Mud season ahead, state of the park webinar, Membership May announced, youth leadership in action, and more…
Ice softening on the Upper East Branch. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Good-bye winter! Your soft sun-warmed snow is melting fast, sinking into and streaming across the saturated ground into tributaries, brooks, and rivers where the churned-up resembles frothy hot cocoa (to some of us, anyway!).
Spring is coming on fast this year, which might have you itching to wipe the cobwebs out of the canoe and clap last year’s mud off your hiking boots–while the cross country skis stand like defiant sentries on the porch, raindrops rolling from tip to tail. Perhaps the best thing to do on such days is grab a mug of actual hot chocolate and sit it out.
In this month’s eNews, we’re looking forward to warmer days and gathering together. We’re inviting you to join us for Friends’ first events of 2025! From a State of the Park Zoom webinar with NPS and Friends leaders to FOUR opportunities to mingle at breweries near you, we can’t wait to see you this spring. These events, plus Woods & Waters Day and Stars Over Katahdin, are all made possible with the support of our generous corporate and nonprofit sponsors – join us this month in celebrating and thanking our 2024 sponsors for inspiring folks to preserve, protect, and enhance KAWW!
Learning to Lead in the Outdoors
Teens spending their free time in a leadership training! FKWW photo
When Nic* first showed up as a potential leader at Vacation Camp, the 9th grader wasn’t sure they were ready. Leading younger students on outdoor adventures sounded exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking. Nic wondered, “am I really a leader?” After going through the interview process and attending training, Nic began to see themselves differently—not just as a participant, but as a mentor. At Vacation Camp this February, Nic patiently helped students lace up their boots and step into bindings, then encouraged and cheered successful first glides on cross country skis. They rallied games of “camouflage” (a crowd favorite game at camp!) and even took the lead on teaching a fun paper craft.
“The instructors are nice and the student leaders and ambassadors became my friends. It was great job experience. I loved waving to other people on the trails while we were outside!”
But the impact didn’t stop there. Inspired by the experience, Nic told us they now feel confident enough to take their friends and family on outdoor adventures—maybe even up Katahdin someday.
“Having this outdoor experience helped prepare me for other outdoor adventures. If anyone is afraid of trying something new, they shouldn’t be. The [staff] leaders teach you everything and make you feel comfortable out there.”
Following the leader on a winter hike at camp last month. FKWW photo
Stories like Nic’s demonstrate what Katahdin Learning Project’s Ambassador and Leadership Program offers for youth as a stepping stone to career awareness, leadership growth, and stronger community connections. These ambassadors aren’t just “helping out” with our younger campers; they’re shaping their own futures. This program relies on donor contributions–your support helps students gain real-world experience, explore careers in conservation, and discover the joy of mentoring others. Thank you for making life-changing experiences possible for teens like Nic!
*Name changed for privacy
Friends’ Happenings
Just around the corner…Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters is hitting the road for Membership May! While you wait for the mud to dry up and the gates to swing open, drop in and join staff, board members, and volunteers at one (or more) of the events from Portland to Ellsworth to the Katahdin region – we promise casual gatherings where you can mingle with members, ask questions, grab a copy of our fresh strategic plan, and learn everything you need to know about the opening of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station this summer. We’ll have maps and visitation resources on hand, and the snacks are on us! Space is limited for these events; click below to see all the dates and locations and reserve your spot today!
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Current conditions at KAWW can be very different from your hometown AND from the last time you visited the park. As we approach our most infamous season, Mud, a reminder that the Loop Road and North Entrance gates will remain closed throughout the spring!
Who are the folks working hard every day to preserve and enhance the natural resources and built infrastructure of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument? Follow the official KAWW Facebook page for weekly profiles highlighting the talented and dedicated park staff!
Plan ahead for your KAWW camping trip by previewing camping areas at recreation.gov. Reservations typically open in mid-April for the summer camping season.
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Friends’ board member Dan Wenk lent his experience and perspective from a distinguished career with the park service to this piece in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle addressing the loss of younger members in the NPS workforce.
Join the Millinocket Earth Day Community Clean-up! All are welcome on Tuesday, April 22nd from 9am-12pm at the Millinocket Recreation Complex. For more information, contact Michele McGinnis, Our Katahdin Community Coordinator at 207-249-8578.
Learning opportunity – Outdoor Sport Institute, partnered with North Carolina-based Landmark Learning and New England Outdoor Center, will present a 5-day Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course in Millinocket. The course will be with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine curriculum and will take place on NEOC’s campus at their Event Center the first week of June.
Sponsor Spotlight
The quiet of March offers the perfect moment to recognize the tremendous power of corporate and nonprofit sponsorship! 2024 events, from Membership May to Stars Over Katahdin in late September attracted more attendees than ever before, sharing the exceptional natural and cultural resources of hundreds of folks from Maine and beyond. If you can, thank a sponsor with your business for their contribution to Friends’ mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by inspiring a community of supporters!
Our final spotlights for 2024 go out to three fabulous Hathorn level sponsors:
Shoebox Collaborations, a small consulting shop offering strategic planning, capacity building, and project management for nonprofits and partnerships,
Independent grocer Ellis Family Market, providing a variety of great products at two locations in the Katahdin region, and
Natural Resources Council of Maine, harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine’s environment since 1959!
Thank you.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends mission and work. To learn how your business or organization can make a difference, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on March 28, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Winter Festival, oodles of snow, federal updates, youth ski adventures, and more…
A dreamlike snowy scene at the Seboeis River. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
As we began to gather stories for this newsletter, eight or nine inches of snow fell over Katahdin Woods and Waters, contributing to the base of up to 30 inches on the ground in late February. Over the school break throughout our state, many families found ways to take advantage of a classic winter! Much of what we share this month will be fun and familiar – reminding you where to find the groomed trails in and around KAWW, pointing out engaging events, and telling stories of local youth connecting to the land. But we also share challenging news from the National Park Service. Federal actions have impacted our NPS colleagues and their work. We are staying abreast of developments and taking action when we can.
Friends has leapt into the year ready to deliver powerful outdoor and community-based learning to hundreds of local youth. Together, we will continue to find ways to deepen those connections to nature for kids, families, and visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Friends’ News
Facing New Challenges
It’s no secret: the National Park Service is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. With 1,000 probationary NPS employees terminated, we at Friends are working hard behind the scenes to communicate the resulting on-the-ground challenges to our elected officials while evaluating how our role as a support group may need to shift in the coming months. Locally at KAWW, we understand the current NPS team may face changes to current staffing and recruitment.
We can report a bright spot: hiring of seasonal employees at KAWW is moving forward, meaning some of the most critical visitor-facing rangers and maintenance jobs in the monument can be recruited. We thank members of our congressional delegation for hearing concerns on this front. The Monument staff are eager to continue providing accesss to these invaluable public lands and the experiences they offer.
As a valued member of the Friends of KWW network, we invite you to:
Express your concerns to your elected officials directly or using a form like this one from National Parks Conservation Association;
Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities that will support our NPS colleagues.
February Vacation Camp
Learning in the community
Learning how to fall and get up!
Ranger Crystal leads a lesson.
Katahdin Learning Project staff look forward to February Vacation Camp all year. Months of planning, coordination with dozens of guest speakers and community partners, and countless emails with parents all come together when students arrive on the first morning—many storming staff with stories of their outdoor adventures since the last camp. This year, fully half our campers returned from 2024, eager to dive back in! Teen ambassadors with warm smiles confidently welcomed the new students, remembering their own excitement and nervous butterflies when they first joined.
This program enriches more than just the young campers—in fact, it ripples through our entire community. Teens gain leadership skills, guest speakers find inspiration in the curiosity and enthusiasm of their young audience, and the broader community sees hope for the future. Based out of the Millinocket Memorial Library, the children can be seen around town throughout the week demonstrating care for the land and each other. We were thrilled to welcome for the first time District Ranger Lauren from the Maine Forest Service to lead an interactive lesson on tree ecology—just one of many experiences that make each year fresh and exciting.
Vacation Camp is a true community effort, made possible by our incredible partners, guest experts, supportive parents, and generous donors like you. To everyone who contributed—thank you for helping us create something very special.
Haskell Hut Ski Trip
Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students went on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise wrote a trip report with all the highlights – catch up on our blog for the full story.
…the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. 
Save the Dates
Sponsorships available for 2025 events! Photo credit: Northern Oak Media
Mark your calendars for our beloved summer and fall events!
Woods and Waters Day – Saturday, August 16th at Shin Pond Village, Mt. Chase
Stars Over Katahdin – Saturday, September 27 in the Katahdin Region (exact location TBA)
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Shout out to KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis for her work putting together a fun-tastic program for the Winter Festival on Saturday, March 1st. We are excited for more community events where you can meet many of the staff who care for the monument’s lands, wildlife, and facilities.
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
The Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions will host a panel discussion about Tekαkαpimək Contact Station with members of the creative team. Virtually and in-person at UMaine, Orono on March 24th
A brand-new, comprehensive XC Skiing Travel Guide from the Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway covers everything you need to know for a winter wonder-ful trip
Friends education staff love guiding youth in KAWW, but we get really excited when local teachers lead trips for even more students: Stearns High School recently hosted a group on an overnight ski trip to Haskell Hut!
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout level sponsor L.L.Bean, where “land access and preservation has always been one L.L.Bean’s core values.”
And thank you to Katahdin Trust for their Barnard level sponsorship – standing behind their belief that a community that works together, thrives together!
