In what is becoming a beloved annual tradition, we turned to our friends at Longfellow Books in Portland and Royal River Bookstore in Yarmouth for their top picks on recently published books about living with compassion for the planet. And they delivered! With something for all ages and interests, here is a list of recommendations…
By Carey Kish THE GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSE of Maine’s coastline ranges some 230 miles from Kittery to Lubec as the crow flies, but an incredible 3,500 miles when every nook and cranny and more than 3,000 islands are accounted for on the undulating margin along the Gulf of Maine between New Hampshire and New Brunswick,…
By Lynn Ascrizzi SWEET-SCENTED AZALEAS, bee balm, roses, and phlox. Moss-lined pathways meandering amid green light and shadows. Reflecting pools, cedar-fragrant, sun-warmed air, and artfully planted herbaceous borders bursting with Japanese irises, delphiniums, velvety lamb’s ears, poppies and sunny dahlias… This is a mere sampling of the unfolding seasonal riches to be discovered in the…
By Carey Kish JUST AS WE are drawn to the alpine heights of Maine’s windswept mountaintops or the seemingly endless expanses of sandy beach at the ocean’s edge, so, too, are we captivated by the thundering roar of waterfalls, the rainbows amid the glitter of the misty spray, the raw power of water rushing through…
Here’s a way to enjoy a scenic bike ride, without the bike: the newly re-opened RailCyclers provides foot-pedaled, open-air “railcycle” tours along the historic Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. Riding railcycles is a low-impact, quiet, non-polluting activity, and a great way to get in shape. They are basically a tandem single speed pedal bike built…
By Lynn Ascrizzi IT’S GREAT THAT we’re building and upgrading our homes to reduce energy costs and the needless waste of precious resources. But in our eagerness to use the latest green technology for our indoor living spaces, it’s easy to overlook the need to create sustainability in the environment right outside our windows. That…
by Carey Kish A wealth of Maine mountaintops not too far from home offer panoramic vistas with minimal trail mileage and physical effort, perfect for hikers looking to get outdoors for just a few hours. Here’s a sampler of ten summit hikes, fun and rewarding walk-ups that each require an hour or less to reach…
There is no shortage of winter activities in Maine, and cross-country skiing is one that the whole family can enjoy. Gliding across fresh snow is peaceful, energizing, and easy on the planet. Plus, there are hundreds of trails to explore across the state. From groomed trails at one of the many ski centers to hidden…
Avery Yale-Kamila Whether a rural homestead or a tiny urban lot, the most attractive gardens and landscapes buzz with bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Creating a landscape inviting to pollinators adds interest and action while providing a much-needed lifeline to critical species struggling to survive. It’s something all of us can do to help…
Looking for a good read? We turned to our friends at Royal River Books in Yarmouth and Longfellow Books in Portland for their top picks on books about living with compassion for the planet—and they delivered. Here’s a list of recommendations to keep you pondering deeply, laughing frequently, eating superbly, and above all reading—and living…