WILDFLOWERS OF MAINE
FLOWERING PLANTS THAT GROW FREELY THROUGHOUT THE STATE
Photo: Aislinn Sarnacki navigates the Acadia National Park carriage roads on her mountain bike. The multi-use trails are great for beginner mountain bikers because they’re wide and smooth. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BENNETT
RIDING
MOUNTAIN BIKING IS A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE MAINE’S WAKING LANDSCAPE
BY AISLINN SARNACKI
The whir of tires turning and the click of shifting gears — these familiar sounds of biking, for many people, are as much a part of spring’s joyful song as the melody of returning songbirds.
When the snow melts from Maine’s landscape, mountain biking is among the top outdoor activities that ramp up. And it’s only becoming more popular.
“Mountain biking has been growing for years,” said Dan Bassett with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, “and it could be for a bunch of reasons.”
Throughout the state, multiple trail systems specifically designed for mountain biking have been built in recent years. And there’s truth to the old adage “if you build it, they will come.”
Additionally, improvements in bike designs have made riding more accessible, lessening the learning
curve, Bassett explained. Meanwhile, biking enthusiasts find it easy to share their love of the sport on social media, increasing public awareness (and FOMO).
“That brings me to the last reason I think it’s growing: because I just think it’s an amazing amount of fun,” Bassett said.
TRAILS TO EXPLORE
A common misconception about mountain biking is that it always takes place on mountains — a daunting venue for beginners. Yet many mountain biking trails wind through relatively flat, forested areas. The point is to leave the pavement for dirt.
“You want to rip downhill runs at a lift access park? Awesome,” Bassett said. “You want to log miles and miles of twisty cross country single-track? Great! Just
want to ride down the rail trail or fire road? That’s going to be a blast! There is no wrong way to do it, unless you are not having fun.”
Premiere mountain biking destinations can be found throughout Maine. In Carrabassett Valley, the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center features miles of trails for all skill levels, plus rental bikes. Mountain biking is also encouraged on the neighboring Maine Huts and Trails system.
Katahdin Area Trails, founded in 2014, has been supporting an effort to bring more mountain biking opportunities to the Katahdin Region. To date, the organization supports 24 miles of trails, with the Hammond Mountain trails at the New England Outdoor Center being the largest network. Other KAT-supported trails can be found in downtown Millinocket, Patten, and Mount Chase Lodge.
“At Hammond Ridge, the largest network in the area, riders will find a good mix of introductory through advanced intermediate singletrack,” said Mike Smith, executive director of Outdoor Sport Institute, which works hand-in-hand with KAT. “Trails range from buff and flowy to more aggressive and technical, making use of the area’s abundant rock. Elsewhere in the region, so far we’ve prioritized developing trails that are inviting to beginners and families, so that’s what riders can expect. For riders that are excited to step up the challenge, rest assured plans for more aggressive trail experiences across the region are in the works.”
Nearby, the Penobscot River Trails in Grindstone offer a scenic, riverside biking venue. Rental bikes are available here as well.
In 2022, Moosehead Outdoor Alliance spearheaded the construction of single-track mountain biking trails in Little Moose Public Land. The expanding system already features 7 miles of trails for beginner and intermediate riders.
“For the first time riding, try your local trails,” Bassett said. “If you do end up getting into mountain biking, it’s probably where you ride the most.”
Even Maine’s urban areas are abound with opportunities to bike. Blackstrap Hill Preserve in Falmouth is a favorite place to pedal near Portland. Bradbury Mountain State Park in Freeport is another southern Maine gem.
In Bangor, cyclists enjoy easy, smooth trails at the Roland F. Perry City Forest and slightly more challenging trails at the adjoining Walden-Parke Preserve. While next door in Orono, mountain bikers can explore 18 miles of trails at Caribou Bog Conservation Area, as well as a vast trail network surrounding the University of Maine.
To search for mountain biking trails in your area, Bassett suggests the popular mobile app and website Trailforks.
TIPS FOR AN EASIER RIDE
As with any sport, it’s important to take things slow with mountain biking. Otherwise, you might become frustrated or injured. Luckily, most trail networks feature easy trails, typically labeled in green on maps. You can also start out on wide, smooth trails like logging roads and rail trails — of which Maine has plenty.
In the springtime especially, trails can become wet and muddy.
management agency and or mountain biking organization for the latest info.”