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. Join us for the 2025 sponsorship season! Contact: sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on February 28, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students joined Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud and Outdoor Sport Institute’s Dan Rogan on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. These students, invited as part of a special leadership program, had proven their determination, teamwork, and leadership qualities throughout our summer programs. This weekend offered a unique opportunity to develop as leaders, while surrounded by the snowy beauty of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
We arrived at the north end trailhead at 10:30am energized and excited. KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis joined the group at the trailhead, sharing stories of the monument’s history and what a career with the National Park Service looks like. The students were eager to get on the trail, but soon realized their grit would be tested. Laden with heavy pulks, the group skied for more than 4 hours on 5.5 miles miles of ungroomed trails to reach Haskell Hut.
However, falls were met with laughter and encouragement, and each obstacle became a moment to practice resilience and teamwork. For some students, the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. The crisp winter air invigorated spirits as the kids took turns leading the way. Moving through diverse forests, wildlife sightings added to the wonder: an otter swimming in the east branch of the Penobscot River and a rare spruce grouse fluttering into the trees offered moments of awe and connection to the land.
After arriving at Haskell Hut in the evening the students practiced cooking meals for a crowd, melting snow for water, and mastering the art of heating the cozy hut with wood. The hut’s warmth provided the perfect setting for reflection and connection. Around the wood stove, we shared stories, set goals, and discussed the responsibilities of being a leader. In fact, we were presented with an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making. A forecast showing temperatures plummeting to -13°F with windchill on Monday led the group to make the difficult choice to cut the trip short. Though disappointing, this decision underscored the importance of putting group safety first—a powerful takeaway for these young leaders.
The next morning brought quiet moments of gratitude. The students sipped hot cocoa as the sunrise painted the sky in shades of yellow and orange. Dan’s famous farmers breakfast sizzled on the stove. A guided mindfulness meditation allowed them to pause and absorb the rhythms of the forest before beginning their journey home.
Though the trip was shortened, the experience made a profound impact. The physical challenge of skiing, the warm camaraderie, and the inspiring backdrop of Katahdin Woods & Waters set the stage for personal growth. As the students packed up their gear and skied back down the trail, they carried with them more than just memories—they took home new skills, confidence, and connections to nature and the people they shared it with. Trips like this one highlight the transformative power of outdoor leadership, showing that even in the coldest of winters, warmth and inspiration can be found in the shared experience of the wild.
Thank you for a great year, how to play safely in winter, Friends welcomes new directors, Haskell Hut youth trip, ranger-led events, and more…
Pine cone scales left by the red squirrel inside. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
The first weeks of 2025 blew in on a cold front! In the parklands of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, snowflakes are falling, ponds are freezing over, and the clatter of wind-knocked branches punctuates an otherwise quiet landscape. Winter adventures happening now show the range of activities available, with something for everyone! Whether skiing in to camp at one of the huts in the north end of KAWW or heading out for a hour on snowshoes with kids, visitors experience a serene version of the landscape–absent the vibrant colors and animal chatter of the warmer seasons–with open views and more visible animal signs that tell the stories of predation and survival.
Conditions can change quickly, however, turning even short excursions dangerous. Check out the resources we’ve shared this month on recreating safely in winter from the National Park Service.
Finally, as we begin a new calendar year, the staff and board of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters are thrilled to say THANK YOU to everyone who made our year-end appeal wildly successful! We challenged ourselves to give more, and by working together, we were able to meet and surpass our 2024 fundraising goal, helping us start 2025 ready to get to work on behalf of Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Make the Most of Winter, Safely
Plan for slower travel when hauling gear. Photo credit: FKWW
Katahdin Woods and Waters is a destination for many in winter, with good reason! Snowmobiling (restricted to certain areas), cross-country skiing, hiking, and more offer locals and folks from far away the opportunity to excape to a frozen wonderland. And just as the experience in winter is starkly different from an August visit, so are the considerations for safety. KAWW Interim Superintendent Keith Johnston recently emphasised that safety is top of mind for him and his staff this time of year. Fortunately, the NPS has myriad resources for you to delve into before your trip. Below are quick links to get you started:
Current Conditions – Check here for road closures, general conditions, and more. Note that logging trucks are present in winter on roads that enter the monument, and monument roads have been icy this season.
Winter Activities – Run down the checklist of nine winter safety guidelines on this page as you plan your adventure.
Be Winter Ready – Use this more comprehensive article from the NPS (with even more links for further learning) to dig deeper into winter safety planning, including having a “plan B.”
Trail Conditions (North Entrance) – Understand the conditions and know the limits of your equipment and expertise. (Grooming began this week!)
Friends’ News
High spirits before hitting the trail on Sunday. Photo credit: FKWW
Haskell Hut Youth Leadership Trip – Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Elise (FKWW Education Coordinator) teamed up with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) to guide local middle and high school youth on an overnight ski trip to Haskell Hut. These six students were invited to expand their leadership skills after exhibiting determination and teamwork throughout summer programs. Before the trip, the students planned a nutritious menu and learned to pack for the backcountry. Spirits were high on the trail, despite an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making when the forecast for Monday showed outdoor temperatures plummeting to -13F with windchill. Although disappointing, leaders made the tough call to cut the trip short after one night. From the more than eleven miles of skiing (while hauling heavy pulks!) to cooking for a crowd off-grid, to heating the hut with wood, everyone agreed that it was a challenging, but incredibly rewarding weekend. We extend huge thanks to KAWW Ranger Crystal, who skied along on the way in–enriching the journey by sharing her knowledge of Katahdin Woods & Waters. Watch the Friends blog for a complete trip report next month!
All smiles at Vacation Camp in 2023. Photo credit: FKWW
February Vacation Camp – Heading into its fourth year, Vacation Camp is a cherished program for local students in grades 2-5 during school breaks. Exploring animal tracks, learning to cross-country ski, and visits from the National Park Service and Baxter State Park are a few of the activities that Katahdin Learning Project educators are planning for this year’s camp! The curriculum is closely tied to connecting students to nature, community, and the monument. After a successful trial in 2024, camp will again welcome middle and high school volunteers to join the fun. These tweens and teens found roles as fun, relatable mentors for younger participants, while connecting with community and developing a sense of service. Millinocket-area families can learn more about signing up here.
Board Welcomes New Directors – Friends welcomed three new directors at the December board meeting. Joining for a three-year term are Amanda Hannah (Yarmouth), Head of External Communications and Brand Engagement at L.L.Bean; Gavin Robinson (Holden), VP and Community Relations Manager at Bangor Savings Bank; and Brian Threlkeld (Portland), Membership Director for Maine Outdoor Brands.
Ruger heads out for a day of hunting grouse. Photo credit: FKWW
Trip Report – Hunting for Grouse in KAWW’s Seboeis Parcel
Late last year, two Friends staff members took advantage of our unique and generous personnel policy–that time spent within the national monument is “at work!” Operations and Finance Coordinator Ruger and Education Coordinator Elise headed up to Katahdin Woods & Waters for a day of grouse hunting. Unlike most national parks, KAWW allows hunting on certain parcels east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, including the Seboeis parcel. (You can learn more about hunting in the Monument from the National Park Service here; both state and federal laws apply.)
Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Upcoming Events in the Monument! Visit the calendar to learn more and reserve your spot today:
Always be the first to know about NPS happenings, news, and events by following KAWW on Facebook @woodsandwatersnps
Fresh summer job opportunity – three trail positions are currently open including the newest: Maintenance Worker Leader.
To view all job openings, visit usajobs.gov, search for “Patten, Maine,” and filter to exclude remote jobs. Save your search and receive email notifications when new jobs become available.
The National Park Foundation will welcome Jeff Reinbold as president and CEO effective February 1. Jeff succeeds Will Shafroth, a great champion of KAWW who ushered an era of major philanthropic growth for our national parks system over the last decade.
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout level sponsor Elliotsville Foundation, whose work is about strengthening communities and economies by expanding connections with the outdoors.And thank you to Lee Auto Malls for their Barnard level sponsorship! Lee is committed to contributing to positive change in the communities in which they do business.Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on January 23, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Contact: Brian Hinrichs, Executive Director, brian@friendsofkww.org
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2025
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Announces New Board Members and Strategic Plan
Patten, Maine – Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, the nonprofit philanthropic partner to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, is pleased to announce new directors and board leadership changes effective January 1st, 2025. The organization has also published a new strategic plan charting its priorities through 2027.
Joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term are Amanda Hannah (Yarmouth, ME), Head of External Communications and Brand Engagement at L.L.Bean; Gavin Robinson (Holden, ME), Vice President and Community Relations Manager at Bangor Savings Bank; and Brian Threlkeld (Portland, ME), Membership Director for Maine Outdoor Brands. A full listing of board members and their biographies can be found at friendsofkww.org/board.
New to board leadership roles in 2025 are Sheryl Tishman (Port Clyde, ME) of the NorthLight Foundation, who was elected Vice President, and Logan Edwards (Portland, ME), Director of Finance for Jacob Stern & Sons, Inc, who was elected Treasurer. Molly Ross (Center Lovell, ME) will continue her leadership of the organization as President of the Board of Directors, and Gail Fanjoy (Millinocket, ME) will continue as Secretary.
Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is emerging from an exciting year that saw the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and its donation to the National Park Service. The new welcome center will be transformative for visitor experience in the Monument, orienting visitors through a Wabanaki worldview in both exhibitry and design while providing an accessible entry point to the beauty of the landscape. Tekαkαpimək is a Penobscot language word for “as far as one can see”, pronounced deh gah-gah bee mook.
Friends also completed a new strategic plan in 2024, stemming from a robust community and organizational process funded by the National Park Foundation. Priorities for Friends in the coming years include building connections to the land through community programs, ensuring the ecological vitality of the Monument, investing in visitor experience, and expanding its support network. The plan also introduces an updated mission statement:
The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is to preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument and inspire a community dedicated to the Monument’s future.
