Winter Outdoor Recreation

December 9, 2024 by Maine Calling on Maine Public

We'll learn about cold-weather sports, activities and events in the months ahead, and why they're important to Maine's economy and culture.

Panelists:
Hazel Stark, co-founder Maine Outdoor School

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Porcupines

October 16, 2024 by Maine Calling on Maine Public

We’ll learn about the unique traits and behaviors of porcupines, their prevalence and role in Maine’s ecosystem, and what to know about interactions between porcupines, pets and humans.

Panelists:
Hazel Stark, co-founder & CEO, Maine Outdoor School; naturalist educator; Registered Maine GuideMaine Outdoor School

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40 Under 40: Hazel Stark is guiding others to better understand and value nature

October 7, 2024 by Mainebiz

“At the very end of college, just when I seemed poised to go down a path of ethnobotanical research, I realized that what I loved about ethnobotany was the human-plant relationships, not the research…That year was the lightbulb moment when I realized that teaching people about nature outside to build positive human-nature relationships had to be my career path.” Read the article here

FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO DOWNEAST

7/8/24 by WDEA.AM 1370

“Join Maine Outdoor School and Frenchman Bay Conservancy for Riverside Family Scientists: a series of interactive nature-based science activities at the library. Each week will feature a different topic: pollinators, birds, insects, and more.  Registration is required! Please register online. Registration is per individual event.” Read Article Here

Ellsworth middle school secures $80K grant for outdoor learning

5/14/24 by the Ellsworth American

“The funding was granted through the Department of Education’s 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, which encourages students to engage in nature-based, experiential education.

The school is partnering with Acadia National Park, Woodlawn, Energy Management Consultants and Maine Outdoor School to provide students with a variety of science-focused, outdoor learning over the course of four weeks this summer.” Read Article Here

New Year's Eve sunset hike set

12/14/23 by the Ellsworth American

“Bid farewell to 2023 with the Maine Outdoor School at its annual New Year’s Eve sunset hike on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2:30 p.m.

Led by Registered Maine Guide Hazel Stark, this outing will include a moderate hike along the Old Pond Railway Trail in Hancock, engaging activities for all ages and moments for quiet reflection.” Read Article Here

Forest Stewardship and Sachets

11/11/23 by the Bangor Daily News

“Women for Healthy Rural Living, a nonprofit in Milbridge, is offering a day-long forestry event as part of their OWL: Outdoor Women Lead program. “Forest Stewardship and Sachets” will be on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Machias River Preserve and at the Machias Savings Bank Community Room.” Read Article Here

Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Partnerships for Success Program embarks on fifth and final year of mini-grants for youth programs

11/11/23 by the Bangor Daily News

“Women for Healthy Rural Living will offer expanded summer opportunities for youth to engage with the outdoors at Milbridge Commons Wellness Park. The youth programs were initiated during Year Two of PFS funding and are offered in partnership with Maine Outdoor School.

Downeast Coastal Conservancy Downeast Coastal Conservancy is partnering with Maine Outdoor School to host a third year of Forest Camp at the Machias River Preserve.” Read Article Here

Take a deeper dive into Maine’s fall colors by playing this outdoor game

9/1/23 by the Bangor Daily News

“So this autumn, I challenge you to slow down to take notice of all of the amazing hues that emerge in the wilderness. You may discover something you’ve never seen before. And I have a game that can help.

The game is simple, kind of like “I Spy.” It was introduced to me by Hazel Stark, co-owner of the Maine Outdoor School based in Milbridge, and it’s great to play with kids.” Read Article Here

A Beginner’s Guide to Camping in a Tent in Maine

Republished July 23, 2023 by The Bangor Daily News

Once you arrive at your campsite, put some thought into exactly where you set up your tent. Pick a level spot and avoid hazards such as hanging branches, advised Hazel Stark, co-owner of the Maine Outdoor School. Also, stick to high ground if possible. Read Article Here

Summer Naturalist Series starts June 2

5/26/23 by Mount Desert Islander

Maine Outdoor School and The Naturalist Notebook are collaborating on a Summer Naturalist Series, a 10-part series of three-hour educational programs on various naturalist topics taught at different locations throughout Mount Desert Island.