Taking things slow also means holding off on big gear purchases. Instead, consider renting a mountain bike and helmet for your first few outings. Local bike shops can be great resources, not only for quality rentals, but also instruction.
Often, bike shops offer group rides and workshops on simple but important skills like how to fix a flat tire.
“Most riders would benefit greatly from even a couple hours with a skilled instructor — especially early on before bad habits get reinforced,” said Smith. “With a few basics and a quality trail system that allows for progression, the learning curve can be quick. I’m always impressed by how much progress new riders make in one season.”
Organizations such as the New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine also offer events and instruction.
“Lots of these organizations host group rides regularly, so it can be a great opportunity to meet other riders, socialize, and learn new trails and systems that you haven’t been to before,” Bassett said. “Also, many of these organizations build and maintain the trails that you ride, so your dollars go directly to support that.”
NEMBA has eight chapters in Maine, each with their own projects and events. But beware, once you get involved, this outdoor activity may quickly become a lifelong passion.
“I love the feeling of going downhill, navigating challenging obstacles,” Bassett said. “I think it’s the closest you can feel to flying — and sometimes actually are! It’s an amazing way to explore the outdoors, and it can be very social. I’m a strong believer that the bicycle is the ultimate tool for discovery.”
“If you are making ruts in the trail, it’s probably too wet,” Bassett said. “Many places will close their trails when the conditions are too poor for riding to prevent damage. It’s important to check with your local land
Stop the Spread: PROTECT MAINE’S WATERS MAINE’S WATERS
BY DAKOTA STANKOWSKI, MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES COORDINATOR
Imagine heading out for a peaceful day of boating and swimming, only to find the water clogged with invasive plants. Or to your favorite fishing spot, where you discover your choice fish species is struggling to survive as a newly introduced invasive fish is beginning to thrive. This is the reality when aquatic invasive species take over.
WHAT IS AN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES?
An aquatic invasive species is an unwelcome guest in our waters — any fish, wildlife, or plant that is known to spread to waters they are not native to and cause environmental or economic harm. In Maine, this includes ten individual aquatic plants, three entire distinct groups of aquatic plants, several invasive mollusks including zebra mussels and mystery snails, crustaceans including multiple invasive crayfish species, and close to two dozen fish species
PREVENTION IS KEY
Once an aquatic invasive species has been introduced to a new water, eradication is often impossible. All eradication, suppression, and other management strategies are costly and cause irreversible damage to the water and its native species of fish, plants, and wildlife. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is the most effective way to protect Maine’s waters.
Every boater, angler, and paddler plays a role in keeping Maine’s waters healthy. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the Clean, Drain, Dry method every time you hit the water: Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access. Please be aware, it is unlawful to place a watercraft that is contaminated with an invasive aquatic plant upon the inland waters of the state or to introduce fish of any kind into inland waters without a permit. Drain all water from watercraft. Maine law requires that prior to entering a waterbody and when preparing to leave launch facilities, boaters must remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait
containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state. Dry all equipment and watercraft completely before reuse. While many aquatic invasive species can be removed, washed off, and drained out with best cleaning and draining practices, allowing watercraft and all gear to dry thoroughly between water bodies is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of some of the most resilient and microscopic invasive aquatic species including zebra mussel larvae, spiny water fleas, or plant seeds. This drying should occur for multiple days (2-5 days) when possible.
Anglers visiting Vacationland from other states are reminded that it is illegal to possess live fish, except for legal live baitfish, taken from inland waters of the state. Live wells are not legal, and any fish caught must either be immediately returned to the water from which it came or killed. Unused worms should be disposed of in the trash, not in the water or on land. View all fishing laws online at mefishwildlife.com/laws.
WHAT IS A LAKE AND RIVER PROTECTION STICKER AND DO I NEED ONE?
Lake and River Protection stickers are required for all motorized watercraft on inland waters in Maine and provide important funding to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This includes any boat with any type of motor, such as canoes with electric motors and personal watercraft (jet-skis). A sticker is not required for tidal waters.
For watercraft registered in Maine, the purchase of this sticker typically happens at the same time as watercraft registration and the sticker is physically attached to the Maine watercraft registration. Owners of watercraft registered within another state must still purchase the Lake
A wild Brook Trout, native species
and River Protection sticker and affix it to their watercraft prior to placing the watercraft on Maine’s inland waters. To purchase a Lake and River Protection sticker, visit one of the authorized sticker agents located throughout the state: mefishwildlife.com/stickeragent
Funds from the sale of the sticker go directly to the Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) and Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). to:
• Educate the public about aquatic invasive species.
