#WestbrookME - Marsh and Stream Explorers Field Training in Westbrook

April 25 from 9:30 am-12 pm

Location: #MillBrookPreserve, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Westbrook

Free, registration required.

"Curious about what critters live in your local streams and freshwater marshes? Come join #MaineAudubon and #MaineDEP for a fun morning of catching and identifying #macroinvertebrates at Mill Brook Preserve! Get hands-on training and learn how you can contribute to an important community science project that acts as a screening tool for Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) water quality assessments. Be prepared to wade into shallow water as you net and handle macroinvertebrates!

"Marsh and Stream Explorers is a water quality monitoring project that trains volunteers to survey streams and freshwater marshes for large #AquaticInsects (macroinvertebrates) which are sensitive to environmental stressors and can be indicators of #wetland health. After this training session, you’ll have the tools to choose and survey your own stream or freshwater marsh and contribute invaluable data to Maine’s water quality monitoring efforts. If you’re interested in getting outdoors, learning something new, and protecting your local #watershed, this community science project is for you!

"We will meet at the parking area for the Northern Trailhead and go on a short walk from there. Wear clothes and shoes you’re comfortable walking in and potentially getting wet, waders or muckboots are encouraged and some may be provided."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/marsh-and-stream-explorers-field-training-in-westbrook/

#SolarPunkSunday #CitizenScience
#NatureBasedLearning #MarshExplorers #StreamExplorers #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange #CitizenScientists #ObservingNature

#Webinar - #Marsh and #Stream Explorers: A Treasure Hunt to Find Healthy Freshwater #Habitats in #Maine

Apr 22 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

"Curious about what critters live in your local streams and freshwater marshes? Come learn about Maine Marsh and Stream Explorers, a collaborative #CommunityScience project between #MaineAudubon and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (#MEDEP). This program trains volunteers to survey for #macroinvertebrates, or large #AquaticInsects, in streams and freshwater #marshes statewide. With many macroinvertebrates sensitive to temperature, #pollutants, and other environmental stressors, their presence or absence serve as an important indicator of overall wetland health. This data then becomes an invaluable screening tool for #MaineDEP to prioritize where more-indepth water quality assessments should be conducted.

"In this webinar you’ll learn about what the Marsh and Stream Explorers project has accomplished and its impact on water quality monitoring statewide. We’ll look at our overall results, share our successes, and talk about future goals of the project. If you’re interested in getting outdoors, learning something new, and protecting your local watershed, this community science project is for you! Come learn more about how you can get involved. In-person field training for survey techniques to follow."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/marsh-and-stream-explorers-a-treasure-hunt-to-find-healthy-freshwater-habitats-in-maine/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineAudubon #OnlineEvents #CitizenScience #NatureBasedLearning #MarshExplorers #StreamExplorers #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange #CitizenScientists #ObservingNature

#Maine will require battery makers to provide #recycling options

By Tina Fischer, April 9, 2026

"Gov. #JanetMills signed into law a measure that will offer more options to recycle both single-use #alkaline and #LithiumIon batteries in Maine.

"LD 474 updates the state’s current product stewardship laws to require national battery manufacturing companies to set up drop-off locations and fund a statewide take-back program so that all batteries can be safely disposed of and rare earth metals can be extracted for reuse.

"Eight other states have enacted similar laws.

"The state’s existing battery recovery program, enacted in 1991, covers only nickel-cadmium batteries. Many hardware stores, town offices and Staples stores in Maine accept some types of batteries for recycling. The nationwide Battery Network lists on its website drop-off locations in Maine.

"Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries — commonly found in power tools, cell phone chargers and #vaping devices — has led to at least 24 fires at recycling facilities in Maine. Disposal concerns have driven up insurance rates for towns, according to the #MaineDEP.

"More than 820,000 pounds of batteries are thrown away in Maine every year, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine [#NRCM].

" 'Holding corporate battery makers accountable for cleaning up waste will lower costs for Mainers and help curb demand for mining rare earth metals,' said Vanessa Berry, sustainable Maine program manager at the nonprofit.