Written by Friends of KWW Education Coordinator, Elise Goplerud
In my time working with Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters over the past four years, I’ve prioritized exploring the Monument’s recreational opportunities. From camping to skiing, I’ve done it all—except hunting, an often-overlooked activity in the Monument. Unlike most national parks, Katahdin Woods & Waters allows hunting on certain parcels east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, including the Seboeis parcel. (You can learn more about hunting in the Monument from the National Park Service here; both state and federal laws apply.)
I didn’t grow up in a hunting family, but I have always admired Maine’s culture of self-reliance and subsistence hunting. Although I’ve completed my hunter safety course, I knew there really is no substitute for getting out there with someone experienced. So when Ruger, our Operations and Finance Coordinator, invited staff for a December partridge/grouse hunt, I was happy to join for a chance to gain a better understanding of hunting–and a day away from my computer. I decided my role on this trip would be to observe and learn.
Icy roads!
Early Start
At 3:21 a.m., Ruger’s text woke me: “On my way.” Coffee in hand, we drove toward the Seboeis parcel but soon found the icy roads impassable by car. Parking safely, we continued on foot. Dawn broke as we walked, painting the sky pink and purple over distant mountains. Moose tracks led the way, and we wondered if we’d see any moose today. Ruger asked how often I found moose sheds in the woods, and I laughed because in all the years I’ve wandered the Maine woods I’ve only found one shed.
Tracking and Exploring
We veered onto an abandoned logging road and soon saw our first grouse. The dense forest made a safe shot impossible, but our excitement grew. It wasn’t long before we heard the wings of four more grouse flying into the safety of the dense spruce trees around us. It was still early, though, and we were feeling hopeful about the possibility of seeing more. We continued on as the old road narrowed into a game trail, until we reached a collapsed bridge over a brook with a beaver dam and lodge snug with signs of recent activity.
Our bushwack took us to Kimball Brook, its roaring waters from the recent rain and snow melt surrounded by towering pines and spruces. Amid this wilderness, we found a phone line insulator—an echo of the area’s logging past.
Kimball BrookAn old phone line insulatorA moose femur
A Rare Encounter
Since we weren’t seeing any signs of grouse, we decided to bushwack our way back to the main road and explore a different abandoned logging road that we had spotted that morning. At this point, I had given up on hunting and was just enjoying looking around and chatting until suddenly Ruger crouched down, turned to shush me and then pointed into the woods. We crept closer until I could see what he was pointing at: an old, blonde raccoon. She laid in a dried up stream bed and looked up at us with one eye. We backed off to give her space, and as we were leaving, we saw her slowly lumber into the woods. Her slow, frail movements hinted at the end of her journey. This solemn encounter was a rare reminder of nature’s life cycles and one of many humbling moments of the day.
Rewarding Persistence
We decided to call it a day, and as we neared the car, we made a final discovery—a young bull moose’s shed! It felt like nature’s way of rewarding our persistence and curiosity.
We weren’t successful in acquiring a grouse, but hunting offers so much more than the prospect of a meal. As Ruger reminded me, “That’s why they call it ‘hunting’ not ‘getting.’” It’s about connecting with the land and being energized by the small details in nature. Whether it’s spotting wildlife or stumbling across remnants of human history, every moment deepens your appreciation for the land. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always measured by what you take home—it’s found in the quiet discoveries made along the way.
First snow, winter trip tips, final days to give, Friends strategic plan, and more…
Beavers stay warm in their thick, waterproof fur coats. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Throughout the last year in this newsletter, we’ve shown you the beautiful landscape of Katahdin Woods and Waters, updated you on advocacy efforts and ecological successes, shared youth outdoor adventures, and celebrated the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. This month, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the power of folks working together to make a difference – people like YOU.
Just two weeks ago, the 9th running of the famed grassroots Millinocket Marathon and Half hosted nearly 3,000 runners and thousands more spectators hailing from all 50 states and several countries. What part of running 13-26 miles on dirt roads in freezing temperatures makes this happen? The joy of sharing a community experience! Hearts and spirits warm while witnessing runners achieving their goals, bustling local businesses, and the many homegrown festivities.
Likewise, Friends is made up of folks who, among other things, care about a special place, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. While we may not ever all gather together in one location, we seek ways to connect as a community throughout the year. Whether networking at a member event, learning about trees in the monument with a ranger, or paddling on the East Branch with loved ones, this land brings us closer to nature, and to one another.
Friends’ staff on a snowshoe outing last winter. From L-R: Brian, Kala, Meghan, Sarah, Elise, Ruger. Credit FKWW
Keep reading for a preview of activities this winter, news from the park service, and more. And from all of us–happy holidays, Friends!
Friends’ New Strategic Plan
Click to view our new strategic plan now! Photo credit: Nolan Altvater
Last year, Friends began a robust and immersive process to chart the course for our next three years. Board, staff, stakeholders, and Katahdin region community members contributed, and we are delighted to now share the final plan! The strategic planning was facilitated by the talented folks at Solid Ground Consulting and funded through a capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation.
In this exciting next chapter, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will work hand in hand with the National Park Service, Wabanaki tribal communities, and Katahdin region communities to ensure the National Monument reaches its full potential. A highlight within the plan is naming, for the first time, our aspirational vision for the future and a set of values to guide us as new decisions and opportunities inevitably arise. Our updated mission is:
To preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and inspire a community dedicated to its future.
Improvements for visitors–today and into the future. Photo credit: FKWW
Early this fall, we shared an ambitious fundraising challenge from Board President Molly Ross. Today, with the combined power of new members and longtime champions, we are more than 90% towards our ambitious year-end goal!. Now is your time—will you join Molly and many others to meet the challenge before December 31st?
Executive Director Brian Hinrichs shared, “In the history of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, I believe we will look back and realize that this was the moment when anticipation turned to excitement. On a recent fall hike up the Deasey Mountain Trail, I saw evidence of important investments taking shape all around the monument.”
If you have recently renewed your financial support, thank you.
Get Ready for Winter Recreation
The Old River Road parking area last winter. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Some early snowstorms have us excited for winter activities in the monument and the whole Katahdin region. From winter hiking and snowshoeing, wildlife photography to cross-country skiing – there are ways for everyone to get out and enjoy the pristine beauty of the landscape, and if you like, relax by a cozy fireside at the end of the day, too!
Skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are permitted on all ungroomed trails in the monument. The intrepid adventurer may be rewarded by a magical experience breaking fresh tracks and sighting wildlife in a glittering snowscape. However, be prepared! Even small problems can become deadly when compounded by low temperatures and changing conditions. Vist Winter Safety – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) to learn more.
Katahdin Area Trails, a nonprofit whose mission is “to grow exceptional non-motorized trail experiences and a vibrant, welcoming trails community in Maine’s Katahdin Region,” maintains a live hub for grooming reports from for the region’s recreational trails. Bookmark the grooming report link and keep it handy when you are looking to get out on snow for an hour after work or a full day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fatbiking. For my personal and gratuitous take on some local trails, you can check out the nordic skiing blog post I wrote last season.
Heading to the region for the night, weekend, or longer? Search for the perfect accomodations and more at the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce’s business directory. If you still have questions, please send me an email and I will help you find the information you need for a fun trip.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Hiring season has started for seasonal summer jobs at KAWW! Open positions include Trails Crew, Equipment Operator, and more and start at $21.98/hour. Contact Robert Weaver or search “Patten” on USAjobs.gov.
Join NPS at the Millinocket Memorial Library December 30 for a family-friendly program on Winter Wildlife. Learn more here.
KAWW Education Specialist Crystal Lewis and Maine Forest Service District Forester Lauren Ouellete will lead a winter edition of Tree Talks in Patten on Saturday January 25th. This free event takes place outdoors and snowshoes will be available! Registration is required.
This month, KAWW Facility Manager Dewey Loft traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept a 2023 NPS Director’s Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Management in Maintenance for his work improving endangered Atlantic salmon passage. Congratulations, Dewey!
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Snowmobile season is nearly here…check out this hub of information including a regional map, event calendar for local club happenings, and more at the Katahdin Area Snowmobile Trails site.
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our wonderful Katahdin level sponsor Maine Beer Company! Committed to “do good through great beer,” MBC supports many environmental organizations in Maine as a proud member of 1% for the Planet since their founding in 2009. And thank you to Trust for Public Land supporting Friends at the Deasey level in 2024! TPL works nationwide to create and improve outdoor access for all.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on December 20, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Tekαkαpimək recognized, lessons from the Friends Alliance, a time for giving, learning and growing outside, and more…
White tailed deer in KAWW in early winter. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Over the last few weeks, the monument transitioned to its quiet season. The colorful blazes of foliage that swept across hillsides faded to sedate browns before drifting down to the forest floor. Many monument residents are burrowing down or flying away before winter arrives, and even the roads are emptier since the gates on the Loop Road and the northern entrance were officially swung shut for the season at the end of October.
This quiet season, the “season of the sticks,” presents wonderful opportunities for hikes and walks in the woods. Leafless vistas open wider views across the landscape, and the bare underbrush allows the astute (and quiet) observer glimpses of wildlife on the move.
As we take a breath before a season filled with festivities and winter preparation, Friends is focused on ensuring that we are well provisioned for the important work ahead in 2025. With just over 30 days left to reach our ambitious fundraising challenge, please join in! If you have already made a gift, thank you! Why not forward this email to a friend, or even consider a gift in their honor? And if you’ve been waiting to do your end-of-year donation, head to our Donate page to add your support!