• Develop policies and best practices to minimize the spread.
• Expand early detection and surveillance methodologies.
• Respond to reports and new occurrences of invasive aquatic species to mitigate their impact.
One key aquatic invasive species program is the reclamation program which eradicates new invasive fish species that threaten native fish populations. Using rotenone, a naturally occurring chemical, biologists can remove all invasive fish within a waterbody. Once the invasive species has been eliminated, the native populations are returned or reintroduced to the water to recover. While over 200 restoration projects have been completed with chemical reclamation throughout the Department’s history, more recent projects aimed at salvaging and restoring native Arctic charr populations, as well as the removal of novel fish threats to the state like channel catfish which represent great invasive threat, have shown the conservation value of the reclamation program.
These critical programs help ensure Maine’s native fish species such as brook trout and Arctic charr thrive, and residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy our pristine, healthy waters.
We hope you have a memorable summer enjoying some of Maine’s 6,000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams.
IWILDFLOWERS Wild For
f you’re walking woodland trails in early spring, you may find a tropical-looking plant emerging from wet soils, especially near streams. This is the skunk cabbage, so named for its strong odor. As one of Maine’s earliest wildflowers, it is the herald of what’s to come as spring progresses: a bounty of wildflowers.
Wildflowers, flowering plants that grow freely without the aid of humans, can be seen from spring to fall, but their prime time is spring to summer, said wildflower experts Kate Garland, a horticulturist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Bangor, and Clare Cole, a Maine Master Naturalist who’s MMN capstone project was on the wildflowers found in Bangor City Forest.
One of Maine’s earliest blooming wildflowers is not native to the area. Resembling a dandelion, coltsfoot is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
While many of us assume that wildflowers must be native to Maine, or at least to North America, many are not, Garland and Cole said.
“There are countless examples of introduced wildflower species,” Garland said.
The variety of black-eyed Susan that most of us are familiar with is a non-native introduction. (There is a native variety but it is rare.) So is the ubiquitous, and much loved, oxeye daisy.
These plants were introduced to the area by immigrants to North America, as well as insects and birds, and sometimes were brought in to solve problems, such as for erosion control along roadsides, explained Cole and Garland. They aren’t necessarily “bad.”
“There are many non-native species that are wonderful and provide a lot of ecosystem services, meaning that they provide food for wildlife and are great for pollinators and a variety of insects,” Garland said.
Sometimes, wildflowers may be “escaped” cultivated flowers, said Cole. You may see snowdrops or daffodils growing along roadsides or in tall grass that are likely to
BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
have been deposited by squirrels or come from old garden soil that was dumped, she said.
Familiar native wildflowers include asters and goldenrods, which appear later in the season; bluets, which appear in spring and last into summer; and the ephemerals, so called because they appear before deciduous trees leaf out, such as trout lily, Canadamayflower, and starflower.
If you’re seeking out wildflowers, Cole and Garland say the Bangor area offers plenty of options, including Bangor City Forest and the University of Maine’s Eastern Maine Native Plant Arboretum.
Land trusts, public reserved lands, and local, state, and federal parks are also good places to see wildflowers, said Cole, and some of these locations offer specific programming about wildflowers, including wildflower walks.
Good resources to help you identify wildflowers (and provide information on edibility and toxicity) include Lawrence Newcomb’s “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide”, Native Plant Trust’s Go Botany online identification tool, and apps such as iNaturalist.
While you’re out admiring wildflowers, you may be tempted to pick or dig up wildflowers to replant in your home landscape, but Cole and Garland caution against doing so.
“We really kind of in general discourage picking the wildflowers because they obviously are serving as a resource for the wildlife,” Garland said, “[and] it also disrupts the seed production cycle and the reproduction cycle.”
While the state of Maine doesn’t prohibit collecting wildflowers, many places, including state and national parks, have restrictions about doing so, said Cole. Check with the property owner before collecting wild plants.
Luckily, you can find some wildflower varieties for sale at garden centers and plant sales, or you can purchase seeds and grow them yourself. Check out Maine-based Wild Seed Project for a list of places where you can buy native plants and seeds.