"It is technically illegal in Maine to dispose of rechargeable, button cell, or lead-acid batteries in the regular trash."

Source:
https://mainebiz.biz/article/maine-will-require-battery-makers-to-provide-recycling-options/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineNews #BatteryRecycling #LionBatteries #Recycle #VapePens #Batteries #CellPhones #RechargeableBatteries

So, I happened to tune into a local commercial radio station to hear the weather report, and there was an ad by some group talking about how #Maine Governor #JanetMills was taking away everyone's morning coffee! Of course, that was republican scaremongering, since the ban is on #CoffeeMakers that have #PFAS and other #Foreverchemicals as part of their parts and/or seals. Simple solution to that. BUY A STOVETOP COFFEE POT! That's what I grew up drinking, and that's what I use now. I wouldn't use an aluminum one, but the stainless steel ones aren't expensive, and if cleaned properly, produce great tasting coffee for YEARS!

Maine bans thousands of products containing toxic '#ForeverChemicals'

by Brad Rogers, WGME
Tue, December 30, 2025

Excerpt: "The new ban includes children's #toys, #cosmetics, #cookware, and #cleaning products [and some electric coffeemakers].

"It also includes reusable water bottles, #upholstery, #clothing, and feminine products.

" 'This is an important step in moving forward with eliminating unnecessary uses of intentionally added PFAS, to protect the public from exposure, as well as the environment,' said Kerri Farris, with the #MaineDEP #SaferChemicalsProgram."

Read more:
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-expands-ban-on-forever-chemicals-in-consumer-products-starting-january-1-pfas-health-low-birth-weights-compromised-immune-systems-cancer

#MainePol #PFASBan #GOPScaremongering #SaferChemicals #PFOS #Pollution

#JuniperRidge Landfill can expand, state says again after judge orders reconsideration

by Marie Weidmayer, March 23, 2026

Excerpt: "The Juniper Ridge Landfill can expand, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection decided for a second time — but a judge must sign off first.

"A new public benefit determination allows the #OldTown landfill to expand, the #ConservationLawFoundation said Monday. The foundation and #PenobscotNation sued the #MaineDEP in November 2024 over the proposed expansion.

"The department had to reconsider allowing the expansion after a judge ruled in January that the Maine DEP did not complete 'critical' fact finding during the public benefit determination. The Maine DEP decided Oct. 2, 2024, there is a public benefit to the expansion and expanding the landfill is not inconsistent with #EnvironmentalJustice.

"Penobscot County Superior Court Judge Bruce Mallonee will reconsider the application because the case is still pending, Maine DEP spokesperson David Madore said. The department can resume processing the expansion application and will have a public hearing, he said.

" 'This decision does not reflect the lived reality of our people,' Penobscot Nation Chief #KirkFrancis said. “Our voices and our knowledge of this place must be meaningfully considered when those in power make decisions that will impact our land and community.'

"The lawsuit is still pending in Penobscot County Superior Court. The foundation and Penobscot Nation are determining next steps."

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/23/penobscot/penobscot-police-courts/landfill-expansion-juniper-ridge/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/8dI8S

#MainePol #CasellaWasteSystems #WaterIsLife #SoilIsLife #PFAS #MaineFirstNations #Pollution #ForeverChemicals

#MaineDEP #Sustainability program - #HomeComposting

"What is composting?

Compost is a dark brown, earthy, crumbly material made of decomposed organic matter.

Benefits of Composted Material

When added to soil, compost improves soil porosity and water retention, and provides plants with essential nutrients.

Composting diverts organic materials from the waste stream and our landfills!

How does Material Decompose? Millions of microorganisms work to break down organic material. We can speed up composting by managing the process.
How do I start a compost pile?

Start by picking a location. Look for an area that is:

- Well -drained and close to level
- In partial shade, to help with water retention
- At least 1 -foot away from walls, fences, bushes, trees etc.
- A convenient spot to place materials and to get the end product to its final location

What tools will I need?