The series starts Friday, June 2, with a program on nature journaling. All programs will be on Fridays from 2:30-5:30 p.m., running every other week until October. Read Article Here

Talk of the Towns: Take it Outside: Maine educators teaching out of doors

5/10/23 by WERU

“There is something for everyone outdoors because the outdoors is an inherently interdisciplinary place. So whether you are the kind of kid who likes building with sticks or drawing… (or you) prefer tucking into a book, you can use a field guide to identify what you are noticing, you can listen to the music of bird songs, there is something that everyone can find that they are passionate about out there and that opens all kinds of doors for possibility later on when they have the opportunity find their own spark…” Listen to the Episode Here.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE: REED, COLLINS INTRODUCE NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE ACT TO HELP MORE STUDENTS GET OUTDOORS & GROW

4/20/23 by The Newport Buzz

The No Child Left Inside Act would provide federal grants to states for partnerships between school districts and parks, natural resource management agencies, educator preparation programs, and museums or other organizations with expertise in engaging young people with real world examples of environmental and scientific concepts. The legislation would also establishes a pilot program for outdoor school education programs that offer intensive, hands-on learning experiences, such as residential programs and summer camps.

Partnership brings outdoor programs to local youth

3/10/23 by the Mount Desert Islander

Crabtree Neck Land Trust is a land conservation nonprofit in Hancock, with more than 400 acres of land conserved on six public preserves and 7 miles of trails to explore. Maine Outdoor School is partnering with CNLT to offer outdoor education programs to area youth. Read Article Here.

Summit Katahdin for a cause

2/11/23 by the Bangor Daily News

Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine with an elevation of 5,269 feet. Hazel Stark, co-founder of Maine Outdoor School, L3C, a Registered Maine Guide and wilderness first responder, will lead the group to and from the summit. Money raised will go to Incredible Edible Milbridge, which provides organic produce to the community via free, public, pick-your-own vegetable gardens. The fundraiser will happen on the weekend of Aug. 4-6. Applications are due 3/1/23. Read Article Here.

Nature-based school program is expanding

1/30/23 by The Ellsworth American

Since 2020, FBC has been working with Maine Outdoor School to bring outdoor education programming to eastern Hancock County with the goal to establish sustainable, equitable outdoor education opportunities. In the 2022-23 academic year, the partnership will provide twenty 75-minute sessions to each school for a total of 250 hours of education. Additionally, FBC and the Outdoor School will provide each participating class two three-hour field trips to a FBC preserve. These partnerships offer eastern Hancock County students opportunities to learn and play outdoors — encouraging active lifestyles and appreciation for nature and conservation values. Read Article Here.

Hancock County students will now be able to take their learning outside the classroom

1/28/23 by WABI TV 5

A collaboration in eastern Hancock County between Frenchman Bay Conservancy and Maine Outdoor School is bringing students opportunities they may not have had. Watch here.

Island Briefs: YWCA MDI offers free girls nature camp

6/30/22 by The Mount Desert Islander

The YWCA of Mount Desert Island and Maine Outdoor School are offering a Wild and Free girls nature camp based at Trenton Elementary School from Aug. 1-4.

“We are excited to partner with Hazel Stark from Maine Outdoor School to give the girls a chance to develop strong leadership skills while enjoying the diverse nature that surrounds us,” said Jackie Davidson, executive director YWCA MDI. Read article here.

Union 76 takes the classroom outdoors

5/18/22 by The Ellsworth American

“We are partnering with the Maine Outdoor School, Blue Hill Heritage Trust, OceansWide, Timber Tina, Birdsacre, Penobscot tribal citizen Ann Pollard-Ranco and Kathy Pollard of Know Your Land Consulting to provide a week of expanded learning opportunities.” Read article here.

Reading Outside the Box...Literally with Hazel Stark

4/8/22 by Foreword: A Podcast of Island Readers & Writers

On Episode 2 we talk to Hazel Stark of Maine Outdoor School, who describes the beauty and benefit of learning outdoors. Listen here

The Way Life Could Be: Climate Change in Our Lifetime

4/5/22 by WERU

“On today’s program, we talk with several younger people in Maine about their attitudes and expectations of the effects of climate change on their future.” Listen here

Into the woods: Maine Outdoor School takes learning outside

4/4/22 by The Ellsworth American

“Stark’s young students are forging connections with the natural world all around them while also learning science. Earlier, students observed, asked questions and then used that knowledge to set up their experiments — the animal shelters. Today, it’s all about testing their hypotheses.” Read article here

Switching up the fitness routine: six fun ways to get active in the Midcoast

1/14/22 by Penobscot Bay Pilot.

“The majority of outdoor hiking clubs in Maine that have popped up in recent years are designed for women who aren’t comfortable hiking alone or just want to make new friends as they join up and explore Maine’s backcountry in a group, from newbies to experienced hikers.” Read article here.

MOS Number 1 on List of 18 Maine Guide Outfits to Use For Your Maine Adventures

10/21/21 by Townsquare Media.

“Based out of Milbridge. Family-friendly guiding, hikes, fly-fishing, paddling in Downeast Maine.” Read article here.