Trout Lily
PHOTOS
Skunk Cabbage
CONSERVING MAINE’S FORESTS FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES
Whether you’re fishing for wild brook trout, skipping rocks on a pond, paddling down a river, or hiking up a mountain, Maine’s 12-million-acre North Woods offers a unique stillness and tranquility, where one can relax in the sounds of the birds or enjoy a gentle breeze. Maine’s forestlands, at three and a half times the size of Connecticut, are the largest expanse of wilderness east of the Mississippi and home to the darkest night skies in the eastern United States. These forests are recognized for sequestering nearly 70% of Maine’s annual carbon emissions. They foster biodiversity, help keep water clean and are a foundation for forest and outdoor recreation economies––the essence of what characterizes Maine.
Forest Society of Maine (FSM), based in Bangor, is Maine’s land trust for the North Woods. FSM’s mission is to uphold the recreational, cultural, economic, and ecological values of Maine’s forestlands. Using conservation easements, FSM works with willing landowners to permanently conserve Maine’s forestlands.
COURTESY OF THE FOREST SOCIETY OF MAINE
These easements embrace the values and traditions of Maine: supporting a sustainable flow of wood products to the benefit of local and state economies; conserving fish and wildlife habitats and other ecological values; honoring the historic and ongoing cultural importance of forestlands; and helping to sustain the great privilege of public access for recreational activities on private lands.
The legacy of private landownership in Maine has fostered unique opportunities for conservation through easements. An easement is an enduring form of conservation protection. It is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and either a land trust or government agency. Easements permanently limit uses of the land to prohibit development, protect special features and habitats, while also typically ensuring public access. Landowners continue to own the land, pay property taxes, and retain the right to implement sustainable forest management.
Last year, FSM celebrated its 40th anniversary — 40 years that brought about the conservation of more than
one million acres of forestland. This forestland features upwards of 180 ponds and lakes, 780 miles of lake and pond shoreline, 2,000 miles of river and stream shoreline, and 25 mountains.
People of all ages continue to access Maine’s North Woods for a variety of traditional recreational opportunities in all seasons of the year. It is the work of conservation organizations like FSM that ensures these forests can continue to be enjoyed by all. FSM recognizes that the tradition of public access to private lands is maintained through the goodwill of landowners and responsible members of the public.
So as you tie up your boots, grab your jacket, and step out the door for an adventure in the North Woods, keep in mind that partnerships with landowners, communities, and organizations across the landscape support the longstanding traditions of Maine and keep Maine’s forests as forests. How wonderful it is that for generations to come people of all ages can experience Maine much as it is today!
PADDLINGEasy
BEagle Lake
eing out on the water in Maine is one of the joys of the warmer months, and flatwater kayaking is a great way to do that. But where to go? Here are a few great spots to go flatwater kayaking according to Chris Francis, a Penobscot National Tribal Guide, and Danielle Dorrie, a Registered Maine Guide, co-owners of Skyline Maine Adventures and Kayak Rentals in Hampden, and Amanda Page, a Registered Maine Guide and owner of Hick Chick Maine Adventures, a Plymouth-based guiding service.
For a daylong experience, Dorrie and Francis recommend paddling the pond and entering quiet Souadabscook Stream, which connects to the lake about a quarter mile north of the boat launch. The boat launch is located at Jackson Beach on Jackson Beach Road, off Newburgh Road, in Hermon. Parking is plentiful at the launch.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Part of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Eagle Lake is a great spot to spend an afternoon or the day kayaking, Page said.
“It’s not the true Acadia feel of an overcrowded area,” she said.
You’ll need a park pass. No people or pets are allowed in the water because the lake provides drinking water for Bar Harbor. Go to the National Park Service’s website for details on regulations and passes. The small parking area for the boat launch is located off Rt. 233 on the north end of the lake.
Hermon Pond
A quiet place for a great late afternoon or sunset paddle and to see and hear loons is Hermon Pond, said Dorrie and Francis. It’s also a popular spot for families to go fishing.
Located in Old Town, Hirundo offers access to Pushaw Stream and Dead Stream and is a fantastic place to see wildlife, said Page, including bald eagles, loons, and beavers. Pets and motor boats are not allowed. There’s a visitor center with plenty of parking, a boat launch, and a porta-potty.
If you don’t have a kayak, on Saturdays, you can reserve one for free. The center also offers a number of guided kayak tours. There are three entrance gates; go to Gate 3, at 35 Hudson Rd., in Alton, for river access and equipment rentals, Page said. Visit hirundomaine.org for more information.