These tools may help get you started:

- Compost bin
- Pitchfork (compost turner)
- Chipper/shredder
- Wheelbarrow (for transport)
- Garden hose
- 4’ X 12’ Sturdy coated wire mesh (to form cylinder to contain compost pile, if desired)"

Learn more:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/home-composting.html

#SolarPunkSunday #Composting #Compost #HomeCompost #SoilIsLife #ReduceFoodWaste

#WetlandRestoration and Improvement Projects Receive $4.6 Million in Funding

February 09, 2026 | #Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — "The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (#MNRCP) awarded over $4.6 million for 10 projects that will restore and enhance freshwater and coastal wetlands and streams, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (#MaineDEP) announced today.

The projects awarded funding include:

- Improving degraded #SaltMarsh around the #YorkRiver
- Restoring #eelgrass in the #GreatSaltBay
- Removing dams on the #RoyalRiver in #YarmouthME and the #NezinscotRiver in #BuckfieldME
- Reconnecting a side channel and reestablishing #wetlands along the Upper #MagallowayRiver
- Expanding and enhancing the #RiparianBuffer of a brook in #WaldoboroME
- Upgrading a culvert to a bridge on a tributary to the #AroostookRiver
- Restoring and reconnecting #wetlands in #AcadiaNationalPark

"In total, $4,633,343 was awarded to restore wetlands that will improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and mitigate flooding impacts.

"#MNRCP is one of the most important funding sources for wetland restoration and conservation projects in the state. Since it began in 2008, the program has awarded over $36 million for 183 wetland restoration and conservation projects. Public agencies, municipalities, Tribes and nonprofit conservation organizations are all eligible to apply for funding. MNRCP funding can cover the costs of wetland consultants and engineers who support project design and implementation.

"The program provides opportunities for restoration projects that help improve a broad range of critical habitats, both inland and along Maine’s coast."

Read more:
https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/mnrcp-awardees/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineRivers #MaineWetlands #WetlandRestoration #RestoringNature #DamRemoval

via @MaineMonitor

A shady land deal in #BelfastME as a #ConservationEasement goes missing

A wetland in Belfast was supposed to be conserved “in perpetuity.” Instead it’s being sold as commercial property. DEP is investigating.

By Murray Carpenter
July 13, 2025

Excerpt: "#BankOfAmerica became the owner of the lot in 2006, when it bought #MBNA for $34 billion. In January 2025, Bank of America sold the lot at auction to #WeBuyAndResellHomesLLC, a Georgia company. According to Belfast Assessor’s Office, the lot sold for $15,750, and is assessed at $404,800.

"The new owner promptly listed the property for sale for $295,000, with no mention that it is a #wetlands #mitigation site. The ad, at CORE real estate, reads, 'Zoned commercially, the land is positioned for a variety of business ventures. Belfast is expanding, making this an ideal location for retail, office, or mixed-use development.'

"It’s hard to know how the wetland conservation project seeped through the cracks. Among the banker’s boxes of documents related to MBNA permitting in the #DEP archives, is an unsigned draft of the deed restriction, from 1997. The draft would not be enforceable, however, until it was signed and filed with the deed.

"#MaineDEP spokesman David Madore said the agency is investigating the matter.

" 'The Department’s approval of the 1997 development was contingent on the restoration and preservation of wetland functions and values on the compensation parcel,' Madore said in an email. 'The parcel was intended to be permanently preserved.'

"A Bank of America spokesperson declined to comment on the story, as did the Army Corps.

"These days, it’s an overlooked and forgotten lot adjacent to a bustling area. Someone is using an area near the road as a toilet.

"But back in the wetland, the #alders and #cattails have grown in as intended. On a warm July day, red-winged #blackbirds, common yellowthroats, and #RedEyedVireos sing. And, from deep in the wetland, comes the croaking of a #GreenFrog."

https://themainemonitor.org/belfast-conservation-easement-missing/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

#SaveTheWetlands #BankOfAmericaSucks #Conservation #MaineNews #WetlandPreservation #ShadyDeals #SaveTheLittleRiverWatershed