MOS Co-Founder on Maine Calling Discussing Foraging

9/1/21 on Maine Public Broadcasting Maine Calling.

“Since the start of the pandemic more people are heading outdoors and there has been an ever growing interest in venturing outside to look for edible plants and other finds. Today we are going to learn how to look for plants, mushrooms and other food as well as how to do so safely.” Listen to the episode here.

Girls break barriers at new outdoor summer camp

7/16/21 on ABC 7 Fox 22 Bangor.

“Girls are breaking barriers at a new outdoor summer camp in Milbridge. It’s not a normal summer camp. “We learned about nature, we learned about some of the plants in the garden, and how to be naturalists,” said camper Autumn Peterson. OWLette, which stands for Outdoor Women Lead for Girls is a free camp in Milbridge designed to educate girls about Mother Nature.” Watch the TV feature here!

Outdoor club for women promotes safety in numbers and wilderness skills

7/9/21 in the Penobscot Bay Pilot.

“Women in Maine who have an interest in backcountry hiking, but never had the nerve to go alone, now have a new group to join. Outdoor Women Lead—OWL for short—teaches outdoor and naturalist skills to girls and women. Born out of a collaboration between Women for Rural Healthy Living and Maine Outdoor School, OWL helps women and girls gain more confidence when spending time outdoors.” Read more here.

New summer camp teaches girls about Mother Nature and climate change

7/4/21 on News Center Maine.

“For one summer camp in Downeast Maine, it's about a lot more than just having fun in the sun. It's about learning what our planet has to offer and how kids can make a difference."OWLette," which stands for Outdoor Women Lead for girls, is a free camp for young women in Milbridge who want to make a difference.” Watch the full feature here.

Get off-the-beaten path this year on a Maine Road Trip

6/15/21 on We3Travel.com.

“I took a guided hike with Hazel from Maine Outdoor School on the Hollingsworth Trail in the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge in Steuben. As an outdoor educator, she does an amazing job explaining the flora and fauna and talking about the ecology of the area. She also runs guided hikes in other areas and wildlife viewing sunset paddle trips.” Read the full article here.

Signs of spring offer hope – and they show up earlier than in years past

3/14/21 in the Portland Press Herald.

“Phenology is often linked with climate change, which is really important,” said Joe Horn, co-host of the Maine radio show “The Nature of Phenology.” “But helping people become more observant and more in tune with nature is important, too. The more people are connected to these phenological occurrences, the more the quality of their life improves and their backyard becomes a special place.”...For Hazel Stark, co-founder of Maine Outdoor School with Joe Horn, the most exciting sign of spring is the sound of the wood frog, because of the species’ remarkable life cycle.” Read the full article here.

Outdoor Classrooms 101: Part One

3/4/21 on WABI-TV 5 News.

“Ultimately I want everybody to have the chance to learn outside and connect to the ecosystem and the environment in their own backyard,” said Stark. “It’s basically liked an extra recess, but with science in it,” said another student. “I love science!” Watch the feature or read the transcript here.

New women’s outing club and girl’s outdoor camp launching Down East

3/4/21 in The Bangor Daily News.

“A new outing club for women and summer day camp for girls is launching in eastern Maine this year. Both programs will be free and run by Outdoor Women Lead, or OWL for short. Established in 2020, OWL is a collaborative project of the nonprofit organization Women for Healthy Rural Living and the Maine Outdoor School, both of which are based in Milbridge.” Read more here.

As podcasts grow in popularity, so do stories of Maine’s outdoors

11/8/20 in the Portland Press Herald.

“Hazel Stark and Joe Horn, co-founders of the Milbridge-based Maine Outdoor School, started a podcast in January 2018, after the radio station WERU asked them to fill a 5-minute slot.” Read more here. Access our podcast here.

New School Supplies in Maine: Downed Trees, Clipboards, Buckets and Tents

9/15/20 in US News & World Report.
"Educators around the state are realizing more than ever how vital outdoor education experiences are in facilitating learning. Even something as simple as completing a math worksheet or reading time outside can enhance learning and a student's sense of well-being." Read more here.

Transforming rural education

9/13/20 Editorial by Brittany Ray in The Bangor Daily News.

“Our ongoing project, Transforming Rural Experience in Education (TREE), has been partnering with the Cobscook Institute in Trescott and the Maine Outdoor School in Milbridge for the past four years, not only because learning outdoors offers space, fresh air and inspiration, but also because the opportunity to explore and learn in Maine’s abundant, beautiful landscape is a key part of trauma-responsive practice.” Read more here.

