Invite 118 // Apr 15

This week's Earth Day theme is an invitation, not a guilt trip. With the right mindset, cleanup, maintenance, and stewardship can be recreation in their own right.

My favorite illustration of this is Beau Miles, a YouTuber with a knack for turning ethical obligations into ridiculous experiences. A few favorites:

• ​Bad river​
• ​Rubbish run​
• ​A tree a minute​
• ​Someone dumped rubbish and I couldn't ignore it​
• ​Junk paddle​

View these events with that spirit, or if you're feeling adventurous, create a challenge of your own. Now, on to the good stuff.

✌️ Max

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5th Annual Brunswick Coastal Clean-up

Sat, Apr 25 | Brunswick | Free

Pitch in to remove trash from multiple Brunswick locations and small islands, then enjoy complimentary oysters and an after-party at Flight Deck Brewing.

​Learn more​

Vernal Pools Guided Walk

Sat, Apr 25 | Portland | Free

Explore Baxter Woods with Maine Master Naturalists to spot amphibians and insects in vernal pools and learn how these seasonal ponds support critical spring habitats.

​Learn more​

24th Annual Smelt Fry & Fisheries Celebration

Sat, Apr 25 | Columbia Falls | Paid

Sample fried smelt and tour hatcheries while supporting river conservation at this community gathering in Columbia Falls, with live music and kid-friendly activities.

​Learn more​

Scarborough Marsh Clean-Up

Sat, Apr 25 | Scarborough | Free

Clean up the marsh and beaches at Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center during this three-hour Earth Day clean-up session.

​Learn more​

Kiwanis Piscatiquis River Race

Sat, Apr 25 | Guilford | Paid

Paddle a 9-mile stretch of class II whitewater on the Piscataquis River from Guilford to Dover-Foxcroft, with food and raffle prizes included at the finish.

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Great Portland Pick Up

Sat, Apr 25 | Portland | Free

Pick up litter across Portland's parks and sidewalks at 18 cleanup sites while enjoying coffee and snacks with neighbors.

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Salt Bay Sunday

Sun, Apr 26 | Nobleboro | Free

Spot swallows, sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and warblers on a spring morning walk at Salt Bay Farm with Mid-coast Audubon.

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Muddy KAT

Sat, May 2 | Patten | Paid

Challenge yourself to a muddy 5K at Mt. Chase Lodge, solo or with a relay partner, on a course designed to get you properly dirty.

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Trail Festival at Pineland Farms

Sat, May 23 - Sun, May 24 | New Gloucester | Paid

Lace up for a day of races ranging from 5K to 100K at Pineland Farms with live music, food vendors, and beer garden on both days.

​Learn more​

Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Queer + BIPOC Maine Guide Prep Course | Fri, Apr 17 - Sun, Apr 19 | Paid​

​Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race | Sat, Apr 18 | Paid​

​Machias River Race | Sat, Apr 25 | Paid​

​Moosehead Marathon | Sun, Apr 26 | Paid​

​Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 17 | Paid​

​Maine Needs: Walk and Race | Sat, May 23 | Donation Based​

​Maine Canoe Symposium | Fri, May 29 - Sun, May 31 | Paid​

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!