On a stormy 4th of July, while families prepped their fireworks, lit the grill and recounted their favorite floats in their small town parades Joe, Luna (our sometimes chaotic but always loveable pup), and I pushed off and slipped quietly into the East Branch of the Penobscot River. This river runs through the present and traditional homelands of the Penobscot and has been canoed for thousands of years. We had 47 miles ahead of us—from Bowlin to Medway—and three days to savor one of the most remote and rewarding canoe trips in Maine. Note: We launched from a private boat launch after obtaining permission.
Canoe camping is, hands down, my favorite way to travel in summer. You get the solitude and beauty of backpacking, but with a cooler, camp chair, and the joy of cooking something delicious in a dutch oven over a fire. There’s something deeply comforting about floating with all your gear—your little life—in the belly of a boat.
We launched around 4:00 PM, swatting away mosquitoes and choosing our lines carefully through shallow gravel bars (the water was running at about 350 cubic feet per second below Matagamon Dam—low, but doable). We were starting our trip later than we hoped and half a mile in, Big Spring campsite (NPS site) tempted us with its towering hemlocks and peaceful clearing, but we were feeling ambitious and paddled on, eyes set on Elbow or Fiske campsites. Elbow (5 mi) nearly eluded us—it’s high up on the bank, unmarked, and only visible thanks to another group already camped there. Fiske (7.2 mi) was more obvious, but also full. Rats! We kept going, kind of wishing we had stopped at Big Spring campsite and hoped Big Sebois campsite (NPS site) (10.5 mi) would be open. By the way, NPS campsites can be reserved in advance at recreation.gov.
It was—empty, beautiful, and buggy. As soon as we pulled ashore, mosquitoes descended like a curtain, driving us straight into camp mode: fire first, then tent, then dinner. Smoke helped, and soon Luna was fed, camp set up, and we were relaxing by the flames, cooking steak, potatoes, and corn on a fire under a purple sky.
Where The Rivers Meet
The next morning we aimed for the new Penobscot River Trails (PRT) paddle-up campsite, about 10 miles downstream. Between Big Seboeis and our take out in Medway, there are few backcountry camping options, so although we wanted to get more miles in on day two we were grateful for this site, which had only opened the year before.
This stretch—passing through Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument and then the privately conserved Penobscot River Trails—is stunning. The river deepens and widens. We floated by the spot where Donn Fendler was found in Lost on a Mountain in Maine, passed the old Hunt Farm, and moved through long, quiet bends where bald eagles soared ahead like our own feathered parade. We stopped to swim where the cold, clear waters of the Wassataquoik meet the Penobscot—one of the most refreshing swims of the summer.
Whetstone Falls came next. The Friends river guide rates it a class II+ or III, but at this water level it felt more like a technical class I+ or II—tight maneuvering, small splashes, and fun wave trains under the bridge. It was the perfect kind of rapid—enough to wake you up and make you focus, but not enough to knock you around too much.
After Whetstone, we pulled up on a sunny gravel bar for sandwiches and a long break. The beauty of this trip is how much time you can spend not paddling—just being. Eventually, we made it to the PRT campsite around 2:00 PM. It’s impressively spacious: two large tent platforms, several picnic tables, benches, a fire ring with a grill, and even a pretty decent outhouse (campers know this is no small detail). A quick heads-up: there’s some poison ivy starting to pop up around the site, so keep an eye out.
We had plenty of time to relax and went for a walk through the nearby forest, admiring massive white pines and red oaks. We looked for mushrooms (no luck), listened to hermit thrushes, and let the quiet of the woods settle in. Dinner was backcountry jambalaya—shrimp, sausage, rice, spice, and a touch of that smoky flavor only a real campfire can give you.
One Last Bend
Day three was our longest stretch: 17 miles to the Medway take-out. I wasn’t ready for it to end. There’s a bittersweetness to the last morning of a trip like this—especially when you’ve been unplugged and fully present. But with shuttle logistics, trip clean up and work waiting at home looming over us, we pushed off by 7:00 AM.
We navigated a series of rapids: Crowfoot Falls, with tight moves between rocks, and then Grindstone Falls. We scouted the upper ledge and ran it clean on river left, slipping through a narrow channel. I now understand where these falls got their name—sharp, jagged rocks that required careful reading and some rock-bumping. I was nervous for our canoe, but we made it through with only a few scratches. Luna didn’t love this part—she stayed curled between my legs for the whole stretch, tail curled and eyes shut. But once we were through it and she could hear us hoot and holler she joined in the glee.