Tekαkαpimək Cited as Example by NPS
Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis speaking at the ribbon cutting, August 17, 2024. Photo credit: Northern Oak
Earlier this month, the National Park Service issued a first-ever Director’s Order codifying and celebrating the importance of nation-to-nation consultations with Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. With this announcement, our work developing Tekαkαpimək Contact Station in partnership with the Wabanaki Nations was cited as an example paving the way forward. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is also one of just 109 park units nationally that has already established co-stewardship agreements with tribes. These indications of progress are worth mentioning, especially as we mark Native American History Month, but the work must continue.
National Park Friends Alliance Conference
Ruger, Molly and Brian take in the views at Yosemite National Park. Credit: FKWW
In October, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs, Board President Molly Ross, and Operations and Finance Coordinator Ruger Pearson attended the annual Friends Alliance Conference, held this year in Yosemite National Park. Our heads are now full of new ideas and best practices we look forward to implementing here at KAWW! Particularly memorable and meaningful were remarks from Dorothy FireCloud (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) from the Office of Native American Affairs, and Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson. The takeaways: we must be consistent in showing up for our Wabanaki friends and partners, and there is no shortage of hidden stories to be told from these lands. Let Tekαkαpimək be the starting point for our collaboration and discovery, but not the end.
Southern Access Legislation Update
On November 19th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee (ENR) advanced a bipartisan package including legislation to improve access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This is an exciting and necessary step as the 118th Congressional session winds down. We thank Senator Angus King for championing this bill, which would allow the National Park Service to acquire road access from willing landowners to create a new public route along the Stacyville, Huber, and Roberts Roads into KAWW. Better connectivity with Millinocket has been a priority from the start for Friends, and we remain optimistic about the next steps Congress might take to adopt this legislation.
Katahdin Learning Project Connects to Community
What a fall KLP had with our local kids and teachers! Our staff delivered programs from Nature Art with Ashland Middle School to Maine Wildlife with Katahdin Elementary, and so much in between! We even brought Stearns High School students to Maine Bound at the University of Maine for rock climbing and to learn about college opportunities. While programs may take place deep in the wilderness or on a college campus, and cover diverse topics, every experience we provide is rooted in KLP’s core mission of connecting youth with nature, community, and the monument. Marking a seasonal transition, staff are now busy preparing for outdoor winter programs. To request a visit to your school or group, send a message to KLP@friendsofkww.org.
The Katahdin Learning Project is dedicated to honoring truth telling and integrating Wabanaki studies into our educational programs. This month, Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud attended a Wabanaki studies workshop presented by Brianne Lolar and Kaya Lolar and supported by Maine Environmental Education Association where she joined a group of passionate educators from across the state. Elise shared, “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange success stories, discuss challenges, and support one another in this important work.” She’s excited to bring new perspectives to KLP’s programs and more meaningfully incorporate Wabanaki studies into curriculum. In December, KLP will bring Shantel Neptune, water quality scientist for Penobscot Nation Natural Resources to participate in co-leading our water quality testing lesson. You can learn more about MEEA’s work to expand access to Wabanaki studies here.
Sharing the Story of Tekαkαpimək
Although Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is now fully closed to any visitation until the 2025 summer season, the stories of how the building and exhibits were shaped and created, and the lasting impacts and relationships formed, are being told. Friends is honored to be a part of the story through the A Monumental Welcome campaign, and even more so to pass the podium to the artists and architects of this special place. Keep an eye on our social media channels in the weeks and months ahead as we share links to articles, webinars, and presentations. *In case you missed it, Maine Conservation Voters hosted a Lunch and Learn panel discussion in September that explored how “interpretation…through a Wabanaki lens in a contemporary context…honor[s] the past and show[s] vibrant communities moving sustainably into the future.”
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Get cozy this winter by reserving a night at one of the two huts on monument land for a KAWW winter camping trip. Reservations will open, only at recreation.gov, on December 9th and we expect they will book up quickly!
Now is the time to consider seasonal summer jobs with the National Park Service. Learn how to find positions and build your resume at one of the Federal Resume Workshops offered by Acadia National Park staff in Ellsworth or online. (Applicants interested in KAWW welcome!)
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Heads up, Millinocket-area 6-12th graders – the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collaborative (KROC) hosts weekly outdoor activities after school. Check the schedule and learn more at the Millinocket Memorial Library.
If you know, you know…the Millinocket Marathon and Half is like no other! Maine’s famous grassroots race will run on Saturday, December 7th.
The 30th Anniversary Wabanaki Winter Market will take place on Saturday, December 14th at the Collins Center for the Arts on the UMaine campus in Orono.
🎉A bipartisan group of senators including Maine Senator Angus King introduced the extension of the Great American Outdoors Act National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) last week. The America the Beautiful Act would increase and extend this transformative funding. Read the press release from the National Parks Conservation Association here.
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout sponsor Ktaadn Resorts – New England Outdoor Center! Whether hosting our Woods and Waters Day celebration, supporting Friends, or providing top notch accomodations for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, NEOC is a true champion of the Katahdin region.
And thank you to fellow nonprofit Maine Audubon for their Hathorn sponsorship as well as their deep care for the national monument’s flora and fauna.Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on November 26, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Hiking weather, park improvements, celebrating dark skies, cemetery visits, and more…
Leaves and sky on the East Branch. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Is fall your favorite season? If so, you are in good company. In October in the Katahdin region, it’s especially easy to love the outdoors. With a few easy layers–wool sweater, knit cap, light gloves–that can be stashed in your pack by late morning, there is no better time to take a hike! Lower in the sky each day, the sun’s intense summer heat has been swapped for a warm glow, lighting the last leaves from below as they fall.
Friends’ staff are reflecting this season on the intensity of 2024–from the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and a moving celebration in August to a landmark year for our education program, Katahdin Learning Project. Like the mosaic of leaves sparkling on the inky surface of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, our community of supporters deserves a moment of appreciation. Our shared care and passion for this place makes this progress possible. Thanks for being a part of the crew.
Priority Park Progress
Projects large and small are moving along in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument!
On a recent day hike of Deasey Mountain, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs witnessed several infrastructure projects in motion or recently completed. Brian reported that “this included a full bridge replacement at Mile 0 of Loop Road, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (completed in September); rehabilitation of the historic Deasey Mountain Fire Lookout funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (completed in August); and the Hunt Farm Parcel Information Area, funded by Friends of KWW, anticipated to be completed in Spring 2025.”
Photo credit FKWW. Top: The Hunt Farm Information Area will provide parking for 10 vehicles on the Swift Brook Rd, plus vault toilet and picnic area as visitors begin their journey into the monument. Bottom L: The historic Deasey Mountain Fire Lookout was rehabilitated by students from Stephen T. Mather H.S. in New York City and the Maine Conservation Corps, supported by skilled staff from the NPS. Bottom R: This new bridge at Loop Road Mile 0 is an example of the salmon passage improvements throughout KAWW.
Stars Over Katahdin
On September 28th, Friends hosted the 11th annual Stars Over Katahdin. Thank you to our partners at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Dark Sky Maine, our guest astronomers, and our year-long sponsors who made this event possible! The night included campfire chats, educational presentations, music by the Burnurwurbskek Singers, and observation of the dark skies of this International Dark Sky Sanctuary after the clouds parted. Students also participated in the program as part of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) with additional lessons on nature journaling, constellations, and more! It was a busy and fun night with over 200 guests joining us in Patten. Stay tuned for information on next year’s event in the next few months.
Left, students learn about “critters of the night.” Right, after a cloudy start, the Milky Way! Photo credit: FKWW
Katahdin Learning Project – Community Highlight
Ashland Middle School students witness history. Photo credit: Amanda Barker
It’s key to our mission, and we know that for many of you, nothing is more important: outdoor, place-based education for Katahdin-region youth. And nothing gets us more excited than seeing our work expand to new communities and beyond our own Friends programming! Recently, our seasonal educator, Maggie, spoke with Ashland Middle School teacher Amanda Barker to learn how she was inspired by a lesson in the Stacyville Cemetary during KLP’s Teacher Camp in 2022. Ms. Barker is now making her passions for community and science fun for her students with hands-on lessons, field trips, and co-curricular connections. In a visit to the Ashland Municipal Cemetery, her students identified an assigned person and made a stone rubbing, collected data from stones to calculate average life spans and make inferences about diseases, and received a presentation from local Civil War reenactors at a memorial for local soldiers. We are so excited to hear that she has observed “…a closer connection of community and respect through this lesson. Students are willing to go back and…be more involved with the lesson.” Learn more about Teacher Camp and KLP on our website, Facebook, and Instagram!
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is closed to the public while Elliotsville Foundation completes construction of the building and surrounding site.
It’s not too early to think about seasonal summer jobs with the National Park Service. Learn how to find positions and build your resume at one of the Federal Resume Workshops offered by Acadia National Park staff in Ellsworth or online. (Applicants interested in KAWW welcome!)
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
You’re not just carving a face in your pumpkin, are you? Up your jack o’lantern game with these national park themed carving templates! Extra credit: design one for KAWW and tag Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters when you share it on socials.
If you are inspired by Ms. Barker’s cemetery lesson in Ashland, October is the perfect month to take a walk in your local cemetery. Your local historical society may offer “spooky” guided walks this time of year, such as the Darker Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour in Bangor, or a ghost-free self-guided walk.
The Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail comprises dedicated volunteers who maintain trails in KAWW and occasionally lead trips, too! Read about their recent trip to the monument’s north section on their blog.
Sponsor Spotlight
Events like Stars Over Katahdin are made possible by our year-long sponsors. Thank you!
Gideon Asen Law | Katahdin Trust | Lee Auto Mall | Maine Audubon
Natural Resource Council of Maine | Ellis Family Market | Shoebox Collaborations
Plus a special shout out this month to our Lookout level sponsor Eaton Peabody, Attorneys at Law! With offices in Portland and Bangor, the firm contributes time and resources to support community organizations throughout Maine. And thank you to Katahdin Trust for their Barnard sponsorship and providing community banking at its best since 1918!