Penobscot River, Hampden
When people think of being on the Penobscot, what comes to mind is whitewater rafting, but there are many places along the 100-plus-mile river that are much calmer. One of those places is from the boat launch in Hampden, next door to Skyline Maine Adventures and Kayak Rentals.
“I lived in this area way before I met Chris, and I was like, ‘I won’t get on the river. I’m terrified of the river. I’ll get swept away.’ . . . but it’s not even close to that,” Dorrie said.
“It’s usually very calm and very low, easy current,” said Francis, which makes it easy to enjoy all the wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and fish, including striper, bass, and sturgeon. Near the boat launch at 100 Marina Rd., there are public restrooms, a restaurant, and plenty of parking.
Plymouth Pond
Off Route 7 in Plymouth, Plymouth Pond is a great place for beginning kayakers, said Page. It’s shallow and quiet and no matter where you are in the water, you can see your car in the parking area so you won’t get lost out on the water. At a leisurely pace, you can be on the water for about three hours, and you might see herons, loons, and ducks. Pets and swimming are allowed. A causeway splits the pond into two areas. You can kayak under the bridge to reach the other side of the causeway, where it’s more marshy, Page said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA PAGE
LEAVE NO TRACE
CARING FOR MAINE’S NATURAL SPACES
BY CRYSTAL SANDS
Maine’s outdoor spaces are literally national treasures.
The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument hosts about 40,000 visitors each year, and Acadia National Park welcomes an average of 3.5 million visitors per year — which equals a lot of human contact with Maine’s natural wonders. Because it’s so important to preserve Maine’s outdoor spaces, Leave No Trace is a principle for all of us to practice. The basic concept of Leave No Trace is to leave the natural spaces we visit as they were before we got there — or better. This involves disposing of all trash, picking up belongings, sticking to designated areas, respecting the wildlife, and ensuring the landscape is not unnecessarily disturbed.
1. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Be prepared with maps of where you plan to go and designated areas. This also helps you prepare for the kinds of clothing and shoes best suited for the terrain, as well as the amount of food and water you will need.
2. STICK TO DESIGNATED AREAS WHILE YOU’RE THERE. It’s important to respect signage and to stay in designated areas for hiking and camping. In addition to avoiding areas protected for wildlife, it’s important to avoid private property. When hiking, do not trample flowers and plants beyond what is necessary to walk on the marked trails.
Elise Goplerud is the Education Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, and she emphasized that one of the most important first steps of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare.
“Good planning helps you follow all other principles which ensures a safer, more enjoyable trip,” Goplerud said. “With the right preparation and knowledge, you can stay on trails, pack out waste properly, respect wildlife, and avoid emergencies that could harm fragile ecosystems.”
To help plan ahead, it’s important to keep the seven principles of Leave No Trace in mind. According to Acadia National Park’s website, these are the principles critical to the Leave No Trace ethic.
4. LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT. Leave plants, rocks, and any historical items exactly as you found them. Do not carve or damage trees or plants in any way. You want the landscape to be like you were never there after you leave.
3. PICK UP THE TRASH AND THE POOP. Pick up every piece of trash, peels, crumbs, and more after snacks or picnics. When you leave an area, give it one more check before you go to ensure you haven’t missed anything. It’s also important to bring bags to pick up your dog’s poop and drop it in a garbage can. Do not leave it on the side of the trail. As for humans — use toilet facilities when possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails, according to the National Park Service. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
5. CAREFUL WITH FIRE. Fires should only be built in designated areas; use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Firewood should be bought from a local vendor, as wood should not be brought in from more than 50 miles of your destination. After a fire, be sure it is completely out before leaving the area. Obviously, fires can wreak havoc on a habitat.
6. KEEP WILDLIFE WILD. Do not approach wildlife. It’s important to keep your distance, and you should never share your food with the wildlife, even though that may be tempting. Human food can be unhealthy and unsafe, and feeding the wildlife can start some bad habits.
7. BE CONSIDERATE AND MANAGE YOUR PET. Be considerate of all animals — including the human ones. Listen to nature instead of loud music, so others can enjoy the peace and quiet. Share the trails and roads respectfully, and always keep your pets on a leash that is no longer than six feet.
According to Goplerud, “By following Leave No Trace, we protect the beauty and integrity of the wild places we love to visit, allowing others — now and in the future — to enjoy these special places.”
