October eNews – Fall is in the air!
Fall foliage, celebrating dark skies, seasonal closure information, and more…
The last time you heard from us, fall was just beginning to show. Well, there’s no mistaking it now. The Katahdin region has been putting on an absolutely spectacular display of color, although after the recent wind and storms, it looks like peak foliage may be coming to an end sooner than we’d like. If you’ve been waiting for the right weekend to get into Katahdin Woods and Waters, this might be it. There’s still plenty to see, and the landscape is changing by the day. Want help planning the perfect day? Take a look at my blog post from last year where I detail exactly where to go (and what to eat!).
Here at Friends, we’re still enjoying the glow from a wonderful 13th year of Stars Over Katahdin. After a busy summer and a full calendar of events, we’re looking forward to a slightly quieter season. But quieter doesn’t mean quiet! There’s plenty happening behind the scenes as we look ahead to the next year and continue supporting the monument and communities of the Katahdin region. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s ahead.
Stars Over Katahdin Recap
Stars Over Katahdin 2026 marked our most successful and well-attended event to date, drawing enthusiastic praise from guests, vendors, astronomers, volunteers, and staff alike. As our largest gathering yet with 472 registered guests, the event provided invaluable insights and learning opportunities. Our planning team is already leveraging this feedback to refine our logistics, expand our programming, and ensure that future events are even more seamless and impactful for the dark-sky community.
Stars Over Katahdin remains a free community event and was kicked off in the afternoon of October 3 with solar telescope viewing, family naturalist activities, a model rocket launch, and dinner options at two food trucks. As night fell, participants enjoyed campfire chats with experts such as Astronomer John Meader and Maine Master Naturalist Serena Sanborn and National Park Service Interpretive Ranger, John Hanlon. A truly special and educational live performance by the Penobscot drumming group, the Burnurwurbskek Singers, was followed by guided stargazing of the Milky Way, Saturn, and a multitude of constellations led by 12 expert astronomers using high-powered telescopes and specialized gear.
Beyond the fantastic event feedback, we are thrilled to report a measurable economic boost for our local business community. After conducting outreach to regional lodging providers, we confirmed that Stars Over Katahdin directly drove overnight stays across the area. Specifically, Katahdin Valley Motel, Pine Grove Campground, and Mt. Chase Lodge all reported high occupancy and shared enthusiastic feedback about guests who traveled to the region specifically for our event. This highlights the growing role of our programming in supporting sustainable tourism during the shoulder season.
Staff Goes to Estes Park, Colorado
In mid-September, Executive Director Brian Hinrichs, Education Manager Elise Goplerud, and Program Director Kala Rush participated in the National Park Friends Alliance annual meeting in Estes Park, Colorado. Board members Lisa Horsch-Clark and Dan Wenk were also in attendance, wearing multiple hats! The team heard from National Park Service leadership and learned from peer organizations across the country during field trips in Rocky Mountain National Park and conference sessions that covered everything from planned giving to tribal programming to park partner funding options. We left inspired with new program ideas and renewed confidence in the importance of our work as a partner to the National Park Service despite the challenges at hand.
Katahdin Learning Project
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for the Katahdin Learning Project, but it’s also one we look forward to every year. By this time of year, we’re in our groove, settling back into familiar (outdoor) classrooms and reconnecting with teachers and students we’ve worked with for years, while also getting to know new teachers, staff and administrators. One of our favorite parts of this work is seeing the same students year after year. They remember lessons and activities from previous visits, giving us a foundation to build on as they grow and their understanding of the outdoors deepens. So far this fall, we’ve worked with students from as far south as Lee and as far north as Patten, and we’re looking forward to many more days of learning together as the school year continues.
Ripple Effect
Behind the Signs – News from the NPS at Katahdin Woods and Waters
Some updates from our friends at the Park Service:
Sponsor Spotlight – National Park Foundation
This month, we have a very special sponsor to thank: National Park Foundation! A crucial partner to Friends since we were founded in 2017, NPF has been a champion of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument from its designation in 2016.
From establishing place-based outdoor education programming in the Katahdin region as we built what would become the Katahdin Learning Project to investing in organizational development with Capacity Building Grants, NPF has listened to our needs and worked alongside Friends board and staff to build meaningful partnerships with local and national funders and organizations that believe in power of our National Parks and this very special place in Maine.
With an early lead gift to our A Monumental Welcome capital campaign – which funded Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, park priority projects, and the establishment of the Wabanaki Community Foundation – NPF investments in Katahdin Woods and Waters contribute to an enhanced visitor experience today and for generations to come. If you’ve enjoyed a day trip or an overnight stay at the Lunksoos Campsites and boat launch, it was made possible in part by a 2021 NPF grant!
The National Park Foundation is a critical part of the success of national parks across the country, from Acadia to Zion and all the special places in between. Recognizing that local partner groups can make the biggest impact on the ground, NPF provides foundational support to the National Park Friends Alliance (see above!). When we all work together, our parks, monuments, and historical sites are the ultimate beneficiaries – along with the people who visit them.
Thank you, National Park Foundation, for your continued partnership including 2026 event sponsorship of Woods and Waters Day and Stars Over Katahdin!
Your business or organization can be a part of the movement to preserve and protect Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument for the benefit of local communities and visitors from around the world. We are happy to customize a sponsorship package that works best for your brand. Call (207) 808-0020 or email sarah@friendsofkww.org today to learn more.
This blog post was adapted from an email sent on October 15, 2026. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
