BAXTER STATE PARK

Students invited to apply for wilderness program

Friends of Baxter State Park is inviting Maine high school sophomores and juniors to submit applications to participate in the 3rd annual Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program at Baxter State Park.

The program is scheduled for Aug. 6 to 14. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

Friends President Barbara Bentley says, “Ten teenagers will be chosen to participate in the nine-day program, which is designed to introduce the students to the importance of wilderness preservation and wildlands management in Baxter State Park.”

The 10 students, along with two guides, will explore the streams, mountains, lakes and forests of this 200,000-plus acre wilderness preserve. The values of wilderness preservation will be highlighted by sessions with specialists including an outdoor journalist, a naturalist, a geologist, a Penobscot cultural educator, an astronomer, a wilderness photographer and a regional artist.

There are no fees charged for this program. Friends of Baxter State Park receives funding for the program from the Quimby Family Foundation. Trip leadership and logistics are provided through a collaboration with the Chewonki Foundation.

More information about the program, including an application, can be found at www.friendsofbaxter.org. To learn more about Baxter State Park, go to www.baxterstateparkauthority.com.

AUGUSTA

New rules widen options for fishing this winter

Maine’s winter fishing season is under way, and this year anglers will be able to drop a line even if there is not enough ice because of changes in fishing regulations.

The new fishing rules offer open-water opportunities throughout most of the state.

Anglers wanting to ice-fish should check ice conditions before trusting the ice on any lake or pond.

Also, to start the season off right, winter anglers can check the winter fishing preview on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, www.mefishwildlife.com.

Written by regional fisheries biologists, the preview highlights fishing opportunities throughout Maine, plus mentions rule changes and promotes kids-only ice fishing derbies. 

Viles Arboretum has trails for winter recreation

The Viles Arboretum, at 153 Hospital St. in Augusta, invites the public to enjoy its groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter nature exploration.

The arboretum offers free parking, rest rooms, a place to warm up and staff to provide information. Snowshoes are available to rent.

For more information, go online to www.vilesarboretum.org or call 626-7989.

FREEPORT

Wild Bird Supply sales help support conservation

Freeport Wild Bird Supply will donate 4.5 percent of revenue generated from most sales this weekend to Friends of the Eastern Promenade as part of its “Independence is for the Birds!” program.

The locally owned store encourages people to visit to learn more about conservation organizations and support them at the same time.

Friends of the Eastern Promenade, formed in 2006, has identified key park improvements for implementation. Partnering with Portland Trails and the city of Portland the group has constructed two new trails: the Fort Allen Trail at the southeasterly side and the Loring Memorial Trail on the northwesterly side.

Freeport Wild Bird Supply, at 541 Route 1 in Freeport, specializes in products that enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of wild birds, birding and nature.