Appalachian Mountain Club - Maine Chapter

Looking to get off the beaten path this season for a back-packing trip? Matt Heid’s new book AMC’s Best Backpacking in New England is just the ticket! The book details over 30 trips into the lesser travelled areas of New England. Maps and photos are included, as well as a rating of trip difficulty. In addition to trip planning and logistics is information on wilderness ethics, notes on New England geography, weather, and natural history. And remember, AMC members receive a 10% discount on books!

Support Bridgton’s downtown Pondicherry Park project by viewing outstanding adventure and environmental films from the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival!

Two different showings will take place on Tuesday, June 24th at 5:00 and 8:00 PM at the Magic Lantern Movie Theatre in downtown Bridgton. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The Mountainfilm Festival travels all over the world and has always been associated with high-caliber films with a commitment to social and environmental issues. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Bruce Hancock by phone at 207-595-0305.

Be sure to join us on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, for a look into the glamorous and challenging world of long-distance bike touring. AMC Member Larry Perkins will share his experiences bike touring 2,400 miles along the Great Divide from New Mexico to Alberta, Canada as the AMC Maine Chapter’s monthly potluck and presentation.

For more information, view the entry in our calendar.

Interested in trying hiking? Want to learn what is required to travel safely and stay safe on the trail? Planning a safe and successful hike and being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you, will be the topic of an evening workshop sponsored by the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Monday, June 16. The workshop is free and AMC members and non-members are welcome to attend. Continue Reading »

A huge Thank You to Fran Leyman for her awesome presentation last month on rafting the Grand Canyon! She enthralled a full room of 40 folks with her tales and photos of geologic features, flora, faura, and big, big rapids!! Fran joins Ken Hutchins, Carey Kish, and Larry Perkins as other AMC Members who have shared their stories of great adventure this year as part of the Meetings and Education monthly events. Continue Reading »

This annual, national event is sponsored by the American Hiking Society to promote awareness and cooperation among trail users. The event occurs this year on Saturday, June 7th and there are several ways you can get involved! Check out AMC’s web site for trail day events. Or, donate some of your own time to clean-up a favorite trail in your neck of the woods. And as they say, “Trails Day is EVERY day!” so check out the many opportunities to volunteer on Maine Chapter trail maintenance trips. There’s a job for everyone!

Looking to spend some quality time outside this summer with your family? Don’t know where to go? What to bring? Check out Maine’s Take it Outside web page. This initiative is supported by Governor Baldacci to encourage Maine families to reconnect with nature and lead healthy, active lifestyles. The web site contains information on how to get started, ideas for outings, a calendar of events to join other families in outdoor pursuits, photos of recent trips, as well as a blog and further links to more information. In addition, you can register to win a FREE family camping weekend for first-time campers at a Maine State Park; equipment included!

Would you like to keep informed on conservation issues, outdoor trip information, the Maine Woods Initiative, or general on-goings in the AMC? You can do this easily through AMC’s “E-Newsletters.” Choose to subscribe to any or all of these electronic newsletters. But do not worry; your inbox will not be flooded with unwanted mail. Messages are sent prudently and you can remove yourself from the lists at any time. Also on this web page are links to the most recent newsletters and information on how to contact your legislators at both the state and federal level when important conservation issues are at stake. Check it out to stay informed!

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008, AMC Member Larry Perkins will present a slideshow on his bike tour along the Great Divide from New Mexico to Alberta, Canada. This 2,400 mile trek was completed in 40 days and included visiting Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and the Peace Park in Alberta. Larry’s photos will take you along the length of the Rocky Mountains while he describes the many challenges of long-distance bike touring. Come see the awesome beauty of the high point of the North American continent as viewed from a bike seat!

The location is at the South Portland Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, ME: parking is available off Highland Avenue. 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.

What is the link between climate change and flowers? Become a volunteer for AMC’s Mountain Watch Program to find out! Observations are made on six targeted alpine species found on peaks in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Data collected are part of an environmental monitoring effort to track long-term trends and ecological responses to climate change and air pollution. AMC lodges in the White Mountains will be hosting flower walks and talks focusing on the ecology and natural history of plants will be featured as part of this effort. Visit the Mountain Watch section of AMC’s website for guidebooks, datasheets, and more information. In addition, in June the Maine Chapter is sponsoring a photography weekend in the alpine garden of Mount Washington, and a tour of the alpine garden on Mount Washington. Come see what all the beauty is about!