The last rapid of the trip, Ledge Falls, sneaks up on you. We heard it before we saw it and pulled over on river right to scout and have a quick snack. It wasn’t very difficult, but we were glad to choose our line from shore.
After that, the river smoothed out. The last 20 minutes were quiet and familiar—cars humming on the highway, fishermen on pontoon boats, and the strange re-entry into the human world after days of quiet and peace. It always feels too soon.
A Special Celebration
This was the perfect trip for our own 4th of July celebration this year, bringing relief when the world feels chaotic and heavy. Our fireworks were lightning bugs flickering above the river. Our BBQ was steak on a fire. Our music was the splash of rapids and the trill of birdsong. And our parade? Dozens of bald eagles soaring overhead. Paddling along the East Branch, through public lands managed by our National Park Service partners as well as state and private agencies, was a great reminder of all we strive to protect in our work at Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters.
This wasn’t just a canoe trip. It was a celebration that America’s best promise might still be found in its rivers, forests, and skies. And that freedom sometimes looks like paddling quietly downstream, with your dog curled at your feet and everything you need in the hull of a canoe.
What’s New
Posted: July 14, 2025 by Elise Goplerud
Three Days, One River, and a Different Kind of Fourth
On a stormy 4th of July, while families prepped their fireworks, lit the grill and recounted their favorite floats in their small town parades Joe, Luna (our sometimes chaotic but always loveable pup), and I pushed off and slipped quietly into the East Branch of the Penobscot River. This river runs through the present and traditional homelands of the Penobscot and has been canoed for thousands of years. We had 47 miles ahead of us—from Bowlin to Medway—and three days to savor one of the most remote and rewarding canoe trips in Maine. Note: We launched from a private boat launch after obtaining permission.
Canoe camping is, hands down, my favorite way to travel in summer. You get the solitude and beauty of backpacking, but with a cooler, camp chair, and the joy of cooking something delicious in a dutch oven over a fire. There’s something deeply comforting about floating with all your gear—your little life—in the belly of a boat.
We launched around 4:00 PM, swatting away mosquitoes and choosing our lines carefully through shallow gravel bars (the water was running at about 350 cubic feet per second below Matagamon Dam—low, but doable). We were starting our trip later than we hoped and half a mile in, Big Spring campsite (NPS site) tempted us with its towering hemlocks and peaceful clearing, but we were feeling ambitious and paddled on, eyes set on Elbow or Fiske campsites. Elbow (5 mi) nearly eluded us—it’s high up on the bank, unmarked, and only visible thanks to another group already camped there. Fiske (7.2 mi) was more obvious, but also full. Rats! We kept going, kind of wishing we had stopped at Big Spring campsite and hoped Big Sebois campsite (NPS site) (10.5 mi) would be open. By the way, NPS campsites can be reserved in advance at recreation.gov.
Where The Rivers Meet
The next morning we aimed for the new Penobscot River Trails (PRT) paddle-up campsite, about 10 miles downstream. Between Big Seboeis and our take out in Medway, there are few backcountry camping options, so although we wanted to get more miles in on day two we were grateful for this site, which had only opened the year before.
This stretch—passing through Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument and then the privately conserved Penobscot River Trails—is stunning. The river deepens and widens. We floated by the spot where Donn Fendler was found in Lost on a Mountain in Maine, passed the old Hunt Farm, and moved through long, quiet bends where bald eagles soared ahead like our own feathered parade. We stopped to swim where the cold, clear waters of the Wassataquoik meet the Penobscot—one of the most refreshing swims of the summer.
Whetstone Falls came next. The Friends river guide rates it a class II+ or III, but at this water level it felt more like a technical class I+ or II—tight maneuvering, small splashes, and fun wave trains under the bridge. It was the perfect kind of rapid—enough to wake you up and make you focus, but not enough to knock you around too much.
One Last Bend
Day three was our longest stretch: 17 miles to the Medway take-out. I wasn’t ready for it to end. There’s a bittersweetness to the last morning of a trip like this—especially when you’ve been unplugged and fully present. But with shuttle logistics, trip clean up and work waiting at home looming over us, we pushed off by 7:00 AM.
After that, the river smoothed out. The last 20 minutes were quiet and familiar—cars humming on the highway, fishermen on pontoon boats, and the strange re-entry into the human world after days of quiet and peace. It always feels too soon.
A Special Celebration
This was the perfect trip for our own 4th of July celebration this year, bringing relief when the world feels chaotic and heavy. Our fireworks were lightning bugs flickering above the river. Our BBQ was steak on a fire. Our music was the splash of rapids and the trill of birdsong. And our parade? Dozens of bald eagles soaring overhead. Paddling along the East Branch, through public lands managed by our National Park Service partners as well as state and private agencies, was a great reminder of all we strive to protect in our work at Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters.
