Appalachian Mountain Club – Maine Chapter

AMC’s Mountain Leadership School, now in its 50th year, is a 5-day wilderness leadership training program for new and experienced trip leaders, camp counselors, scout leaders, and others in how to lead safe and effective outdoor trips. Safety, group dynamics, trip planning, leadership styles, map and compass skills, and techniques for minimal impact in the backcountry are just some of the topics covered in this comprehensive program. For more information, please visit AMC’s Mountain Leadership School web page.

Are you a women who likes to hike and wants to hike for a good cause? Consider participating in the Wilderness Heals Annual Pledge Hike, July 18-20 in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This 3-day hike offers a range of hiking options for different experience levels, and AMC’s huts will be used as accommodations for the 2 nights out on the trail. The event will raise funds for the Elizabeth Stone House in Boston who help women and children across the country rebuild their lives from mental illness, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma. Registration is open now until June 20. Please visit the Elizabeth Stone House web site for more information, or by calling 617-427-9801 Ext. 415.

On Monday, May 19, 2008, AMC Maine member Fran Leyman will present a slideshow on her experiences rafting through the Grand Canyon. An experienced raft guide, Fran will share her story of 18 days on the Colorado River through video and photographs. By request, she’ll also do some bonus storytelling on her rafting trips to the lower Rio Grande canyons and also the Bio-Bio River in Chile. Prepare for a wet and wild evening, this is a bring-your-own towel event!

The location is at the Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME: parking is available on the street and off Union Street. Dinner at 6 pm, presentation at 7 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and their own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available.

April 22 is Earth Day 2008 for many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Earth Day Network, the threat of global warming is this year’s theme and events will be held around the world. In celebration, the Green Apple Festival will be held in several cities (with the largest event in Washington D.C.) and use music and other entertainment to celebrate the Earth.

The United Nations celebrates Earth Day on the March equinox, while many countries, including the United States, celebrate Earth Day on April 22. The first Earth Day was held in 1969 at the suggestion of John McConnell and this environmental concern became a significant event as proposed by Senator Gaylord Nelson. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans across the U.S. demonstrated for a healthier sustainable environment and represents the arrival of ecological awareness in American society. Earth Day has continued and expanded into a global event, including the use of the Ecology Flag as its symbol:

Calling all paddlers! The fourth edition of “River Guide Maine” is now available. Planning a multi-day trip with chances for big rapids on rivers such as the Allagash or the St. John? Or looking for a day trip on a less rigorous river such as the Sheepscot? This guide features detailed descriptions of more than 140 Maine rivers and their tributaries, making it the most comprehensive paddling guide to the state. This book can be purchased from the AMC Store, and AMC members receive a 10% discount!

A reminder that April’s potluck and presentation will be Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The Maine Search And Rescue Dogs (MESARD) organization will present on their search and rescue service, including a visit from their four-legged staff members.

For more information, please click here or on the Calendar link above.

Army Sergeant Jarad Greeley, 25, of Jay is planning to hike the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness of the situation of America’s homeless veterans. Per Department of Veterans Affairs sources, approximately 195,000 veterans are homeless on a daily basis, with up to 400,000 experiencing homelessness throughout the year.

He’ll be joined by Army Sergeant Marshall Berry, 28, of New Hampshire. Greeley and Berry served together with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq and were discharged in February 2008. Both Greeley and Berry are experienced hikers and have done sections of the AT. Their plan is to start at Springer Mountain, Georgia on March 8 and complete the AT in about 5 months.

Please click here for a recent article in the Portland Press Herald.

For more information, contact The Homeless Veterans, PO Box 27, Jay, ME 04239, 207-897-0900.

For thousands of cyclists and volunteers, the annual Trek Across Maine is more than just a worthy fundraiser…it’s a three day adventure! The ride is from Sunday River to Belfast, Maine from June 13-15, 2008.

- The Trek: Is a ride, not a race. all experience levels are welcome.
- The Road: Ride from Sunday River to Belfast on secondary roads and enjoy the scenery.
- The Support: You don’t have to be a cyclist to have fun! Volunteers are needed.
- The Friends: Any time with friends is a good time. Add a 3 day weekend, bicycling, and activities at the end of each day and you’re building memories.
- The Team: Work together to support a great cause with your neighbors, friends, co-workers, or family.
- The Cause: Promote lung health, lung disease prevention, and healthy air for Maine.

Visit us online or e-mail trek@lungme.org for more details. Continue Reading »