An adventurous group of outdoor enthusiasts, guides, historians and writers recently celebrated the 150th year anniversary of Throeau's book "The Maine Woods." by re-enacting one of his trips through the Maine woods.

One participant was James Francis, Cultural Heritage Director of the Penobscot Indian Nation. When talking with him recently about sporting camps in the Moosehead Lake region, he told a fascinating Penobscot legend that explains the origin of Mount Kineo, Little Spencer Mountain, which towers in the scenic backdrop of Spencer Pond Camps, Big Spencer Mountain and how Kokadjo got its name. READ MORE...

The Maine Sporting Camp Heritage Foundation is currently meeting with persons (and groups) who might be interested in supporting our mission by joining our Board of Directors.

Perhaps you are interested, or know of someone who might be, and would like to hear more. We would love to meet with you and fill you in on all the possible ways you might get involved. Please contact John Rust at (207) 337-5858 or send an Email to us at info@sportingcampfoundation.org.

Hospitality is the rule in Maine's north woods. Cabin doors are rarely locked, and if so, there is usually a key nearby for drop-in visitors. Everyone respects the privacy and property of others. Yet when needs arise everyone is willing to share their shelter, food, supplies and tools.

Maine's sporting camps still offer that way of life, but when camps are left vacant during winter there can be visitors who no longer share in the best of Maine traditions. Although, vandalism is very rare, mayhem can happen, adding to the many challenges already faced by camp owners.

Last winter, Libby Camps (located at T7 R8 WELS) discovered that two of their vehicles had been badly damaged. The North Maine Woods organization has offered $500 reward for information on this situation.

Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day
August 12, 2014
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen's Association Clubhouse in Oquossoc, http://www.rangeleyoutdoors.com
Free
Contact: Don Palmer, 207-864-5647
Celebration of Maine's Hunting and Fishing traditions, Maine Guides' Flycasting Competition, Game Meals, Hands-on Exhibits, Children's Activities

Guided Tour of the Forest Ecology and Management Trail in Baxter State Park
August 13, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Baxter State Park http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
Free
Contact: Morgan Taylor, Interpretive Specialist, Baxter State Park, (207) 723-5140
Join Rick Morrill for a short afternoon walk along the newly opened Forest Ecology and Management Trail. Learn tree species and various aspects of forest ecology and management. This is the most accessible location for visitors to learn about the activities in the SFMA.

Moose Calling with Roger Lambert
August 15, 2014 @ 6:30 pm
Location: School Building, Water Street, Grand Lake Stream
Free
Contact: Downeast Lakes Land Trust, 207-796-2100, info@downeastlakes.org, http://www.downeastlakes.org
Roger Lambert has been featured in the NPR piece, "The Art of Moose Calling." Attendees will learn various moose calls as well as moose biology and lore from this master of the Maine woods.

Wild Foods Weekend with Tom Seymour
August 23, 2014 at 6:30 pm - August 24, 2014 at 12:00 am
Location: School Building, Water Street, Grand Lake Stream
Contact: Downeast Lakes Land Trust, 207-796-2100, info@downeastlakes.org
Exploring wild edibles. Participants can attend the free evening program on Saturday August 23 to learn the basics of wild plant identification and preparation with forager and author, Tom Seymour. Tom will then lead a morning foraging hike on Sunday August 24 in the Farm Cove Community Forest. Register in advance by contacting the Downeast Lakes Land Trust at 207-796-2100 or trucosky@downeastlakes.org for the Sunday hike which will cost $15.

41st Annual International Sea Plane Fly-In
September 4, 2014 - September 7, 2014 all-day
Location: Greenville
Contact: International Sea Plane Fly-In, (207) 534-8893, http://www.seaplanefly-in.org
The International Seaplane Fly-In brings thousands of participants and spectators to enjoy the activities, including demonstration of bush pilots' skills.

It has been so hot and humid lately, that we couldn't resist looking at deer in their wintering area, as shown above near Eustis. Maine winters are not kind to deer, and thick protective conifer habitat like that shown in the background is critical to their survival. In this photo, the deer are able to exit the thick cover onto a plowed logging road, which often entails even more immediate risks.