NEW ANTHOLOGY TAKES READERS INTO THE TREES AND UNDER THE STARS
BY JUDY HARRISON
Have you ever been alone in the Maine woods at night? Can you still hear the rustling of leaves under your feet and the sound of nocturnal creatures scampering nearby? Can you smell the pines and see the Milky Way, Jupiter, the Big Dipper, and Orion overhead? Want to return there from a comfortable couch?
“North Woods at Night: Literary Reflections on Maine’s Largest Forest,” an anthology, takes readers into the darkness of the 3.5 million acres that make up the North Woods. The work of 38 writers includes essays, poetry, fiction, and memories about night time spent in the woods of Maine.
The book is the second anthology released in connection with the Bangor Book Fair held at the Bangor Public Library in December. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Forest Society of Maine. The first anthology, “Rivers of Ink: Literary Reflections on the Penobscot,” was compiled in 2023.
Emily M. Leonard and Greg Westrich found peace and renewal along the Appalachian Trail. Leonard, who has thru hiked the trail twice, fell in love with the North Woods as a child when her family visited her father during the summers when he worked in a logging camp. Her father
became very ill while she was on her second hike, and Leonard left the trail to be with him in his final days but returned to complete her long walk.
“I soon found myself in the same woods he had taken me as a young child, the place we vacationed because it was all we could afford,” Leonard, who has authored books about hiking the trail, wrote in her essay, “The 100-Mile Wilderness.” “Those woods were a source of joy in my childhood throughout my growing years. Now, as an adult they have become a source of healing when life becomes overwhelming.”
In “Hold It: Potty Talk for the Northern Maine Woods Camper,” Chris Davis wrote about the fear she felt as a teenager having to leave the family’s warm camp in the woods and walk outside in the blackness to the outhouse and back with just a flashlight for company. That fear was multiplied after she watched slasher movies at a friend’s house.
“You return to the camp as your 99-cent cone of light bounces with each step,” Davis wrote. “You’re relieved and less frantic but still cautiously racing the bobcats, fishers, bears, skunks, raccoons, and Freddy Kruegers to the safety of a latching door. …”
Sarah Walker Caron expresses a different kind of fear in her essay, “We Are But Guests in This Space,” which concerns the impact of global warming on the woods.
“We’ve brought the destabilization, the warming and weirdening of climate, the loss of native plants, and the destruction of invasive species,” she wrote.
“We are an invasive species. We are ruining everything. We are but guests in this place.”
The next anthology will be “Echoes in the Fog: Literary Reflections on the Liminal Spaces of Maine’s Coast” to be released in December 2025. The deadline for submissions is April 30. Criteria for submissions can be found at 12willowspress.com/home/submissions
Use Local Firew d on your Next Outd r Adventure!
Use Local Firew Next Outd r Adventure!
Our forests are threatened by many exotic pests and diseases that can hitchhike on firewood, such as...
• Emerald ash borer
• Spotted lanternfly
• Oak wilt disease
• Asian longhorned beetle
• Browntail Moth
UNTREATED
OUT-OF-STATE FIREWOOD IS BANNED IN
MAINE, AND EVEN IN-STATE FIREWOOD CAN SPREAD PESTS TO NEW AREAS.
Healthy forests improve air and water quality, provide wildlife habitat, scenic backdrops for recreation, and important rural jobs. emerald ash borer Asian longhorned beetle
The movement of firewood significantly accelerates the spread of destructive forest pests. For example, about three-quar ters of the early infestations of emerald ash borer in Michigan were directly tied to this mode of spread. Some domestic spread of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle has also been traced to the movement of infested firewood
The next time you head out on an outdoor adventure, follow these firewood tips
High impact species have been found one every 2 and a half years
• Leave firewood at home.
Certified, heat-treated firewood is the best choice. Buy firewood with a state seal certif ying the wood has been Heat-Treated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 75 minutes.
So, what’s in your firewood? It could be the next threat to Maine’s pristine lakeshores and scenic mountains, or its recreati onal tourism and forest-based economies. It could jeopardize Maine’s way of life and the way life should be.
• Buy firewood from as close to your destination as possible Find sources at firewoodscout.org.
heat treated firewood or firewood from close to your destination
• If you’ve already transpor ted firewood, don’t leave it or bring it home – burn it! Tr y to burn it within 24 hours, and burn any small pieces of bark and debris that may have fallen from the wood
Help prevent the spread of insects and diseases that harm our forests by choosing heat-treated firewood or firewood from close to your destination. Find more tips at maine.gov/firewood.