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on October 25, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
We have so many exciting things to share this month, from Friends’ annual Stars Over Katahdin coming up to more chances to visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station to important updates from the NPS. But first we want to share that our annual fall appeal has begun! Now is the time to make your impact.If you missed board president Molly Ross’s email last week you can find it here on our blog. I hope that Molly’s enthusiasm and excitement inspires YOU–together we can make this fundraising season our most spectacular yet!
Visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station
Photo credit: James Florio
You’ve been asking…and although the site is not yet open to the public, we are happy to share more invitational visitation dates this fall! An extraordinary gift is nearing completion and will soon be transferred to the National Park Service, imbued with Wabanaki artistry and knowledge, Tekαkαpimək will provide the global public a deeply meaningful introduction to this landscape we all cherish. We look forward to sharing it with you!
Saturday and Sunday, September 28th & 29th between 10 AM-3 PM
orSunday and Monday, October 13th & 14th between 10 AM-3 PM
Please note: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is currently in the final stages of construction and closed to the public at all other times. Regular operating hours for the 2025 season will be announced in coordination with the National Park Service.
Friends’ News
Register today! Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Stars Over Katahdin – Saturday, September 28th!
From the total solar eclipse back in April to some spectacular shows of aurora borealis, the Katahdin region has been drawing crowds looking up in 2024…but we’ve been celebrating the darkest skies east of the Mississippi since before the monument’s designation! Come join Friends, KAWW rangers, and expert astronomers and naturalists for an evening of wonder and learning. This family-friendly event is free, but registration is required.
Friends’ staff and board had a blast at the Common Ground Fair in the Environmental Concerns area last weekend and we will be at the Fryeburg Fair in the Natural Resource Center (9/29-10/6) sharing maps, answering your questions, and catching up with friends old and new! If you are headed to the Fryeburg Fair, be sure to stop by and say hello!
Back-to-school news from Katahdin Learning Project
Education Coordinator Elise leads a lesson in 2023. Photo credit: FKWW
September marks the start of a new school year, and the Katahdin Learning Project is excited to be back in the classroom (or outside the classroom)! We’re busy the entire month of September with field trips and school visits, bringing outdoor education to students throughout the Katahdin region. Don’t miss our newly updated 2024/2025 program catalogpacked with fresh ideas and opportunities for learning in nature!And we had so much fun adventuring this summer as part of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) that we are bringing our summer youth programs into the school year! As part of the Stars Over Katahdin celebration, we’ll be hosting an overnight for local students in grades 6-12. It’s the perfect chance for kids to reconnect with old friends from our summer trips, build new friendships, and experience the magic of the night sky. Learn more and register here.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service (NPS) and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KAWW)
Superintendent Mark Wimmer has moved on to a new opportunity after nearly three years at KAWW. Beginning this month, Acadia National Park’s Chief of Maintenance Keith Johnston will serve as interim Superintendent while a search is undertaken. Thank you, Mark, and welcome, Keith!
Thank you to our Katahdin sponsor Richardson’s Hardware! A fourth generation Patten business and longtime champion of the monument and the Katahdin Learning Project, Richardson’s is a true community partner, including their generous support of Friends.
And thank you to Gideon Asen Law for their Barnard sponsorship!
What’s New
Posted: April 2, 2025 by Sarah Andre
Leap into Spring – March eNewsletter
Mud season ahead, state of the park webinar, Membership May announced, youth leadership in action, and more…
Good-bye winter! Your soft sun-warmed snow is melting fast, sinking into and streaming across the saturated ground into tributaries, brooks, and rivers where the churned-up resembles frothy hot cocoa (to some of us, anyway!).
Spring is coming on fast this year, which might have you itching to wipe the cobwebs out of the canoe and clap last year’s mud off your hiking boots–while the cross country skis stand like defiant sentries on the porch, raindrops rolling from tip to tail. Perhaps the best thing to do on such days is grab a mug of actual hot chocolate and sit it out.
In this month’s eNews, we’re looking forward to warmer days and gathering together. We’re inviting you to join us for Friends’ first events of 2025! From a State of the Park Zoom webinar with NPS and Friends leaders to FOUR opportunities to mingle at breweries near you, we can’t wait to see you this spring. These events, plus Woods & Waters Day and Stars Over Katahdin, are all made possible with the support of our generous corporate and nonprofit sponsors – join us this month in celebrating and thanking our 2024 sponsors for inspiring folks to preserve, protect, and enhance KAWW!
Learning to Lead in the Outdoors
When Nic* first showed up as a potential leader at Vacation Camp, the 9th grader wasn’t sure they were ready. Leading younger students on outdoor adventures sounded exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking. Nic wondered, “am I really a leader?” After going through the interview process and attending training, Nic began to see themselves differently—not just as a participant, but as a mentor. At Vacation Camp this February, Nic patiently helped students lace up their boots and step into bindings, then encouraged and cheered successful first glides on cross country skis. They rallied games of “camouflage” (a crowd favorite game at camp!) and even took the lead on teaching a fun paper craft.
But the impact didn’t stop there. Inspired by the experience, Nic told us they now feel confident enough to take their friends and family on outdoor adventures—maybe even up Katahdin someday.
Stories like Nic’s demonstrate what Katahdin Learning Project’s Ambassador and Leadership Program offers for youth as a stepping stone to career awareness, leadership growth, and stronger community connections. These ambassadors aren’t just “helping out” with our younger campers; they’re shaping their own futures. This program relies on donor contributions–your support helps students gain real-world experience, explore careers in conservation, and discover the joy of mentoring others. Thank you for making life-changing experiences possible for teens like Nic!
*Name changed for privacy
Friends’ Happenings
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
The quiet of March offers the perfect moment to recognize the tremendous power of corporate and nonprofit sponsorship! 2024 events, from Membership May to Stars Over Katahdin in late September attracted more attendees than ever before, sharing the exceptional natural and cultural resources of hundreds of folks from Maine and beyond. If you can, thank a sponsor with your business for their contribution to Friends’ mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by inspiring a community of supporters!
Our final spotlights for 2024 go out to three fabulous Hathorn level sponsors:
Shoebox Collaborations, a small consulting shop offering strategic planning, capacity building, and project management for nonprofits and partnerships,
Independent grocer Ellis Family Market, providing a variety of great products at two locations in the Katahdin region, and
Natural Resources Council of Maine, harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine’s environment since 1959!
Thank you.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends mission and work. To learn how your business or organization can make a difference, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on March 28, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: March 5, 2025 by Sarah Andre
All in for Winter – February eNewsletter
Winter Festival, oodles of snow, federal updates, youth ski adventures, and more…
As we began to gather stories for this newsletter, eight or nine inches of snow fell over Katahdin Woods and Waters, contributing to the base of up to 30 inches on the ground in late February. Over the school break throughout our state, many families found ways to take advantage of a classic winter! Much of what we share this month will be fun and familiar – reminding you where to find the groomed trails in and around KAWW, pointing out engaging events, and telling stories of local youth connecting to the land. But we also share challenging news from the National Park Service. Federal actions have impacted our NPS colleagues and their work. We are staying abreast of developments and taking action when we can.
Friends has leapt into the year ready to deliver powerful outdoor and community-based learning to hundreds of local youth. Together, we will continue to find ways to deepen those connections to nature for kids, families, and visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Friends’ News
Facing New Challenges
It’s no secret: the National Park Service is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. With 1,000 probationary NPS employees terminated, we at Friends are working hard behind the scenes to communicate the resulting on-the-ground challenges to our elected officials while evaluating how our role as a support group may need to shift in the coming months. Locally at KAWW, we understand the current NPS team may face changes to current staffing and recruitment.
We can report a bright spot: hiring of seasonal employees at KAWW is moving forward, meaning some of the most critical visitor-facing rangers and maintenance jobs in the monument can be recruited. We thank members of our congressional delegation for hearing concerns on this front. The Monument staff are eager to continue providing accesss to these invaluable public lands and the experiences they offer.
As a valued member of the Friends of KWW network, we invite you to:
February Vacation Camp
Katahdin Learning Project staff look forward to February Vacation Camp all year. Months of planning, coordination with dozens of guest speakers and community partners, and countless emails with parents all come together when students arrive on the first morning—many storming staff with stories of their outdoor adventures since the last camp. This year, fully half our campers returned from 2024, eager to dive back in! Teen ambassadors with warm smiles confidently welcomed the new students, remembering their own excitement and nervous butterflies when they first joined.
This program enriches more than just the young campers—in fact, it ripples through our entire community. Teens gain leadership skills, guest speakers find inspiration in the curiosity and enthusiasm of their young audience, and the broader community sees hope for the future. Based out of the Millinocket Memorial Library, the children can be seen around town throughout the week demonstrating care for the land and each other. We were thrilled to welcome for the first time District Ranger Lauren from the Maine Forest Service to lead an interactive lesson on tree ecology—just one of many experiences that make each year fresh and exciting.
Vacation Camp is a true community effort, made possible by our incredible partners, guest experts, supportive parents, and generous donors like you. To everyone who contributed—thank you for helping us create something very special.
Haskell Hut Ski Trip
Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students went on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise wrote a trip report with all the highlights – catch up on our blog for the full story.
…the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. 
Save the Dates
Mark your calendars for our beloved summer and fall events!
Woods and Waters Day – Saturday, August 16th at Shin Pond Village, Mt. Chase
Stars Over Katahdin – Saturday, September 27 in the Katahdin Region (exact location TBA)
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Shout out to KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis for her work putting together a fun-tastic program for the Winter Festival on Saturday, March 1st. We are excited for more community events where you can meet many of the staff who care for the monument’s lands, wildlife, and facilities.
