Aroostook Outdoor News: 4.21.16 edition
Clear your calendar! There are more than 50
#outdoors #ThingsToDo in the next month! #GetAfterIt!
In this edition: 1) #Earth Day #CleanUp
events in #Caribou and #FortKent. 2) #Birding opportunities in #FortFairfield
and #Limestone. 3) Learn about local #history with a #WalkingTour in
#PresqueIsle. Plus lots more! #AroostookThing #offugo...
Thursday, April 21
Fort Fairfield Public
Library Kids' Introduction to Mammal Tracking, Fort Fairfield. 1:00 p.m. at Fort
Fairfield Public Library, 339 Main St. Spring is here and animals are on the
move! Make the most of mud season with a fun look at tracking mammals. Explore
different clues to help identify animal signs, learn how to draw tracks, and
more! This program is suited for ages 6-14. Contact Fort Fairfield Public
Library (207-472-3880) FMI
*Friday, April 22
Caribou Citizen/Northern
Maine Pagan Pride Association Earth Day Park Clean Up, Caribou. 3:00 p.m. at Collins Pond
Park Picnic Area, Lower
Roberts St.
Join
us as we help welcome spring and do our part to clean up Mother Earth – volunteer
your time picking up the park! Trash bags provided. Dress warm, bring gloves,
positive attitude! All ages welcome. This is a non-denominational event. Contact
Meagan Irving (207-554-6405) or Contact Sherri Arey (207-325-1481) FMI
Friday, April 22
Bad Moon on the Run II,
Mars Hill.
6:00-10:00 p.m. at Bigrock, 37 Graves Road. Hosted by Chris Robinson and David
Goodrich; run up the mountain and amongst the windmills with our group. Meet at the gate and up
we all go. Choose your miles. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1068264436565538 FMI
*Saturday, April 23
Ann King Cary Donor
Dash 5k, Caribou. Annual Walk/Run for Organ and Tissue
Awareness. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Griffeth Ford. Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Run
start: 9:30 a.m. First 100 registrants get a t-shirt; refreshments at Cary
following the event. Contact Dean Cote (207-498-1282) FMI
Saturday, April 23
Aroostook Birders Waterfowl
Walk, Fort Fairfield. 8:00-11:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Rain or shine.
Join us for a leisurely morning spent birding along the Aroostook River and other
popular area sites for waterfowl and early spring arrivals. Non-strenuous
series of short drives; a great way to discover some excellent birding spots.
Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, April 23
Friends of Aroostook
National Wildlife Refuge Bluebird Box Clean Out Day, Limestone. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 97 Refuge Road. Great chance
to help out, give back to the birds; crew needed to assist, along with a need
for one more pick-up truck. If no one is at the office head to the shop.
Contact ANWR
(207-328-4634) or visit www.friendsofaroostooknwr.org
FMI
Saturday, April 23
St. John Vianney Parish
Community Clean Up, Fort Kent. 9:00-11:00 a.m. Meet at St. Louis and St.
Joseph Church parking lots; rain or shine. In honor of Earth Day, our parish is
gathering to pick up trash in our communities. Clean up your own neighborhood,
or join others in cleaning up community trails, roadways, common areas. Rubber
gloves provided. Wear appropriate clothing and prepare to get dirty! Pizza
lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Contact St. John Vianney Parish (207-834-5656) FMI
Saturday, April 23
Presque Isle Historical
Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. 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. Reservations
suggested. Fee: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151)
or visit www.pihistory.org FMI
Friday, April 29
Knowlesville Art &
Nature School Parent/Child Art & Nature Morning, Knowlesville, NB. 9:30 a.m.-Noon (Atlantic
Time) at KAN Centre, 111 Simms Rd. Join us for a morning of fun! Program is
aimed at children 3 and under and their parent(s). We will be baking bread,
painting, singing, dancing, sharing in snack time and letting the kids be free
to have their own inspired fun. We will also go for a nature walk. Come add to
the fun! Cost: $10 to cover food and supplies. Visit www.knowlesvillenature.ca FMI
Saturday, April 30
Aroostook Autism Support
Group Autism Challenge, Presque Isle. Registration: 8:15 a.m. at Presque Isle Middle
School. 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run start: 9:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Fully
supported race with awards. Fee: $5/Kids’ Fun Run entries, $25/person; t-shirt
to first 100 5k athletes and first 25 Kids’ Fun Runners. Proceeds benefit
Aroostook Autism Support Group. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, April 30
Meduxnekeag River Canoe
Race, Houlton. Approx.
8 miles; whitewater. Finish at third Bridge in Downtown Houlton. 2016 Maine
Downriver Championship Series Point Race. 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. First 60 registrants get a free t-shirt. Awards, door
prizes, lunch provided! Contact Jane Torres (207-532-4216) or director@greaterhoulton.com FMI
*Saturday, April 30
2nd Annual Donate Life
America/Houlton Regional Hospital 5k Run/Walk, Houlton. Working together to
raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. In honor of Hannah Mooers. Registration:
9:00 a.m. at Millar Civic Center. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $10; includes
t-shirt (limited quantity; first come, first serve). Feel free to wear a Pink
t-shirt in Hannah’s honor instead with a $5 registration fee. Contact Tammy
Farwell (207-694-0521) FMI
Saturday, April 30
Friends of Baxter State
Park Earth Day Clean Up, Millinocket. Volunteer sign-in at Baxter State Park Authority
headquarters, 64 Balsam Drive, at 9:00 a.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. Contact Friends of Baxter State
Park fbspdirector@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, April 30
Francis Malcolm Science
Center Galaxy of Stars Open House, Easton. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Science Center,
776 Houlton Rd. The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us; you’re
invited to celebrate the installation of a new digital projection system in the
planetarium theater. The upgraded planetarium will enable the center to offer
new, exciting programs to thousands of children and adults each year! Contact
Francis Malcolm Science Center (207-488-5451) FMI
Sunday, May 1
5th Annual Knights of
Columbus 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 for those who do not wish to jump into
the lake. Contact Duane Belanger (207-951-2874) or dssmaine@roadrunner.com or visit www.FreezeItforSpecialOlympics.com FMI
Sunday, May 1
4th 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. Cost: $20. Participants encouraged to solicit
pledges; individuals, teams raising most funds receive prizes. Only
participants who register online are guaranteed to receive an event t-shirt. Proceeds
go directly to Hope & Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook. Visit
www.safehomesaroostook.org FMI
Monday, May 2
C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure
Program Open Registration, Caribou. 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
Tuesday, May 3
Caribou Rec/Healthy You Owl
Prowl & Night Sounds Field Trip, Caribou. Listen for owls using audio enhancement tools
while exploring a local forest. Meet at Caribou Wellness Center at 6:45 p.m.
Open to all ages. Rain or shine. Cost: FREE! Includes transportation. Headlamps/flashlights
strongly recommended; walking over relatively flat land that may have puddles,
mud. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
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-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
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
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 www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/GotGutsforCrohnsColitisWalkRun5KandKids1MileFunRun 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
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
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. Race ends at Stockholm American Legion.
Cost: $15/person; includes t-shirt. $12/extra t-shirt. Visit “Madawaska River
Run” on Facebook 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
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
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
*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. Rain or shine. Contact Nancy Dumond
Violette (207-868-5324) FMI