This wasn’t just a canoe trip. It was a celebration that America’s best promise might still be found in its rivers, forests, and skies. And that freedom sometimes looks like paddling quietly downstream, with your dog curled at your feet and everything you need in the hull of a canoe.
Posted: July 2, 2025 by Sarah Andre
Tekαkαpimək opens to the public! – June eNewsletter
Woods & Waters Day registration, Tekαkαpimək opening day, trail work, summer adventures, and more…
It’s finally here – Saturday, June 21st, Tekαkαpimək Contact Station officially opened to the public for the first time under the care of National Park Service rangers at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument! Your generosity brought this special building and space to fruition and your enthusiasm through the bumps in the road–from a global pandemic to stressors on the construction industry–was inspiring.
Now, let the beauty of the natural surroundings, unique architecture, original artwork and exhibitry, and Wabanaki stories inspire you. Plan your trip today!
Woods & Waters Day
Hooray! Registration is now open for our annual Woods & Waters Day, celebrating the 9th anniversary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and nearly a decade of building community and outdoor recreation opportunities for Katahdin region youth and families.
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters proudly presents this event together with Maine Beer Company and Richardson’s Hardware.
A schedule of daytime events on Saturday and helpful resources to explore Katahdin Woods and Waters will be published on the event site and shared via email to registrants in the next several weeks. If you would like to spend one or more nights for the event, we recommend securing lodging as soon as possible. Find options here at the Destination Katahdin lodging guide.
Friends’ News
Katahdin Woods and Waters – A Place for Learning!
Just a few days ago we hosted our ninth annual Teacher Camp, a professional development opportunity providing educators of all types training in aspects of outdoor education, place-based learning, and Wabanaki studies. In partnership with the National Park Service and Wabanaki artist and educator Jennifer Neptune, Friends’ education team welcomed 27 teachers from across the state to Tekαkαpimək Contact Station for a special presentation and a workshop on incorporating Wabanaki Studies into their classrooms. Despite the near record-setting heat and thick mosquito coverage, spirits were high and all left feeling inspired. We hope this program encourages further experiential trips for the teachers and their students to our local public lands!
For local 6th-12th grade youth, our free teen summer adventure series launched with an overnight camping trip led by Friends’ place-based educator Maggie and staff from our partner Outdoor Sport Institute. From pitching tents and building fires to cooking healthy meals and staying safe outdoors, students learned the fundamentals of camping—all from the front country group site at Lunksoos. We’ve got plenty more monument trips planned this summer. You can still register for day and overnight trips here.
Calling all rising 4th or 5th graders in the Katahdin region! Registration is now open, but space is limited, for our free day trips to Katahdin Woods and Waters on July 17 and August 21. Click here to sign up today, and get ready for a fun day in the national monument with KLP and National Park Service rangers!
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 Versant Power for their second year of supporting Friends! Versant contributes time and funding to a variety of nonprofit groups #ForABrighterCommunity.
And thank you to F.A.Peabody for their longtime support with a Barnard level sponsorship! A family company based in Houlton, F.A. Peabody is there for Mainers “Because…Things Happen.”
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 June 30, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Posted: June 3, 2025 by Sarah Andre
May is for Members – May eNewsletter
Road gates are open, advocacy updates, Leave No Trace Trainer course, a month of celebrating members, and much more…
Have you heard? The gates are open! Visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument may now enjoy access to Loop Road from the Swift Brook Road in Sherman and at the northern end, along the Old River Road to campsites and points of interest along the East Branch Penobscot River. Caring for hundreds of miles of remote gravel road is a job that never ends, but easy to take for granted. Waiting until the frost is out and heavy spring rains have passed before cars and trucks are allowed to enter prevents the most severe damage and roadside erosion. During the summer season, the National Park Service maintenance crew will grow to 12 people, keeping bridges safe, roads graded, and facilities clean and well-stocked.
You, our members, have helped make so much possible in Katahdin Woods and Waters – from Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, to bringing local classrooms into the monument for ranger-led programs, to endangered species monitoring. All month, we have been celebrating your accomplishments and the start to an exciting summer season, while answering your questions about new challenges that the park service is facing in 2025. We just wrapped up our statewide Membership May in Patten, but we are ALWAYS happy to reply to your emails and phone calls when you want information. (And in case you were wondering, yup, the black flies are out.)
Advocacy updates & trip to Washington, D.C.