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout level sponsor L.L.Bean, where “land access and preservation has always been one L.L.Bean’s core values.”
And thank you to Katahdin Trust for their Barnard level sponsorship – standing behind their belief that a community that works together, thrives together!
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. Join us for the 2025 sponsorship season! Contact: sarah@friendsofkww.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on February 28, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: February 7, 2025 by Elise Goplerud
An Unforgettable Youth Ski to Haskell Hut
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students joined Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud and Outdoor Sport Institute’s Dan Rogan on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. These students, invited as part of a special leadership program, had proven their determination, teamwork, and leadership qualities throughout our summer programs. This weekend offered a unique opportunity to develop as leaders, while surrounded by the snowy beauty of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
We arrived at the north end trailhead at 10:30am energized and excited. KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis joined the group at the trailhead, sharing stories of the monument’s history and what a career with the National Park Service looks like. The students were eager to get on the trail, but soon realized their grit would be tested. Laden with heavy pulks, the group skied for more than 4 hours on 5.5 miles miles of ungroomed trails to reach Haskell Hut.
However, falls were met with laughter and encouragement, and each obstacle became a moment to practice resilience and teamwork. For some students, the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. The crisp winter air invigorated spirits as the kids took turns leading the way. Moving through diverse forests, wildlife sightings added to the wonder: an otter swimming in the east branch of the Penobscot River and a rare spruce grouse fluttering into the trees offered moments of awe and connection to the land.
After arriving at Haskell Hut in the evening the students practiced cooking meals for a crowd, melting snow for water, and mastering the art of heating the cozy hut with wood. The hut’s warmth provided the perfect setting for reflection and connection. Around the wood stove, we shared stories, set goals, and discussed the responsibilities of being a leader. In fact, we were presented with an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making. A forecast showing temperatures plummeting to -13°F with windchill on Monday led the group to make the difficult choice to cut the trip short. Though disappointing, this decision underscored the importance of putting group safety first—a powerful takeaway for these young leaders.
The next morning brought quiet moments of gratitude. The students sipped hot cocoa as the sunrise painted the sky in shades of yellow and orange. Dan’s famous farmers breakfast sizzled on the stove. A guided mindfulness meditation allowed them to pause and absorb the rhythms of the forest before beginning their journey home.
Though the trip was shortened, the experience made a profound impact. The physical challenge of skiing, the warm camaraderie, and the inspiring backdrop of Katahdin Woods & Waters set the stage for personal growth. As the students packed up their gear and skied back down the trail, they carried with them more than just memories—they took home new skills, confidence, and connections to nature and the people they shared it with. Trips like this one highlight the transformative power of outdoor leadership, showing that even in the coldest of winters, warmth and inspiration can be found in the shared experience of the wild.
This trip was made possible due to a collaboration with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective. Learn more about these youth programs here.
Posted: January 28, 2025 by Sarah Andre
It’s winter…now get outside! January eNewsletter
Thank you for a great year, how to play safely in winter, Friends welcomes new directors, Haskell Hut youth trip, ranger-led events, and more…
The first weeks of 2025 blew in on a cold front! In the parklands of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, snowflakes are falling, ponds are freezing over, and the clatter of wind-knocked branches punctuates an otherwise quiet landscape. Winter adventures happening now show the range of activities available, with something for everyone! Whether skiing in to camp at one of the huts in the north end of KAWW or heading out for a hour on snowshoes with kids, visitors experience a serene version of the landscape–absent the vibrant colors and animal chatter of the warmer seasons–with open views and more visible animal signs that tell the stories of predation and survival.
Conditions can change quickly, however, turning even short excursions dangerous. Check out the resources we’ve shared this month on recreating safely in winter from the National Park Service.
Finally, as we begin a new calendar year, the staff and board of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters are thrilled to say THANK YOU to everyone who made our year-end appeal wildly successful! We challenged ourselves to give more, and by working together, we were able to meet and surpass our 2024 fundraising goal, helping us start 2025 ready to get to work on behalf of Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Make the Most of Winter, Safely
Katahdin Woods and Waters is a destination for many in winter, with good reason! Snowmobiling (restricted to certain areas), cross-country skiing, hiking, and more offer locals and folks from far away the opportunity to excape to a frozen wonderland. And just as the experience in winter is starkly different from an August visit, so are the considerations for safety. KAWW Interim Superintendent Keith Johnston recently emphasised that safety is top of mind for him and his staff this time of year. Fortunately, the NPS has myriad resources for you to delve into before your trip. Below are quick links to get you started:
Friends’ News
Haskell Hut Youth Leadership Trip – Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Elise (FKWW Education Coordinator) teamed up with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) to guide local middle and high school youth on an overnight ski trip to Haskell Hut. These six students were invited to expand their leadership skills after exhibiting determination and teamwork throughout summer programs. Before the trip, the students planned a nutritious menu and learned to pack for the backcountry. Spirits were high on the trail, despite an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making when the forecast for Monday showed outdoor temperatures plummeting to -13F with windchill. Although disappointing, leaders made the tough call to cut the trip short after one night. From the more than eleven miles of skiing (while hauling heavy pulks!) to cooking for a crowd off-grid, to heating the hut with wood, everyone agreed that it was a challenging, but incredibly rewarding weekend. We extend huge thanks to KAWW Ranger Crystal, who skied along on the way in–enriching the journey by sharing her knowledge of Katahdin Woods & Waters. Watch the Friends blog for a complete trip report next month!
February Vacation Camp – Heading into its fourth year, Vacation Camp is a cherished program for local students in grades 2-5 during school breaks. Exploring animal tracks, learning to cross-country ski, and visits from the National Park Service and Baxter State Park are a few of the activities that Katahdin Learning Project educators are planning for this year’s camp! The curriculum is closely tied to connecting students to nature, community, and the monument. After a successful trial in 2024, camp will again welcome middle and high school volunteers to join the fun. These tweens and teens found roles as fun, relatable mentors for younger participants, while connecting with community and developing a sense of service. Millinocket-area families can learn more about signing up here.
Board Welcomes New Directors – Friends welcomed three new directors at the December board meeting. Joining for a three-year term are Amanda Hannah (Yarmouth), Head of External Communications and Brand Engagement at L.L.Bean; Gavin Robinson (Holden), VP and Community Relations Manager at Bangor Savings Bank; and Brian Threlkeld (Portland), Membership Director for Maine Outdoor Brands.
Trip Report – Hunting for Grouse in KAWW’s Seboeis Parcel
Late last year, two Friends staff members took advantage of our unique and generous personnel policy–that time spent within the national monument is “at work!” Operations and Finance Coordinator Ruger and Education Coordinator Elise headed up to Katahdin Woods & Waters for a day of grouse hunting. Unlike most national parks, KAWW allows hunting on certain parcels east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, including the Seboeis parcel. (You can learn more about hunting in the Monument from the National Park Service here; both state and federal laws apply.)
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Upcoming Events in the Monument! Visit the calendar to learn more and reserve your spot today:
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout level sponsor Elliotsville Foundation, whose work is about strengthening communities and economies by expanding connections with the outdoors.
And thank you to Lee Auto Malls for their Barnard level sponsorship! Lee is committed to contributing to positive change in the communities in which they do business.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on January 23, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: January 21, 2025 by Sarah Andre
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Announces New Board Members and Strategic Plan
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters
Contact: Brian Hinrichs, Executive Director, brian@friendsofkww.org
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2025
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Announces New Board Members and Strategic Plan
Patten, Maine – Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, the nonprofit philanthropic partner to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, is pleased to announce new directors and board leadership changes effective January 1st, 2025. The organization has also published a new strategic plan charting its priorities through 2027.
Joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term are Amanda Hannah (Yarmouth, ME), Head of External Communications and Brand Engagement at L.L.Bean; Gavin Robinson (Holden, ME), Vice President and Community Relations Manager at Bangor Savings Bank; and Brian Threlkeld (Portland, ME), Membership Director for Maine Outdoor Brands. A full listing of board members and their biographies can be found at friendsofkww.org/board.
New to board leadership roles in 2025 are Sheryl Tishman (Port Clyde, ME) of the NorthLight Foundation, who was elected Vice President, and Logan Edwards (Portland, ME), Director of Finance for Jacob Stern & Sons, Inc, who was elected Treasurer. Molly Ross (Center Lovell, ME) will continue her leadership of the organization as President of the Board of Directors, and Gail Fanjoy (Millinocket, ME) will continue as Secretary.
Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is emerging from an exciting year that saw the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and its donation to the National Park Service. The new welcome center will be transformative for visitor experience in the Monument, orienting visitors through a Wabanaki worldview in both exhibitry and design while providing an accessible entry point to the beauty of the landscape. Tekαkαpimək is a Penobscot language word for “as far as one can see”, pronounced deh gah-gah bee mook.
Friends also completed a new strategic plan in 2024, stemming from a robust community and organizational process funded by the National Park Foundation. Priorities for Friends in the coming years include building connections to the land through community programs, ensuring the ecological vitality of the Monument, investing in visitor experience, and expanding its support network. The plan also introduces an updated mission statement:
The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is to preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument and inspire a community dedicated to the Monument’s future.
The plan can be read in full at friendsofkww.org/plan.
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Posted: January 8, 2025 by Elise Goplerud
Hunting for Grouse in KAWW’s Seboeis Parcel – Trip Report
In my time working with Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters over the past four years, I’ve prioritized exploring the Monument’s recreational opportunities. From camping to skiing, I’ve done it all—except hunting, an often-overlooked activity in the Monument. Unlike most national parks, Katahdin Woods & Waters allows hunting on certain parcels east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, including the Seboeis parcel. (You can learn more about hunting in the Monument from the National Park Service here; both state and federal laws apply.)
