exciting youth outdoor activities. June 19-21: Allagash. June 25-28: Backpack Baxter. July 6-9: Kayaking. July 15-18: W.O.W. July 20-23: Mountain Biking. July 28-30 & August 4-6: Baxter I & II. Cost: Varies by program. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Saturday, May 2

UMPI Outing Club Rock Climbing Trip, Acadia National Park

Climb real granite! No experience required. Fee: $30/UMPI student; $45/non-student; transportation, guide services, gear provided. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

Saturday, May 2

Community Voices 2nd Annual High On Life 420 Run, Fort Kent

5k run/walk for all ages and abilities. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at FKCHS. Supervised children's activities: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Walk start: 8:45 a.m. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Proceeds to support Community Voices substance abuse prevention programs. Contact Mark Shea mshea@carymed.org FMI

Saturday, May 2

Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race, Houlton

Approx. 8 miles; whitewater. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Wellington's on the Station Road in New Limerick. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Fee: $15/adult; $10/youth. Pre-register by 4/28 and get a free T-shirt. Benefits Dollars for Scholars. Contact Jane Torres (207-532-4216) or Peter Blood (207-532-2577) FMI

Saturday, May 2

Baxter State Park Earth Day Clean Up, Millinocket

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The general public is invited to join the annual Baxter State Park Roadside Litter Patrol from Millinocket to Togue Pond Gate. Bring a lunch and join other volunteers at Park Headquarters after the cleanup; drinks and snacks provided. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1410624382586454 FMI

Sunday, May 3

Knights of Columbus 4th Annual Polar Dip for Special Olympics, Sinclair

Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Long Lake Sporting Club. Polar Dip: 12:00 p.m. Open to all; must raise at least $1. T-shirt for $50 or more in pledges; highest total wins $100 Sporting Club gift cert. “Chicken Pool” available. Contact Duane Belanger (207-951-2874) or visit www.freezeit.weebly.com FMI

Sunday, May 3

3rd Annual Safe Homes Aroostook 5k Run/Walk, Presque Isle

Registration: 12:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Race start: 1:00 p.m. Fee: $15. Participants encouraged to solicit pledges; individuals, teams raising most funds receive prizes. Proceeds go directly to Hope & Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook. Visit www.safehomesaroostook.org FMI

Wednesday, May 6

Caribou Rec./Healthy You Collins Pond Bird Watching Trip, Caribou

7:00 a.m. at Collins Pond picnic pavilion, Roberts St. Guided warbler exploration with Bill Sheehan; light walking around the pond. 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

Friday, May 8

Frost Memorial Library Astronomy Day, Limestone

3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Library, 42 Main St. Join children’s author Fran Hodgkins for a presentation based on her book The Secret Galaxy, astronomy themed activities, snacks, telescope demonstration. Cost: FREE! Contact Robert A. Frost Memorial Library (207-325-4706) or rfrostml@yahoo.com FMI

Friday, May 8

PI Historical Society Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour, Presque Isle

1.5-hour guided walking tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local historic figures. Many hills on tour. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact Kimberly Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

Saturday, May 9

East Grand Adventure Race, Danforth

20 miles; compass run, mountain bike, paddle, may include river traverse, mud crawl, tomahawk throw, log roll, cross-cut saw. 8 Divisions: High School, Adult, Open. Fee: $20; 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 9

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. Pre-registration required. Contact Dave Conley (207-551-8729) or visit www.eastgrandschool.org/adventure-race FMI

Saturday, May 9

Aroostook Birders Outing at Nordic Heritage Center, Presque Isle

7:30-9:30 a.m. Meet in the NHC parking lot for an easy walk on blacktop trails. Contact Judy Roe (207-768-7271) FMI

*Saturday, May 9

10th Anniversary Tribute to Courage Walk or Rock, Madawaska

Walk 3, 5, or 10 miles to benefit Edgar Paradis Cancer Fund. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Acadia Health Center, Main St. 10-mile walk start: 8:00 a.m.; 3- and 5-mile walk start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $15; music, lunch provided.  Contact Bern Pelletier (207-543-5063) or bernp54@yahoo.com FMI

Saturday, May 9

CompetitorME Run For Heroes, Presque Isle

9:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk to support current and past U.S. service members. All proceeds to The Summit Project. Veterans encouraged to wear camouflage as a symbol of their service. Fee: $7/Kids’ Fun Run; $12/Youth 5k; $22/Adult 5k. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

Saturday, May 9-Sunday, May 10

UMPI Outing Club Deboullie Hiking and Overnight Camping Trip, T15 R9 WELS

Explore Deboullie, the hidden gem of northern Maine. Cost: $50/UMPI student; $70/non-student; includes transportation, food, camping fees. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

Saturday, May 9

Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Vernal Pool Workshop, Limestone

10:00 a.m.-Noon. 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

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

May be rescheduled due to road conditions. 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

After The Bell Mud Run, Mars Hill

1-mile; not timed. 10:00 a.m. at Bigrock. Come dressed for a mess! Fee: $10. Contact Jamie Guerrette jamielguerrette@yahoo.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

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

*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

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

*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

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

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

Manes and Tails North Open House/Open Horse Brush Hours, Van Buren.

Saturdays in April; 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Manes and Tails North at Perfect Ponies Leaning Center, 489 Main St. Come visit, pet (and hug) horses. No fees, just fun. Family activity from toddlers to grandparents. Dress for mud season. Contact Nancy Dumond Violette (207-868-5324) FMI

* = New or updated item(s).