03/08/2026
We're incredibly excited about our new project, the North-South Heritage Exchange Program. This is a huge collaboration with many youth serving partners, where we introduce kids from inland communities to our marine environment, and kids from coastal areas to the Katahdin region and North Maine Woods. Because this is such an amazing, important endeavor, I want to tell you why we're doing it:
Project Premise / Need / Urgency
Our outdoor heritage is what makes our state the gem that it is, but it is very much at risk. The good news is the opportunity to strengthen it is greater than ever before. To do this, we need to connect our kids and communities like never before. While visiting Stacyville - working with Superintendent Shelley Lane and Principal Mel Cullins at Katahdin Elementary and Middle High School - I was reminded of the dramatic differences between northern and southern Maine. These differences represent an enormous opportunity to strengthen our state like never before.
Because of the dramatic differences, we often hear there are two Maines, the southern and northern region. Many kids from the south have never seen a potato field, let alone picked potatoes. Many have never seen our majestic Katahdin, let alone hiked to Chimney Pond. Many are unfamiliar with the heritage that is northern Maine - deeply connected to our forests. And the same is true for kids from the north. Many have never seen our majestic Calendar Islands or been to an oyster farm. Many are unfamiliar with the heritage that is coastal Maine - deeply connected to the sea.
Being born in Maine is being dealt the highest of hands. We live in the most magical state in the country, a state that carries the well deserved title, Vacationland. Our heritage runs deep, but, with the influx of people from away - bringing with them their culture and values - is changing. With technology allowing more and more people to work from anywhere, there is no doubt that without proper stewardship of our heritage, it could disappear. Many would argue it’s already significantly deteriorated and that the urgency of this project cannot be overstated. On top of this, warming trends make Maine a target for population migration, and more from away - with their values and cultures - will be thinking about living where they vacation. Wouldn’t you?
Our belief is that kids who experience BOTH of Maine's MAGICAL worlds are less likely to leave and/or not return. How many "northern" kids have experienced the Calendar Islands? How many "southern" kids have hiked to Chimney Pond? How many have been just yards away from a moose in Maine’s North Maine Woods?
For kids in the "NORTHERN" communities we serve, we'll be introducing them to Maine's magical marine environment, especially our very own Calendar Islands. This project provides kids with in-classroom and on-the-water education that introduces kids to Casco Bay, teaches them about the complexities of the marine environment, educates them on the impact of climate change on the Gulf of Maine, and introduces them to rewarding careers in the marine environment. Our volunteers include lobstermen, sea farmers, fisheries biologists, and many others who care deeply for our working waterfront, state & environment. For kids in the "SOUTHERN" communities we serve, we'll be introducing them to Maine's magical North Maine Woods, the Katahdin Region & more.
Thank you for supporting the work we do.
George