What exactly is local?
When it comes to untreated firewood, 50 miles is too far, 10 miles or less is best.
oak wilt fungus
spotted lanternfly
browntail moth
HOW TO COOK WITH
ASTORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH WALKER CARON
s the weather warms, farmers’ markets begin having more stalls with bags of fresh greens, rods of asparagus and rhubarb, and more. Or perhaps you are more the grow-you-own type, and are beginning to see the fruits of your labor pushing through the warming soil, just waiting to be transformed into something delicious. Either way, it’s a wonderful time to love to cook.
From roughly April through June, Maine’s first-of-the-season produce begins to be available. Cold weather ingredients like greens, radishes, and spring onions emerge first, followed by asparagus, fiddleheads, rhubarb, and peas. If you hit the sweet spot just right, your meals can be transformed with the freshest of the season. Ready to get cooking?
Asparagus and Spring Onion Frittata Spring Onion Fiddlehead Risotto
Yields 6 servings
Yields 4 servings
Preheat oven to 350º F. Heat a 10” oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the skillet and let heat. Add the asparagus and spring onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the garlic to the skillet and let cook for 1 minute. Stir to combine.
Brush the skillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, pouring excess in and swirling.
Whisk the eggs together with the salt and pepper thoroughly and then add to the skillet and stir very briefly to combine. Sprinkle all over with provolone cheese. Continue cooking without stirring until the bottom and
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Yields 1 pie (6-8 servings)
• 2 TBSP OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED
• 1 CUP (1” PIECES) FRESH ASPARAGUS, (ABOUT 4 OZ WITH ENDS TRIMMED)
• 1/2 CUP (1/2” PIECES) SPRING ONIONS, WHITE & LIGHT GREEN PARTS ONLY (ALSO KNOWN AS SCALLIONS)
• 1 CLOVE GARLIC, MINCED
• 6 EGGS
• 1/2 TSP KOSHER SALT
• 1/4 TSP BLACK PEPPER
• 3/4 CUP SHREDDED PROVOLONE CHEESE
sides are set, but the top is still loose, about 3-4 minutes
Place the pan into the oven and cook for 8-11 minutes, until the top is set. No need to let it brown — you just want it firm.
Serve hot.
• 2 CUPS SLICED RHUBARB
• 2 CUPS SLICED STRAWBERRIES
• CUT INTO PIECES
• 1 TBSP MILK
• 1 CUP SUGAR
• 1/4 CUP CORNSTARCH
• 1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
• 1/2 TSP SALT
• CHEESE
• 2 TBSP UNSALTED BUTTER,
• PIE CRUST FOR A BOTTOM & TOP CRUST (1 BOX STORE BOUGHT OR 2 HOMEMADE CRUSTS)
Preheat the oven 400º F.
In a saucepan, cover the fiddleheads with water and bring to a boil set over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and boil for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven.
Cut the white parts of the spring onions into 1” segments. Add to the pot and cook, stirring, until they begin to brown — about 5-7 minutes.
Add the arborio rice to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Then add the wine and stir in. Cook until it’s absorbed, about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken stock a little (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) at a time, allowing it to absorb (about 2-3 minutes) before adding more. Continue until all the stock has been added.
Arrange a bottom crust in a pie plate. Pour the prepared rhubarb-strawberry mixture into it, spreading into an even later. Dot the top with butter.
• 2 CUPS FIDDLEHEADS, CLEANED
• 1 TBSP OLIVE OIL
• 2 BUNCHES SPRING ONIONS, WHITE AND GREEN PARTS SEPARATED (ALSO KNOWN AS SCALLIONS)
• 1 CUP ARBORIO RICE
• 1/2 CUP WHITE WINE
• 4 CUPS CHICKEN STOCK
• 1 TSP DRIED ROSEMARY
• 1 CUP PARMESAN CHEESE
• SALT & PEPPER, TO TASTE
Slice the dark green parts of the spring onions into 1/4” thick pieces. With the final addition of stock add to the pot along with the cooked fiddleheads, rosemary and parmesan cheese. Stir well.
Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
Enjoy
Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing and serving — at least 1 hour. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract and salt.
Spread the top crust onto the pie, taking care to press the top and bottom crusts together while you fold and crimp it. Use a knife to cut four slits in the top. Brush the top crust of the pie with milk, discarding any unused milk.
Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350º and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
