Appalachian Mountain Club - Maine Chapter

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 »

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, the Maine Search And Rescue Dogs (MESARD) will join us for the April potluck and presentation. Since 1983, this volunteer, non-profit group has assisted the Maine Warden Service with search and rescue by providing teams of highly-trained handlers and search dogs. MESARD Vice President Spencer Fuller will explain the many facets of Search and Rescue operations using dogs and this event will include members of their four-legged rescue staff! Come join Spencer and his furry friends for an evening of education and fun about the awesome service this organization provides for outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in need of help.

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.

How would you handle an injury in the backcountry? A simple sprain can become serious when there are miles of stone-littered and root-infested trail between you and definitive medical care. And the biggest threat isn’t always the injury, but the “E” factor- the “E”nvironment. Come learn how to adequately respond to backcountry injuries with confidence in this 2-day course taught by experienced outdoor wilderness medicine instructors from SOLO. Please contact Joleen Rice for more information.

Have you hiked any of the Appalachian Trail? Why did you do it? A graduate student in the Recreation and Tourism Studies Department at Old Dominion University would like to know why! She is conducting an exploratory study on the motivations and benefits of hiking the AT. The purpose of the study is to better understand why people hike the AT, and ultimately to attract more supporters and volunteers in order to acquire funding for continued maintenance of the footpath, and preservation and protection of its surrounding corridor lands. You can visit this website to participate in the survey. Results of the study will be shared with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and with local clubs such as the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC). Please give her your thoughts!

It is in the news nearly every week, but what does it mean for Maine? Come learn about wind power potential in Maine, how wind power proposals are evaluated, and if wind power can reduce Maine’s carbon footprint. Dave Publicover, AMC Senior Staff Scientist, will speak on wind power at the University of Southern Maine, Luther Bonney Auditorium, Bedford Street, Portland on March 6 at 7:00 pm. Dr. Publicover, Assistant Director of Research, advises the AMC and partner organizations on conservation and management of the Northern New England landscape. See the Maine Chapter calendar for more information.

Time is running out! The deadline for the AMC’s $45 million dollar capital campaign to support the Maine Woods Initiative is March 15th. There is still a few hundred thousand dollars left to raise, so please contribute any amount you can toward this goal. Every dollar donated is a step toward this goal to assist in preserving this area which offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, and paddling. Please make a donation today! Thank you for your support! Continue Reading »