I didn’t grow up in a hunting family, but I have always admired Maine’s culture of self-reliance and subsistence hunting. Although I’ve completed my hunter safety course, I knew there really is no substitute for getting out there with someone experienced. So when Ruger, our Operations and Finance Coordinator, invited staff for a December partridge/grouse hunt, I was happy to join for a chance to gain a better understanding of hunting–and a day away from my computer. I decided my role on this trip would be to observe and learn.
Early Start
At 3:21 a.m., Ruger’s text woke me: “On my way.” Coffee in hand, we drove toward the Seboeis parcel but soon found the icy roads impassable by car. Parking safely, we continued on foot. Dawn broke as we walked, painting the sky pink and purple over distant mountains. Moose tracks led the way, and we wondered if we’d see any moose today. Ruger asked how often I found moose sheds in the woods, and I laughed because in all the years I’ve wandered the Maine woods I’ve only found one shed.
Tracking and Exploring
We veered onto an abandoned logging road and soon saw our first grouse. The dense forest made a safe shot impossible, but our excitement grew. It wasn’t long before we heard the wings of four more grouse flying into the safety of the dense spruce trees around us. It was still early, though, and we were feeling hopeful about the possibility of seeing more. We continued on as the old road narrowed into a game trail, until we reached a collapsed bridge over a brook with a beaver dam and lodge snug with signs of recent activity.
Our bushwack took us to Kimball Brook, its roaring waters from the recent rain and snow melt surrounded by towering pines and spruces. Amid this wilderness, we found a phone line insulator—an echo of the area’s logging past.
A Rare Encounter
Since we weren’t seeing any signs of grouse, we decided to bushwack our way back to the main road and explore a different abandoned logging road that we had spotted that morning. At this point, I had given up on hunting and was just enjoying looking around and chatting until suddenly Ruger crouched down, turned to shush me and then pointed into the woods. We crept closer until I could see what he was pointing at: an old, blonde raccoon. She laid in a dried up stream bed and looked up at us with one eye. We backed off to give her space, and as we were leaving, we saw her slowly lumber into the woods. Her slow, frail movements hinted at the end of her journey. This solemn encounter was a rare reminder of nature’s life cycles and one of many humbling moments of the day.
Rewarding Persistence
We decided to call it a day, and as we neared the car, we made a final discovery—a young bull moose’s shed! It felt like nature’s way of rewarding our persistence and curiosity.
We weren’t successful in acquiring a grouse, but hunting offers so much more than the prospect of a meal. As Ruger reminded me, “That’s why they call it ‘hunting’ not ‘getting.’” It’s about connecting with the land and being energized by the small details in nature. Whether it’s spotting wildlife or stumbling across remnants of human history, every moment deepens your appreciation for the land. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always measured by what you take home—it’s found in the quiet discoveries made along the way.
Posted: December 20, 2024 by Sarah Andre
Making first tracks – December eNewsletter
First snow, winter trip tips, final days to give, Friends strategic plan, and more…
Throughout the last year in this newsletter, we’ve shown you the beautiful landscape of Katahdin Woods and Waters, updated you on advocacy efforts and ecological successes, shared youth outdoor adventures, and celebrated the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. This month, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the power of folks working together to make a difference – people like YOU.
Just two weeks ago, the 9th running of the famed grassroots Millinocket Marathon and Half hosted nearly 3,000 runners and thousands more spectators hailing from all 50 states and several countries. What part of running 13-26 miles on dirt roads in freezing temperatures makes this happen? The joy of sharing a community experience! Hearts and spirits warm while witnessing runners achieving their goals, bustling local businesses, and the many homegrown festivities.
Likewise, Friends is made up of folks who, among other things, care about a special place, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. While we may not ever all gather together in one location, we seek ways to connect as a community throughout the year. Whether networking at a member event, learning about trees in the monument with a ranger, or paddling on the East Branch with loved ones, this land brings us closer to nature, and to one another.
Keep reading for a preview of activities this winter, news from the park service, and more. And from all of us–happy holidays, Friends!
Friends’ New Strategic Plan
Last year, Friends began a robust and immersive process to chart the course for our next three years. Board, staff, stakeholders, and Katahdin region community members contributed, and we are delighted to now share the final plan! The strategic planning was facilitated by the talented folks at Solid Ground Consulting and funded through a capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation.
In this exciting next chapter, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will work hand in hand with the National Park Service, Wabanaki tribal communities, and Katahdin region communities to ensure the National Monument reaches its full potential. A highlight within the plan is naming, for the first time, our aspirational vision for the future and a set of values to guide us as new decisions and opportunities inevitably arise. Our updated mission is:
View the entire plan at friendsofkww.org/plan.
Friends’ Annual Appeal Final Days!
Early this fall, we shared an ambitious fundraising challenge from Board President Molly Ross. Today, with the combined power of new members and longtime champions, we are more than 90% towards our ambitious year-end goal!. Now is your time—will you join Molly and many others to meet the challenge before December 31st?
Executive Director Brian Hinrichs shared, “In the history of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, I believe we will look back and realize that this was the moment when anticipation turned to excitement. On a recent fall hike up the Deasey Mountain Trail, I saw evidence of important investments taking shape all around the monument.”
If you have recently renewed your financial support, thank you.
Get Ready for Winter Recreation
Some early snowstorms have us excited for winter activities in the monument and the whole Katahdin region. From winter hiking and snowshoeing, wildlife photography to cross-country skiing – there are ways for everyone to get out and enjoy the pristine beauty of the landscape, and if you like, relax by a cozy fireside at the end of the day, too!
Conditions permitting, skiers and snowshoers can enjoy groomed trails at the north entrance (pictured above) to Katahdin Woods and Waters from mid January to mid-March. Always check current conditions before you head out to the trails here: Winter Trail Conditions – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).
Skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are permitted on all ungroomed trails in the monument. The intrepid adventurer may be rewarded by a magical experience breaking fresh tracks and sighting wildlife in a glittering snowscape. However, be prepared! Even small problems can become deadly when compounded by low temperatures and changing conditions. Vist Winter Safety – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) to learn more.
Katahdin Area Trails, a nonprofit whose mission is “to grow exceptional non-motorized trail experiences and a vibrant, welcoming trails community in Maine’s Katahdin Region,” maintains a live hub for grooming reports from for the region’s recreational trails. Bookmark the grooming report link and keep it handy when you are looking to get out on snow for an hour after work or a full day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fatbiking. For my personal and gratuitous take on some local trails, you can check out the nordic skiing blog post I wrote last season.
Heading to the region for the night, weekend, or longer? Search for the perfect accomodations and more at the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce’s business directory. If you still have questions, please send me an email and I will help you find the information you need for a fun trip.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our wonderful Katahdin level sponsor Maine Beer Company! Committed to “do good through great beer,” MBC supports many environmental organizations in Maine as a proud member of 1% for the Planet since their founding in 2009.
And thank you to Trust for Public Land supporting Friends at the Deasey level in 2024! TPL works nationwide to create and improve outdoor access for all.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on December 20, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: December 2, 2024 by Sarah Andre
Stick Season – November eNewsletter
Tekαkαpimək recognized, lessons from the Friends Alliance, a time for giving, learning and growing outside, and more…
Over the last few weeks, the monument transitioned to its quiet season. The colorful blazes of foliage that swept across hillsides faded to sedate browns before drifting down to the forest floor. Many monument residents are burrowing down or flying away before winter arrives, and even the roads are emptier since the gates on the Loop Road and the northern entrance were officially swung shut for the season at the end of October.
This quiet season, the “season of the sticks,” presents wonderful opportunities for hikes and walks in the woods. Leafless vistas open wider views across the landscape, and the bare underbrush allows the astute (and quiet) observer glimpses of wildlife on the move.
As we take a breath before a season filled with festivities and winter preparation, Friends is focused on ensuring that we are well provisioned for the important work ahead in 2025. With just over 30 days left to reach our ambitious fundraising challenge, please join in! If you have already made a gift, thank you! Why not forward this email to a friend, or even consider a gift in their honor? And if you’ve been waiting to do your end-of-year donation, head to our Donate page to add your support!
Tekαkαpimək Cited as Example by NPS
Earlier this month, the National Park Service issued a first-ever Director’s Order codifying and celebrating the importance of nation-to-nation consultations with Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. With this announcement, our work developing Tekαkαpimək Contact Station in partnership with the Wabanaki Nations was cited as an example paving the way forward. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is also one of just 109 park units nationally that has already established co-stewardship agreements with tribes. These indications of progress are worth mentioning, especially as we mark Native American History Month, but the work must continue.
National Park Friends Alliance Conference
In October, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs, Board President Molly Ross, and Operations and Finance Coordinator Ruger Pearson attended the annual Friends Alliance Conference, held this year in Yosemite National Park. Our heads are now full of new ideas and best practices we look forward to implementing here at KAWW! Particularly memorable and meaningful were remarks from Dorothy FireCloud (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) from the Office of Native American Affairs, and Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson. The takeaways: we must be consistent in showing up for our Wabanaki friends and partners, and there is no shortage of hidden stories to be told from these lands. Let Tekαkαpimək be the starting point for our collaboration and discovery, but not the end.
Southern Access Legislation Update
On November 19th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee (ENR) advanced a bipartisan package including legislation to improve access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This is an exciting and necessary step as the 118th Congressional session winds down. We thank Senator Angus King for championing this bill, which would allow the National Park Service to acquire road access from willing landowners to create a new public route along the Stacyville, Huber, and Roberts Roads into KAWW. Better connectivity with Millinocket has been a priority from the start for Friends, and we remain optimistic about the next steps Congress might take to adopt this legislation.
