September eNewsletter – The Signs of Fall are All Around
Summer in the rearview, fall on the horizon, and starry skies ahead.
This morning, as the kettle started whistling, I glanced at the temperature gauge outside: 37 degrees. You’re either one of two people. The type who sees 37 degrees and starts planning foliage walks, looking up apple pie recipes and unpacking their favorite cozy sweater or you’re the type of person who groans, mourning the end of long, warm days of summer. Either way, there’s no denying we’re in that in-between season. Crisp, fall-like mornings give way to summer-like afternoons. The “swamp” maples are bright red, school buses are back on the roads, and the days are noticeably shorter, even if we’re not quite ready to admit it. Across the Katahdin region, there are subtler signs of the changing season, too. Fall mushrooms, like lobster mushrooms, push through the forest floor. Acorns ripen and fall to the ground. Morning dew lingers on spiderwebs and grasses. The birds have quieted (well, except for those blue jays!). Even the wind sounds different, as it rattles crispy, dry leaves.
For the Penobscot, the changing seasons are marked by the moon. We are entering mačewatohkí-kisohs, the “moon of rutting moose and caribou.” Learn more about Penobscot moons here.
Here at Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, we’re turning, too. As we wrap up a successful Woods & Waters Day, we’re looking ahead to Stars Over Katahdin, while the Katahdin Learning Project prepares to head back into classrooms and schoolyards across the region with water-testing supplies, compasses, animal tracks, tree cookies, field guides, and plenty of hands-on activities. Summer may be winding down, but around here, the season of learning is just beginning.
Elise Goplerud, Education Manager
P.S. You may have noticed a new email signature in this eNews! I’m excited to temporarily take over writing the eNews while Sarah onboards our new Development Coordinator!
Katahdin Learning Project Summer Reflection
The Katahdin Learning Project gave local youth the opportunity to experience a classic Maine summer this year- camping, paddling, hiking, and swimming within Katahdin Woods and Waters. But KLP trips go far beyond a typical summer adventure. Students flipped canoes and learned to perform rescues, learned about backcountry ethics, practiced survival skills, and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. They explored the Penobscot people’s deep connection to the Penobscot river, discussed the impacts of dams and water quality, discovered the night sky with a National Park Service ranger, and caught their first fish alongside Maine game wardens. These experiences are intentionally designed to build confidence and skills, but just as importantly, they help students develop a deeper connection to the place they call home. And those lessons often last long after the trip ends.
Don’t just take our word for it, read our summer trip recaps below:
Finding Confidence on the Trail
Camping 101: Youth Overnight
Lessons from the East Branch
Stars Over Katahdin
On October 3rd, one of our favorite events of the year returns: Stars Over Katahdin! Join us for a magical afternoon and evening celebrating the extraordinary dark skies of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. From family activity tables and campfire chats to music by the Burnurwurbskek Singers, there will be plenty to enjoy as the sun goes down. Grab dinner from one of the food trucks or bring a picnic, gather around the fire, and then, as darkness settles over the North Woods, look up! With guidance from experienced astronomers and powerful telescopes, we’ll explore the stars, planets, and wonders of the night sky above us. Bring the whole family and come experience one of the darkest skies in the East! Register and learn more about this event!
Woods & Waters Day Recap
On August 15th, we celebrated something monumental with all of you: 10 years of Katahdin Woods and Waters! What an incredible milestone and what a fitting weekend to celebrate it. Throughout the weekend, we gathered for a ribbon cutting at the Overlook, canoeing led by NPS, a cultural demonstration with Natalie Dana-Lolar at Tekαkαpimək, scenic flights, and, of course, our big celebration under the white tent at NEOC, complete with incredible food, guest speakers, and music. It was an inspiring weekend to come together, reflect on where we started and where we’re headed, and celebrate not just the monument, but all the people who have helped write its story over the past decade. Take a look at the photos from the weekend here. There’s over 500 pictures in this album, are you in there??
A beautiful evening to celebrate the 10th anniversary at NEOC Photo credit: Soubanh Phanthay
Behind the Signs – News from the NPS at Katahdin Woods and Waters
Some updates and events from our friends at the Park Service:
PLUS…
Sponsor Spotlight
This month, we are recognizing two of Friends’ sponsors – organizations that are committed to making Maine a better place for all of us. Thank you to Bangor Savings Bank, supporting Friends at the Deasey level as part of their commitment to advance community development and improve the quality of life in our communities. And thank you to Natural Resources Council of Maine for their Hathorn level sponsorship and for all they do to protect our environment now and for the future.
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.