Milbridge Elementary School develops outdoor classroom

9/2/20 on WABI-TV 5 News.
“As schools around the state reopen, many are looking at alternative ways of learning during a pandemic. Some, have chosen to add outdoor classrooms so kids can spread out and socially distance, including Milbridge Elementary School. “It’s a good combination of a very functional space for teachers and students to use, as well as a great learning experience,” explained Joseph Horn, Co-founder of Maine Outdoor School.” Read about or watch this TV feature here.

Maine schools are building outdoor classrooms as safer alternative

8/18/20 in The Bangor Daily News.
“Schools throughout Maine are building outdoor classrooms so students and educators this fall can easily maintain social distance, while breathing some fresh air. It’s one of the many ways schools are making changes to reduce the risk of spreading the virus while in session…In eastern Maine, one such partner is the Maine Outdoor School in Milbridge, which offers outdoor programming for area schools and training for educators. In February, the organization helped Milbridge Elementary School create an outdoor classroom in a forest clearing on the school’s campus. The new outdoor learning space features a circle of tree stump seats and a permanent outdoor chalkboard sheltered by a roof.” Read more here.

New programs explore nature-based restorative practices 

8/9/20 in The Mount Desert Islander.
“Healthy Acadia and Maine Outdoor School announce two new exploratory summer programs. “Nature-Based Restorative Practices,” a three-day program scheduled for Aug. 18–20, will introduce youth entering grades 7–12 this fall to restorative practices and how they tie into our natural world. Restorative practices are rooted in First Nation and Indigenous community traditions and philosophies and designed to build healthy relationships and a sense of community to prevent and address conflict and wrongdoing.” Read more here.

OWL: Outdoor Women Lead teaches outdoor & naturalist skills to women and girls in Downeast Maine

7/13/20 in The Bangor Daily News and 6/24/20 in The Machias Valley News Observer.
“Women for Healthy Rural Living (WHRL), a nonprofit leader in Milbridge, has partnered with Maine Outdoor School, L3C to offer OWL: Outdoor Women Lead. OWL teaches outdoor and naturalist skills via videos, blog posts and interactive activities that participants can do in their own backyards. The goal? To strengthen women and girls’ confidence outside, because everyone deserves to feel comfortable and empowered in the outdoors.” Read more here.

6 educational outdoor family activities to try during the pandemic

3/18/20 in The Bangor Daily News
MOS Co-Founder Hazel Stark wrote this article for the Bangor Daily News to provide families and teachers with outdoor learning ideas while people are stuck at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Read it here.

Teens learn to grow their own food

8/15/19 in The Ellsworth American
“As part of the program, Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Sara McConnell offered daily Cooking Matters classes during which youth prepared their own healthy lunches. Field trips to Incredible Edible Milbridge community gardens, Folklore Farm and the Maine Seacoast Mission’s food pantry as well as a visit by Maine Outdoor School rounded out the week.” Read more here.

Maine Outdoor School takes learning outside

6/28/19 in The Ellsworth American
“Leigha, who enters third grade at Harrington Elementary School in the fall, is interested in all kinds of small living things, including ants, worms and moths. “She’s always outside until she has to come in for the night,” said her mother, of Columbia. Leigha discovered her passion during a lesson by the Maine Outdoor School, a Milbridge-based organization that primarily serves schools in Hancock and Washington counties. Co-founders Hazel Stark and Joe Horn create outdoor lessons that work within a school’s established curriculum and help schools seek grant funding to pay for it.” Read more here.

School support program addresses barriers to learning

5/25/19 in The Ellsworth American
“Joe Horn of the Maine Outdoor School assists Jonesport Elementary School students… with tying together willow branches for the construction of a fort. The activity is part of the Transforming Rural Educational Experience, which aims to reduce barriers to healthy development and learning.” Read more here.

Maine Outdoor School: Connecting Down East Students With Nature

5/2/19 on MaineTerrain.com
“Now they share their love of immersive outdoor education with students throughout Washington and Hancock Counties. Their programs are extremely popular with Down East schools. Additionally, the school’s geographic reach is growing steadily.” Read more here.

Skippers program students gather in Northeast Harbor

12/19/18 in The Mount Desert Islander
“Joe Horn of Maine Outdoor School and a volunteer, Richard Arnold of Lamoine, kicked off the day teaching students about salt water fly tying for mackerel and cod.” Read more here.

‘They can get so much information packed into an hour outside’: Maine school leaves classroom behind

10/4/18 in The Bangor Daily News
“They can get so much information packed into an hour outside, where kids can look at and touch what they’re studying,” Carol Ann Lisee, who teaches fifth and sixth grade English and language arts at Milbridge Elementary School, said. “It’s like bringing the science to life.” Read more here.