On April 30th, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs (above center) joined over 75 park partners from around the country in Washington, D.C. for the National Park Foundation’s Hill Day, including Maine colleagues Eric Stiles of Friends of Acadia (right) and Nicholas Fisichelli of Schoodic Institute (left). Hill Day is an annual opportunity for park advocates to meet with legislators and discuss the policies that impact our national parks, public lands, and the people who care for them. Closer to home, Brian joined the National Parks Conservation Association for a meeting in Bangor on May 15th with local staff for Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden. In both instances, Brian discussed the successes and challenges we’re seeing on the ground in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and highlighted the need to adequately fund and staff our parks for the sake of visitor enjoyment and resource protection.
Friends organizations nationwide share our deep concern that as much as 12.5% of NPS staff across the country have been lost since January 20th while a further reduction in force is underway. The loss of these full-time positions combined with delays in seasonal hiring could create significant challenges in the field this summer. How can you help? Speak up now on behalf of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and sites across the country!
Finally, for some good news – we were encouraged to see the recent reintroduction of the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Steve Daines (R-MT). This bill would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, which previously brought a Maintenance Action Team to the national monument for critical projects.
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is not open for its inaugural season quite yet. The NPS team will soon announce the official opening date and initial schedule of operationg hours via their webiste and social media outlets. While NPS gets this new faciility ready to welcome the public, learn more about how the building will orient visitors to the land through the lens of a Wabanaki worldview. In case you missed it in April, this episode of MainePublic’s Borealis features a tour through the building with Friends’ Executive Director Brian Hinrichs. Or, watch this short video to learn about the clay tiles that serve as a testament to the vibrant and enduring culture of the Wabanaki tribes, honoring and preserving indigenous cultures and traditions.
Friends’ News
Katahdin Learning Project’s April 2025 Vacation Camp was one for the books! We were thrilled to welcome back several returning youth leaders and ambassadors who took on bigger roles this year—including leading their own creative and engaging lessons! Campers participated in an Earth Day cleanup and learned about Leave No Trace principles, as well as the importance of caring for our local trails. We had a fantastic lineup of guest speakers: Doug Kranich wowed the kids with several live snakes and demonstrated that they’re not so scary after all. Northern Stars Planetarium took us on a journey through the night sky, Ranger Clare from Katahdin Woods and Waters taught us about nocturnal animals and light pollution, and Ranger Cassandra from Baxter State Park introduced us to the fascinating world of amphibians. Camp just keeps getting better, and it was wonderful to see so many returning faces and new campers already excited to return as Camp Ambassadors when they reach middle school!
An important part of the Katahdin Learning Project is opening the door to new pathways and experiences for area youth, right in their own backyard! One week in early May, KLP educators Kala and Maggie headed to Stearns High School’s Career Fair to talk about non-profit organizations, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and the purpose of and need for “friends of” organizations. Students were quizzed on the presentation, earning a chance to win a new hammock. It was great way to learn about various career paths and have a little fun too! Then, along with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) and Outdoor Sport Institute, students signed up to head south with KLP to the Maine Bound Adventure Center at UMaine in Orono. They got warm and loose playing a few team building games, and then it was off to the challenge course! Every student had the chance to walk catwalks, take on obstacle courses, and finally, sail through the air on a giant swing. You can see the smiling faces from that day at the top of this email! These programs are possible with funds from GEAR UP Maine, administered by Syntiro, and you, our members. Thank you.
*KROC Summer Programs are now open for registration! Learn more and sign up for these free programs for Katahdin region 6th-12th graders.
Leave No Trace Trainer Course – Member opportunity! This two-day course, June 19th-20th at Lunksoos Campground, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of minimal impact recreation and outdoor ethics. In this course you will learn the skills and techniques essential to practicing Leave No Trace. This course is also for individuals who will be teaching Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and those who are familiar with Leave No Trace but want to deepen their understanding of the science behind the Seven Principles. Through lectures, discussion, activities, student-led lessons and one night out in the field, participants will gain tools to further define their outdoor ethic and learn teaching skills to pass the principles on to others. Participants leave with practical teaching tools and a Level I Trainer Certificate. Registration closes on June 6th and there are just a few spots left. Friends members get 50% off! Reach out to elise@friendsofkww.org with questions or register here.
Membership May – We wrapped up a busy month of meeting Friends old and new at four breweries around the state with our final stop yesterday Katahdin Brew Works in Patten! Now in its second year, Membership May has become a great way to connect with members and highlight our corporate sponsors. Thanks for coming togther to learn about and support this special place! Clockwise from top right: Rising Tide Brewing Co, Portland; Knife Edge Brewing, Millinocket; Fogtown Brewing Co, Ellsworth.
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
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on May 30, 2025. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
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.
###
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