Katahdin Learning Project Connects to Community
What a fall KLP had with our local kids and teachers! Our staff delivered programs from Nature Art with Ashland Middle School to Maine Wildlife with Katahdin Elementary, and so much in between! We even brought Stearns High School students to Maine Bound at the University of Maine for rock climbing and to learn about college opportunities. While programs may take place deep in the wilderness or on a college campus, and cover diverse topics, every experience we provide is rooted in KLP’s core mission of connecting youth with nature, community, and the monument. Marking a seasonal transition, staff are now busy preparing for outdoor winter programs. To request a visit to your school or group, send a message to KLP@friendsofkww.org.
The Katahdin Learning Project is dedicated to honoring truth telling and integrating Wabanaki studies into our educational programs. This month, Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud attended a Wabanaki studies workshop presented by Brianne Lolar and Kaya Lolar and supported by Maine Environmental Education Association where she joined a group of passionate educators from across the state. Elise shared, “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange success stories, discuss challenges, and support one another in this important work.” She’s excited to bring new perspectives to KLP’s programs and more meaningfully incorporate Wabanaki studies into curriculum. In December, KLP will bring Shantel Neptune, water quality scientist for Penobscot Nation Natural Resources to participate in co-leading our water quality testing lesson. You can learn more about MEEA’s work to expand access to Wabanaki studies here.
Sharing the Story of Tekαkαpimək
Although Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is now fully closed to any visitation until the 2025 summer season, the stories of how the building and exhibits were shaped and created, and the lasting impacts and relationships formed, are being told. Friends is honored to be a part of the story through the A Monumental Welcome campaign, and even more so to pass the podium to the artists and architects of this special place. Keep an eye on our social media channels in the weeks and months ahead as we share links to articles, webinars, and presentations. *In case you missed it, Maine Conservation Voters hosted a Lunch and Learn panel discussion in September that explored how “interpretation…through a Wabanaki lens in a contemporary context…honor[s] the past and show[s] vibrant communities moving sustainably into the future.”
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Lookout sponsor Ktaadn Resorts – New England Outdoor Center! Whether hosting our Woods and Waters Day celebration, supporting Friends, or providing top notch accomodations for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, NEOC is a true champion of the Katahdin region.
And thank you to fellow nonprofit Maine Audubon for their Hathorn sponsorship as well as their deep care for the national monument’s flora and fauna.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on November 26, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: November 1, 2024 by Sarah Andre
Autumn Light – October eNewsletter
Hiking weather, park improvements, celebrating dark skies, cemetery visits, and more…
Is fall your favorite season? If so, you are in good company. In October in the Katahdin region, it’s especially easy to love the outdoors. With a few easy layers–wool sweater, knit cap, light gloves–that can be stashed in your pack by late morning, there is no better time to take a hike! Lower in the sky each day, the sun’s intense summer heat has been swapped for a warm glow, lighting the last leaves from below as they fall.
Friends’ staff are reflecting this season on the intensity of 2024–from the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and a moving celebration in August to a landmark year for our education program, Katahdin Learning Project. Like the mosaic of leaves sparkling on the inky surface of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, our community of supporters deserves a moment of appreciation. Our shared care and passion for this place makes this progress possible. Thanks for being a part of the crew.
Priority Park Progress
Projects large and small are moving along in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument!
On a recent day hike of Deasey Mountain, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs witnessed several infrastructure projects in motion or recently completed. Brian reported that “this included a full bridge replacement at Mile 0 of Loop Road, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (completed in September); rehabilitation of the historic Deasey Mountain Fire Lookout funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (completed in August); and the Hunt Farm Parcel Information Area, funded by Friends of KWW, anticipated to be completed in Spring 2025.”
Photo credit FKWW. Top: The Hunt Farm Information Area will provide parking for 10 vehicles on the Swift Brook Rd, plus vault toilet and picnic area as visitors begin their journey into the monument. Bottom L: The historic Deasey Mountain Fire Lookout was rehabilitated by students from Stephen T. Mather H.S. in New York City and the Maine Conservation Corps, supported by skilled staff from the NPS. Bottom R: This new bridge at Loop Road Mile 0 is an example of the salmon passage improvements throughout KAWW.
Stars Over Katahdin
On September 28th, Friends hosted the 11th annual Stars Over Katahdin. Thank you to our partners at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Dark Sky Maine, our guest astronomers, and our year-long sponsors who made this event possible! The night included campfire chats, educational presentations, music by the Burnurwurbskek Singers, and observation of the dark skies of this International Dark Sky Sanctuary after the clouds parted. Students also participated in the program as part of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) with additional lessons on nature journaling, constellations, and more! It was a busy and fun night with over 200 guests joining us in Patten. Stay tuned for information on next year’s event in the next few months.
Katahdin Learning Project – Community Highlight
It’s key to our mission, and we know that for many of you, nothing is more important: outdoor, place-based education for Katahdin-region youth. And nothing gets us more excited than seeing our work expand to new communities and beyond our own Friends programming! Recently, our seasonal educator, Maggie, spoke with Ashland Middle School teacher Amanda Barker to learn how she was inspired by a lesson in the Stacyville Cemetary during KLP’s Teacher Camp in 2022. Ms. Barker is now making her passions for community and science fun for her students with hands-on lessons, field trips, and co-curricular connections. In a visit to the Ashland Municipal Cemetery, her students identified an assigned person and made a stone rubbing, collected data from stones to calculate average life spans and make inferences about diseases, and received a presentation from local Civil War reenactors at a memorial for local soldiers. We are so excited to hear that she has observed “…a closer connection of community and respect through this lesson. Students are willing to go back and…be more involved with the lesson.” Learn more about Teacher Camp and KLP on our website, Facebook, and Instagram!
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Events like Stars Over Katahdin are made possible by our year-long sponsors. Thank you!
Gideon Asen Law | Katahdin Trust | Lee Auto Mall | Maine Audubon
Natural Resource Council of Maine | Ellis Family Market | Shoebox Collaborations
Plus a special shout out this month to our Lookout level sponsor Eaton Peabody, Attorneys at Law! With offices in Portland and Bangor, the firm contributes time and resources to support community organizations throughout Maine.
And thank you to Katahdin Trust for their Barnard sponsorship and providing community banking at its best since 1918!
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on October 25, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: September 27, 2024 by Sarah Andre
Falling for Katahdin Woods and Waters – September eNewsletter
Fall foliage, outdoor learning, Stars Over Katahdin, visit Tekαkαpimək, Loop Road construction, and more…
Have you heard? As this eNewsletter reaches your inbox, the famed foliage season has begun–and the experts say it could be a spectacular year. Check out the official foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation and Forestry while learning what creates the blazing scenery we love each fall.
We have so many exciting things to share this month, from Friends’ annual Stars Over Katahdin coming up to more chances to visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station to important updates from the NPS. But first we want to share that our annual fall appeal has begun! Now is the time to make your impact. If you missed board president Molly Ross’s email last week you can find it here on our blog. I hope that Molly’s enthusiasm and excitement inspires YOU–together we can make this fundraising season our most spectacular yet!
Visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station
You’ve been asking…and although the site is not yet open to the public, we are happy to share more invitational visitation dates this fall! An extraordinary gift is nearing completion and will soon be transferred to the National Park Service, imbued with Wabanaki artistry and knowledge, Tekαkαpimək will provide the global public a deeply meaningful introduction to this landscape we all cherish. We look forward to sharing it with you!
Saturday and Sunday, September 28th & 29th between 10 AM-3 PM
or Sunday and Monday, October 13th & 14th between 10 AM-3 PM
Please note: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is currently in the final stages of construction and closed to the public at all other times. Regular operating hours for the 2025 season will be announced in coordination with the National Park Service.
Friends’ News
Stars Over Katahdin – Saturday, September 28th!
From the total solar eclipse back in April to some spectacular shows of aurora borealis, the Katahdin region has been drawing crowds looking up in 2024…but we’ve been celebrating the darkest skies east of the Mississippi since before the monument’s designation! Come join Friends, KAWW rangers, and expert astronomers and naturalists for an evening of wonder and learning. This family-friendly event is free, but registration is required.
Saturday, September 28th 4-9 PM
Patten Lumberman’s Museum | Click here to learn more and register
See you at the fair!
Friends’ staff and board had a blast at the Common Ground Fair in the Environmental Concerns area last weekend and we will be at the Fryeburg Fair in the Natural Resource Center (9/29-10/6) sharing maps, answering your questions, and catching up with friends old and new! If you are headed to the Fryeburg Fair, be sure to stop by and say hello!
Back-to-school news from Katahdin Learning Project
September marks the start of a new school year, and the Katahdin Learning Project is excited to be back in the classroom (or outside the classroom)! We’re busy the entire month of September with field trips and school visits, bringing outdoor education to students throughout the Katahdin region. Don’t miss our newly updated 2024/2025 program catalog packed with fresh ideas and opportunities for learning in nature!And we had so much fun adventuring this summer as part of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) that we are bringing our summer youth programs into the school year! As part of the Stars Over Katahdin celebration, we’ll be hosting an overnight for local students in grades 6-12. It’s the perfect chance for kids to reconnect with old friends from our summer trips, build new friendships, and experience the magic of the night sky. Learn more and register here.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service (NPS) and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KAWW)
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our Katahdin sponsor Richardson’s Hardware! A fourth generation Patten business and longtime champion of the monument and the Katahdin Learning Project, Richardson’s is a true community partner, including their generous support of Friends.
And thank you to Gideon Asen Law for their Barnard sponsorship!
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends mission and work. To learn more about becoming sponsor in 2024, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on September 25, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup