# data[].attributes.headline
Maine Won't Wait - keynote presentation by Dr. Cassaundra Rose

# data[].attributes.subject
Maine Won't Wait - keynote presentation by Dr. Cassaundra Rose

# data[].attributes.body
A few of the resources I mentioned this morning:
Community Resilience Partnership, https://www.maine.gov/future/climate/community-resilience-partnership

http://mainewontwait.org/

For all climate council details and reports, https://www.maine.gov/future/initiatives/climate/climate-council

# data[].attributes.body
Support conservation + stewardship of the watershed. Programs: environmental literacy, recreational opptys, community sustainability, watershed assessments. Climate change an impt theme thru everything! Esp. our school progs. Also: barriers to fish passage; water quality monitoring; and starting the Sustainable Watershed Initiative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this time of COVID-19, with the danger of meeting indoors, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the coming of Spring in the Belfast Bay watershed. We need to dress for and be wary of ticks, and we need to maintain social distance from any other people we meet on trails, but we can still enjoy being out in the fresh air and sunshine.

# data[].attributes.body
Volunteers advocating for community parks & greenways, support work of Parks & Rec Dept. 14 parks today (only 4 in 1996)! 2 new greenways: Harborwalk & Rail Trail. Our recommendations to Parks & Rec for addressing climate change in our parks & communities: Promote healthy activities in nature; increase accessibility; protect wildlife & habitat; planting native species; environmental construction practices; green equipment; and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Friends of Belfast Parks
P.O. Box 947
Belfast, Maine 04915
Email us

Friends of Belfast Parks

MISSION: A volunteer-based, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to the preservation, improvement, and use of Belfast's parks and green spaces.

GOALS: Promote community use, enjoyment, and respect for our local parks; increase public awareness about the inherent values
of parks and green space; assist in preserving and improving local park facilities; involve youth in local park improvement projects; support the efforts of the Belfast Parks & Recreation Department.

BELFAST'S PARKS include City Park, Belfast Common, Walsh Field Recreation Area (including the Belfast Dog Park), Steamboat Landing, Kirby Lake (The Muck), Wales Park, Four-Seasons Recreation Area (former ski slope),and Eleanor Crawford Park.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Friends of Belfast ParksP.O. Box 947Belfast, Maine 04915 Email us MISSION: A volunteer-based, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to the preservation, improvement, and use of Belfast's parks and green spaces.

# data[].attributes.body
Fred Bowers. Climate Crisis Committee. I've been thinking that if would be beneficial to devise an array of plants, from pollinators to shrubs, to large trees. These arrays could function as shade, carbon sequestration and also habitat. We could use some assistance to determine these arrays that are appropriate to the climate of now and the future. We could advise people to plant these arrays.

# data[].attributes.body
School's Climate Crisis Committee, Marine Studies, fish & wildlife class, engineering class, others involved in many projects: Coastal Flooding project with Gulf of Maine Research Institute & Library. ABCD project contributions - sharing personal impacts of climate change. Installed water level sensor at city dock providing real time data. Planning floating buoys. Applying for grant to create a marine institute. Composting program. Planned pollinator & food project - looking for collabs w/ orgs like Belfast Garden Club. Helping City's Climate Crisis Committee w/ research on precipitation and flooding.

# data[].attributes.body
Sustain Maine's island and coastal communities; bolster capacity. Climate solutions work: clean energy, seal level rise, ocean acidification. Marine economy, marine decarbonation work, clean energy transitions, seal-level rise resiliency. Piloting projects & grants for backup power, other strategic clean energy - 1-on-1 support for communities like Isleboro and Eastport. Team focused on adaptation for sea level rise: collab oppty's including grants for risk assessment, planning, support. Climate Conference Sept. 2022.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Few of Our Favorite Things: Wellness & Self-Care

As we enter a new year, many people are making resolutions around their personal health and well-being for the months ahead. In our latest "Our Favorite Things" blog, we highlight a few small businesses and organizations focused on helping us feel well and be well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Island Institute - Strengthening Communities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As we enter a new year, many people are making resolutions around their personal health and well-being for the months ahead. In our latest "Our Favorite Things" blog, we highlight a few small businesses and organizations focused on helping us feel well and be well.

# data[].attributes.body
MOFGA creating food system that is healthy and fair to all. Education, training, advocacy to help famers thrive; support sustainable communities. Common Ground Fair, education, journeyperson prog; a public policy program that is doing a lot to address climate change. Organic mgmt and low impact forestry critical to address climate chg effects. Advocacy for public policies and funding. Org. mgmt to improve soil structure - it's all about the soil! Natural and working lands working group of ME Climate Council; public policy teach-in's, ME Healthy Soils Program; Incentives for Soil Carbon Storage; Rep. Chellie Pingree's Agricultural Resilient Act; ME Soil Health Tech. Assistance Program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association is working to transform our food system so that local organic food is available for all.

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/
Helping farmers adapt to climate change, build resiliency - adapt to warmer, wetter, drier conditions. Alternative forage crop systems to help balance risk. Building soils - carbon, organic matter, no-till, cover crops, mitigate runoff and erosion. Examine farm practices and soils based on diff cropping practices. Systems to address weather variations. Tools to help teach: rainfall simulator.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Psychology of Disaster and Climate Change - Psy 333 - Dr. Corlew, UMA

# data[].attributes.subject
The Psychology of Disaster and Climate Change - Psy 333 - Dr. Corlew, UMA

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Corlew has focused her research on the psychology of climate change and is using the book Disasterology: Dispatches from the frontlines of the climate crisis. This course  began 1/18 but is still open.  Those 65 years of age and older can have tuition and fees waived.  596-6906 FMI

# data[].attributes.body
https://windowdressers.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration and Production Facility Dedication

WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration & Production Facility Dedication Ceremony Friday, August 27, 2021 On Friday, August 27, 2021 WindowDressers Staff, Board members and Founder Volunteers gathered in Searsmont, ME to celebrate WindowDressers' 10th Birthday and to dedicate the new...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
WindowDressers - Insulating Window Inserts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration and Production Facility Dedication WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration & Production Facility Dedication Ceremony Friday, August 27, 2021 On Friday, August 27, 2021 WindowDressers Staff, Board members and Founder Volunteers gathered in Searsmont, ME to celebrate WindowDressers' 10th Birthday and to dedicate the new...

# data[].attributes.body
The Island Institute is hosting the 2022 Young Leaders Series featuring four virtual, interactive sessions exploring key aspects of leadership. Sessions are open to all high school and college students, as well as recent graduates. The 4-week series will offer participants the opportunity to actively take part in each discussion and also leave the sessions with a peer-reviewed action plan for creating change in their own communities. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-leaders-series-2022-tickets-228939352767

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Eventbrite - Island Institute presents Young Leaders Series 2022 - Monday, February 7, 2022 - Find event and ticket information.

# data[].attributes.body
Many educational programs on heat pumps, etc. Projects: Coastal Flood Monitoring w/ GMRI; added 2 tide gauges to collect local data. Recommendations to City Council to assist w/ policy decisions. In October, City requested to report on precipitation, flooding - recommendations for infrastructure and severe weather. Working on Climate Action Plan. Collaborate w/ other groups - Army Corps Engineers for high water mark signs; US Harbors and 4 other local towns on tide/weather sensors. Future: continue data collection; continue working w/ high school and other students. Collaborate & coordinate with groups here today - action, growth, positive change in the face of climate change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Belfast Maine Climate Crisis Committee is a Belfast, Maine City committee. Mission Statement: The CCC's mission is to catalyze actions throughout the Belfast community for a sustainable future while adapting to climate change.

# data[].attributes.body
Founded 1928, many members have seen significant effects of climate change in their gardens. Many projects all run by volunteers - beautifying parks; series of public lectures incl. this year's Evening Series co-sponsored by ABCD. Next week: Maine’s Climate Future: The Role of Carbon Management in Farms and Forests with Dr. Ivan Fernandez. Open Garden Days. RSU School Garden Collaborative program in March. A garden is a managed piece of landscape that can have many purposes - beauty, food - pollinator support. Can't control the weather. Frost dates; changing soil temps; a changed planting zone - good climate data is essential to understand effects on plants for good gardening. We already work with many of the orgs today and look forward to working with more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Belfast Garden Club has donated 22 new books to the community this year, expanding its library book donation program to include area schools for the first time. President Barb Gage explains "It is the hard work of our 100+ members and the generosity of our community that allows us to give back in these ways. Donating books to schools aligns with our goal to stimulate a knowledge and love of nature and it builds on our efforts to help support students in the school gardens."

The books donated to Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education (BCOPE), will be used to kick start their plans to be market gardeners in 2022. The six new books include topics on flower farming, companion planting, tools and techniques for organic home and market gardening, small space gardening, and books on flowers and vegetable growing. BCOPE's goal is to have a self sustaining garden that provides the school's kitchen with produce as well as enough left over for the students and teachers to use at home.

East Belfast and Nickerson Elementary Schools also received two new books - The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grownups and The Curious Garden - in addition to a $200 check to purchase garden tools for their new garden program aimed at younger students.

The Belfast Free Library received three new children's books by authors such as Eric Carle, and on the topics of foraging with kids and exploring the diversity of life through science activities. The 13 adult-oriented books cover a broad range of topics from garden design to garden allies (insects, birds, and others), to the coming insect apocalypse, to art in the garden and a bee identification book. One even focuses on creating felted flowers.

If asked to choose their favorites amongst such a breadth of topics, Book Co-chair Astrid Bowlby picked Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, and Co-chair Mary Davis selected New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden by Kelly D. Norris.

Books and supporting school garden projects are not the only community contributions the Belfast Garden Club makes. It has planted trees and thousands of flowers in 12 public gardens around town and offers monthly horticultural and environmental programs that are open to all.

Books donated to the Belfast Free Library
Children Books
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle 2015
Foraging with Kids: 52 Wild and Free Edibles to Enjoy with Your Children by Adele Nozedar 2018
Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth with Environmental Science Activities for Kids by Laura Perdew 2019 ...continue reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Belfast Garden Club has donated 22 new books to the community this year, expanding its library book donation program to include area schools for the first time. President Barb Gage explains "It is the hard work of our 100+ members and the generosity of our community that allows us to give back in these ways.

# data[].attributes.body
We all detest Knotweed. However, how do we get rid of it while still providing soil cover and carbon strorage?
This is Fred Bowers from Climate Crisis Committee

# data[].attributes.body
Our group started in direct response to pandemic - supply impacts on individuals and families with increased need for food. Participated in state and local efforts also. Impacts on farmers - supply issues affecting planting plans. Work with Unity Barnraisers "Veggies for All" 10+ year gleaning program where farmers donate - contributes food to pantries and other orgs. How to generate funds for this? Those programs integrated. Give And Take tables, share sheds. Although in response to pandemic, this has shone a light on infrastructure needs, food insecurity, people's needs. Housing crisis is a force. Looking at ways to make systems more resilient. Changing land; climate change; other factors in how well a crop does. Shout-out to MOFGA and Waldo Co Extension for your work on these issues!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Mission: Waldo County Bounty is a hunger relief organization working to improve access to locally-grown foods for people experiencing food insecurity in Waldo County, Maine through cross-sector planning, collaboration, and fundraising.

Our Programs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Mission: Waldo County Bounty is a hunger relief organization working to improve access to locally-grown foods for people experiencing food insecurity in Waldo County, Maine through cross-sector planning, collaboration, and fundraising.

# data[].attributes.headline
Maine Soil Health Technical Assistance Program

# data[].attributes.subject
Maine Soil Health Technical Assistance Program

# data[].attributes.body
This is a collaborative effort of MOFGA, Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and Cooperative Extension. It will provide grants to farmers wanting technical assistance for implementing soil health practices. The program kicks off in April with technical assistance. Grants will be made in the fall to help farmers implement the practices in the 2023 growing season. Stay tuned for an announcement with more detail soon.

# data[].attributes.body
Created 12 yrs ago in Rockland; since 2012 in Belfast: we make window inserts that go inside windows in homes, trailers, apartments. Individually measured. All volunteers. Goal to offer low-income customers up to 10 inserts at no charge every year. Goals: Keep Mainers warmer, save fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions, build stronger communities. Accomplished last year: 6,186 new inserts in ME, VT. 64,953 gallons of heating fuel saved - 1,458,844 pounds of CO2 saved [assumes everyone used heating fuel]. Pre-covid average, 60 customers per year; 50% are seniors. We've learned: need to continually recruit volunteers and leadership; improve marketing to reach low-income customers especially. Would appreciate sharing info with other orgs about other types of heating issues we don't address. Workshop in November!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration and Production Facility Dedication

WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration & Production Facility Dedication Ceremony Friday, August 27, 2021 On Friday, August 27, 2021 WindowDressers Staff, Board members and Founder Volunteers gathered in Searsmont, ME to celebrate WindowDressers' 10th Birthday and to dedicate the new...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
WindowDressers - Insulating Window Inserts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration and Production Facility Dedication WindowDressers 10th Birthday Celebration & Production Facility Dedication Ceremony Friday, August 27, 2021 On Friday, August 27, 2021 WindowDressers Staff, Board members and Founder Volunteers gathered in Searsmont, ME to celebrate WindowDressers' 10th Birthday and to dedicate the new...

# data[].attributes.headline
Unitarian Universalist Church Climate Action Team

# data[].attributes.subject
Unitarian Universalist Church Climate Action Team

# data[].attributes.body
One of our principles: respect for interconnectedness of life. Became a Green Sanctuary Church (composting; cloth napkins; low energy, non-polluting cleaners). Last yr, started Community Action Group including Climate Action Team. 4 zoom programs w/ Ellsworth church re: clean energy; electric vehicles; heat pumps; and talk by Maine Community Action Team. Solar: discovered our church would not benefit from rooftop solar. Church joined Perkins Road solar subscription - anyone can join through the church's subscription. Now: working on EICDA carbon dividend tax - looking to educate our congregation; vote on it; and advocate for using less fossil fuels. Thinking about the impact of storytelling & learning from others.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast | UUCB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast is a vibrant, inter-generational faith community, inspired by thought and spirit and grounded in love. ​ Our mission is to honor differences and to foster peace, justice, and sustainability in ourselves and in our world. We are a liberal, welcoming church that believes in the worth and dignity of each individual.

# data[].attributes.headline
I'm inspired by how many diverse organizations understand their mission to include combatting climate change.

# data[].attributes.subject
I'm inspired by how many diverse organizations understand their mission to include combatting climate change.

# data[].attributes.body
Appreciate hearing from the UU's today - so much to learn from them and each other. Long active supporting GBAM food cupboard, Game Loft, support for issues of poverty and family abuse. Although individual members have installed solar and other actions, the parish as a whole has not addressed climate change until now. Want to learn and collaborate w/ other orgs here working on climate change. Looking at figuring out how to do this. Also recognize the importance of gradual persuading people - and storytelling is a great tool. Small positive changes can encourage people to talk about it and do more. Developed a reading list of books about nature and our place in it. Encouraging parishioners to sign up for carbon tracking tool. Will have a newsletter with links to area activities and practical suggestions to cut carbon emissions in our everyday lives. We look forward to working with you all!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (Belfast, Maine)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
St. Margaret in Belfast, Maine. Shared worship is at the heart of St. Margaret's life. We come together to sing, pray, learn and be energized to go forth and serve God in our neighbors. Come join us!

# data[].attributes.headline
All of Belfast: Climate Dialogues (ABCD)

# data[].attributes.subject
All of Belfast: Climate Dialogues (ABCD)

# data[].attributes.body
ABCD is a community memory project of the Belfast Free Library, funded by Institute for Museum and Library Services. Created to help area residents talk about climate change and its impact, to increase awareness and prepare for its challenges. Want to get people talking about climate change impacts they have experienced and share stories, concerns, hopes - to see what our shared concerns are; inspire one another to take hopeful action; and celebrate what Belfast is already doing to address the impacts of climate change. We invite you to share your stories on our website; sign up for our monthly newsletter; attend an educational Zoom program; and learn more about climate change on the Library's ABCD web pages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
All of Belfast: Climate Dialogues (ABCD) is a community memory project of the Belfast Free Library. In this online platform we are collecting and sharing Belfast area residents' observations and perspectives about climate change impacts in our region at this critical time, as a benchmark for future reference ~ and perhaps as a catalyst for taking action now.

# data[].attributes.body
Belfast area group of national CCL organization - a citizens lobby to act specifically for one piece of legislation: The Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend, EICDA, HR 2307. Simple idea: the price of fossil fuels doesn't reflect the true price to society of burning them. It would put a price (fee) on carbon and return these collected fees to citizens via a yearly check. Vast majority of lower income families would benefit - a specific concern for rural Maine, lots of miles traveled for work. The scope of the climate change problem and the rapidity with which we need to act - this initiative looks at the whole system and has the potential for reaching net zero by 2050.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CCL is organized into local chapters in congressional districts. Working as a team you'll experience the profound difference people can make by empowering and inspiring their elected representatives, local media, and community.

# data[].attributes.headline
A regional coordinator via Community Resilience Partnership?

# data[].attributes.subject
A regional coordinator via Community Resilience Partnership?

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Cassaundra Rose, in her description of the support available from the Maine's Community Resilience Partnership, mentioned contracted "regional coordinators". Could this be a good option to explore for helping coordinate all these organizations? - Misty

# data[].attributes.headline
Cross collaboration through contact information, please.

# data[].attributes.subject
Cross collaboration through contact information, please.

# data[].attributes.body
Group name - contact person-email-website

Excited to imagine the impacts of these allies!! & : )

# data[].attributes.body
Fred Bowers.
I have solar, but I've noticed that there is more cloudy weather and I don't generate as much electric as I did even 5 years ago. Are we examining that at a State level?

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how this group can influence a broader local citizen discussion to prioritize climate change.  Could there be a broad challenge to organizations to publicly commit to combatting climate change within and among their other mission priorities?

# data[].attributes.headline
Create a clearinghouse / portal for all our orgs; hold regular meetings; create baseline data

# data[].attributes.subject
Create a clearinghouse / portal for all our orgs; hold regular meetings; create baseline data

# data[].attributes.body
Per Greg Biddinger: Come up with a strategy together to map what everyone is doing. Creates partnerships, overlaps, collaboration, cooperation.  Create a portal? / coordinated platform for info. Regular meetings? Have a set of baseline data. Understand economic value of elements of our natural landscape. This could all lead to citizens and businesses making better decisions.

Sarah: Who do you think would create, maintain, lead this clearinghouse?
Rick: Creating a new org takes time and can be bureaucratic - so, start with what we have. Suggest the Library and ABCD may be best place to take leadership?
Brenda: All the web pages we've created do provide a clearinghouse to important reports & info although we don't list all the orgs yet.
Jan Dodge: Share skills - grant writing is often challenging!!!!
Peter Millard: Similar to the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition of 37 organizations
Corliss: If we had this Waldo County org, imagine the legislative impact it could have to tell Jan Dodge, "all 17 orgs agree."

# data[].attributes.headline
Island Institute -Climate Support + Collaboration Opportunities 

# data[].attributes.subject
Island Institute -Climate Support + Collaboration Opportunities 

# data[].attributes.body
Slides from the Island Institute. Please reach out to Abby Roche aroche@islandinstitute.org or check out our work at https://www.islandinstitute.org/

# data[].attributes.headline
Bringing people together around common values

# data[].attributes.subject
Bringing people together around common values

# data[].attributes.body
PerJerry Brand: Window Dressers; bringing people together who would not normally work together

# data[].attributes.headline
Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition Common Agenda 2022

# data[].attributes.subject
Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition Common Agenda 2022

# data[].attributes.body
https://protectmaine.org/epc/priorities/2022

# data[].attributes.headline
Connecting with Waldo County Assistance Program?

# data[].attributes.subject
Connecting with Waldo County Assistance Program?

# data[].attributes.body
Karen Young: Waldo County CAP is a program that, on their website says they help low income people with a variety of things including transportation, home heating and insulation. Does anyone have more information about Waldo County CAP?

Window Dressers does receive client referrals through Waldo CAP.
Have a follow-up conversation - Chip Curry, Beverly Roxby.

# data[].attributes.body
Chase from BAHS asked about this. UMaine Extension offers a program - see link.
Heather also shared that MOFGA does offer lots of great workshops and programs as well: https://www.mofga.org/learn/organic-how-tos/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research-based information from UMaine Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.

Last Year:

919 Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) gave more than 33,800 hours for educational and food security projects!

Who can become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

We strive to offer Master Gardener programs that are inclusive of and represent the communities in which they serve. Master Gardeners are people who want to use their gardening skills to create positive change in their communities. Whether working with students on a school garden, teaching a workshop on making great compost, growing and donating produce to Maine Harvest for Hunger or beautifying a public space, Master Gardener Volunteers take an active role in making things happen!

Everyone who successfully completes the 40+ hours of training and volunteers 40 hours towards community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener Volunteer.

For additional information or questions, please contact us at extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Maine Master Gardener Volunteers - Cooperative Extension: Garden & Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research-based information from UMaine Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and ...

# data[].attributes.body
Chase is working to create Project Pollinator and hopes to work with MOFGA, Garden Club, others. Help people gain access to food, the outdoors, watching pollinators and birds. Create a central spot at the high school.

# data[].attributes.body
Per Susan Conard: does anyone know why small scale wind turbines are not available in Maine?

# data[].attributes.headline
Bulletin board? Newsletter? clearinghouse where everyone can share their programs and activities

# data[].attributes.subject
Bulletin board? Newsletter? clearinghouse where everyone can share their programs and activities

# data[].attributes.body
Per Jon Beal

# data[].attributes.headline
EMAIL JON BEAL to stay involved! Send your ideas, visions. Thank you!

# data[].attributes.subject
EMAIL JON BEAL to stay involved! Send your ideas, visions. Thank you!

# data[].attributes.body
From Greg B to Peter Millard (as part of our follow up discussion): Why not have the revenue from the carbon tax go to public as a rebate for investment in climate mitigation as individual or communities? rather as a general refund.

Peter: Our concern is that we may have protests similar to the “yellow vest” movement in France which resulted from increased fuel prices with no immediate mitigation. If people benefit, they are likely to support it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Reducing food miles and becoming more self-reliant w/ food production

# data[].attributes.subject
Reducing food miles and becoming more self-reliant w/ food production

# data[].attributes.body
During discussion, per Heather Spaulding: To build on Jerry’s point about the importance of local foods, the Maine Climate Council has articulated the desire to reduce food miles and become more self-reliant with our food production, increasing the amount of food that is both grown and consumed in Maine from 10% to 30% by 2030.

# data[].attributes.body
Unable to attend today, but Dorothy Havey shared: Really encouraging people to use less paper - the Chamber publishes the summer guide online now.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Belfast & Waldo County offer a unique maritime history, endless outdoor offerings, an active art scene, and robust farm to table movement, with historic downtowns and thriving waterfronts. The Chamber's mission is to promote an environment in which businesses can prosper and people love to live, work, and play. We support our members through a dynamic economy and strong communities throughout Waldo County. We invite you to join us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Homepage - Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Belfast & Waldo County offer a unique maritime history, endless outdoor offerings, an active art scene, and robust farm to table movement, with historic downtowns and thriving waterfronts. The Chamber's mission is to promote an environment in which businesses can prosper and people love to live, work, and play.

# data[].attributes.body
Chip Curry: Hoping to see Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine be involved - deermeat with PFAS chemicals. A priority to build broad coalitions.

# data[].attributes.body
Question from Jan Dodge. Are there other publications in addition to the Journal? Social media, yes... but remember our population is older and I encounter ppl who want a paper copy of my newsletter. Also challenges with skill level and internet connection.
Jon: Maybe we can get a grant through the GOPIF resilience program? Takes time and money.

# data[].attributes.headline
Maine Community Foundation grant - needs a lead organization! - Feb. 15

# data[].attributes.subject
Maine Community Foundation grant - needs a lead organization! - Feb. 15

# data[].attributes.body
Chip, Jan: Are there grant writers who could help?
Municipalities can apply for grants - City Council would have to approve.
Jan: Wendy Casten with Aging Well in Waldo County

# data[].attributes.headline
Rules for utilization of state money when doing projects that must include a climate element?

# data[].attributes.subject
Rules for utilization of state money when doing projects that must include a climate element?

# data[].attributes.body
Jan's question. Unsure - will need to check!
Barbara: knows that DEP requires some component in every grant for climate change. Unsure about others.
Jan: Important to have that as part of policy

# data[].attributes.body
I was so beyond delighted to hear so many people were passionate about the community and the people in it. As a student at BAHS and member of the community surrounding it this is something that i have always considered while creating my ideas. I’m very delighted to see that people in the community share those same efforts and ideals as me.

# data[].attributes.body
Not able to attend today.
We missed you and we look forward to looping you in to further conversations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We believe in supporting local businesses, honoring our heritage through historic preservation, and in bringing together the community in order to make downtown ...

# data[].attributes.body
Not able to attend today.
We missed you and look forward to future conversations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Coastal Mountains Land Trust permanently conserves land in Maine's western Penobscot Bay region.

# data[].attributes.headline
Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District

# data[].attributes.subject
Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District

# data[].attributes.body
Unable to attend today.
We missed you and can't wait to loop you in during our next conversation!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Waldo County Soil And Water Conservation District – Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online via Zoom. Contact us for more information.
\n

# data[].attributes.body
This organization from Mount Desert Island could be a model for a Waldo County Climate Solutions organization.
- Brenda Harrington

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ACTT interns wrapped up their vegan food guide for the island. This is a resource for all who choose to be vegan/vegetarian on a daily basis, or those who wish to try something new.

The motivation for this project was driven by the destructive impacts animal agriculture has on the environment. By eating less animal products and more plant-based foods, we can help combat the climate crisis!

Click here to check it out!

Watch the interview here!

Listen to "How MDI residents helped double their island's solar capacity." Read script here.

ACTT and the MDI High School ECO Team encourages all Maine schools to follow MDI High School in going 100% solar. Following the extensive publicity on the solar ribbon cutting ceremony in September, we received requests from dozens of Maine schools who want to know how with no money down our high school began realizing instant savings on electricity bills and a projected savings of $1,465,000 over 25 years.

That's why we created the ACTT Solar Roadmap for Schools for you to share with school administrators, school boards, students and community energy teams, etc. near you. It includes a step-by-step process, savings chart, and a Request for Proposal template.

Please contact our Solar Program Manager, Bryan Carroll, to learn more about our process for helping the high school go solar.

Students on the MDI High School ECO Team are more than willing to talk with students in your area to inspire their school administrators to get the process going. Contact Lawson Wulsin, ACTT Program Manager, to connect your students with ours.

Watch and listen to the media coverage of the Solar Ribbon Cutting on September 18, 2019:

ABC 7 Mount Desert Island High School Goes Solar

WABI 5 MDI High School Celebrates Going Completely Solar

Maine Public Maine Schools Going Solar - Not Only To Protect Environment But To Boost Bottom Lines

December 2019, November 2019 October 2019, September 2019

Youth from the MDI High School Eco Team and College of the Atlantic's Earth in Brackets presented a climate resolution for the town council to consider that recognizes the grave emergency that climate change has become and the need for local governments to begin developing action plans to move quickly away from fossil fuels over the next decade. Part of the resolution passed on a 5-1 vote and a meeting was set to discuss a Climate Mobilization Plan.

See 11-21-19 MDIslander article here.

We welcome Lawson Wulsin, who joins the ACTT Team in the role of Program Manager. He will be taking over the role that Co-Coordinators Joe Blotnick & Jill Higgins have had as they will be "semi-retiring" yet continuing to work on specific ACTT projects.

Lawson brings a wealth of planning, organizational, fundraising, and leadership experience. An architect whose work has focused on public schools, he recently moved to Seal Cove from Western Massachusetts. As an architect, he has been involved with the United States Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment. In addition to designing energy efficient and net-zero buildings, Lawson's architecture aims to integrate the built environment with natural systems.

He looks forward to the future of ACTT's ambitious and urgent vision of energy independence for MDI.

On Wednesday June 26th, Governor Janet Mills signed into law three major renewable energy reform bills , pushing the State of Maine to a position of national climate leadership. Our interns attended the event, which took place in Pittsfield at the largest solar array in the state, consisting of 40,300 panels generating 9.9 megawatts at peak performance, providing symbolic background of the energy reform to come. One bill, LD 1711 includes a 75% solar credit for the Transmission and Distribution portion of the bills for large consumers such as the MDI High School where panels are being installed this month. Trustees approved the solar installation in January with an initial projected savings of $216,000 over 25 years; this new credit increases savings to $1,276,000!

The two additional bills bring significant change in emission reductions and renewable energy standards. LD 1679 sets to reduce carbon emissions below 1990s levels by 45% in 2030 and 80% by 2050, as well as establishing a Maine Climate Council. The third and final bill LD 1494 increases Maine's renewable portfolio standard to 80% renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

ACTT believes these legislative changes will bring a greater urgency to diverge from electricity produced by fossil fuels, while saving money.

Bryan Carroll, of Isle au Haut, has recently been hired by A Climate To Thrive (ACTT) to manage the already successful solar program, and organize efforts to bring solar solutions to residents, businesses, and towns of MDI and surrounding communities.

This position dovetails well with his current position as General Manager of the Isle au Haut Electric Power Company where he is overseeing the creation of an off-grid micro-grid for the entire island. He has 15 years of experience integrating residential, commercial, and community solar throughout New England and the islands of the Caribbean. Owing thanks to the new solar legislation in the State of Maine, he hopes to play a role in drastically increasing the solar generating capacity on MDI.

Over 300 people, young and old participated in a lively rally on the Village Green in Bar Harbor on September 20th,

The climate crisis is an emergency. Millions of people around the world walked out of their workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers walking out of their schools to demand that leaders respond to this emergency and put an end to the age of fossil fuels. Several ACTT interns and College of the Atlantic students spoke along with Rep, Brian Hubbell to say that business as usual and lack of action is no longer acceptable.

This summer, the number of restaurants and lodging businesses who took the pledge in pursuit of sustainability-driven goals has grown from 50 to 85 businesses. When all four Mount Desert Island towns passed plastic bag and foam ordinances this year, it made room for the businesses to expand the pledge to include all of its original sustainability goals: reducing, reusing and recycling, optimizing energy, transitioning to renewable sources, curbing food waste, sourcing food sustainably, and using non-toxic cleaning products. The SMDI decal marks businesses which have enacted or are transitioning to at least five of these ten long-range visionary practices this year.

This summer, ACTT received a grant to expand SMDI's reach beyond food businesses. The Asticou Inn and the Bar Harbor Inn which already pledged for their in-house restaurants last year, took the lead adapting SMDI's goals for lodging businesses. Eleven more hotels, inns and B&Bs have already signed on to the new pledge: the Acacia House Inn, Ann's Point Inn, Aysgarth Station B&B, Bar Harbor Villager, The Birches B&B and Cottages, Harbour Cottage Inn, Holbrook House B&B, Kingsleigh Inn, Lighthouse Inn, Saltair Inn, and Shore Path Cottage. The ripples are spreading even beyond lodging businesses, as the Criterion Theater and the entire MDI Regional School District have both taken the pledge. Please encourage your favorite businesses to join if they haven't already!

For more info, contact Jill Higgins, ACTT Co-Coordinator, 207-664-4040

Click here to see the list of current pledgers.

ACTT interns visited the Maine Statehouse Thursday, July 25th to discuss current climate issues with lawmakers and leaders. Interns met with the President of the Senate Troy Jackson, the Office of Speaker Sara Gideon, State Representative for Bar Harbor Brian Hubbell, and Cassaundra Rose from Governor Mills' Office of Policy, Innovation, and the Future.

In these meetings, interns expressed why they are interested in climate issues, as well as the projects that they are currently working on and what they have learned during the internship thus far. They asked what each office hoped to accomplish in the future and emphasized why actions need to be taken swiftly and comprehensively.

See Brian Hubbell's keynote address at the MDI Hospital Annual Meeting. He speaks of his proudest legislative accomplishment - moving policy forward which counters the prospect of economic disruption from climate change and establishes a model and vision for Maine - with the help of A Climate to Thrive.

The Bar Harbor Town Council chambers were packed and overflowing for the public hearing on banning single use carryout plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers the night of January 15. The public and town councillor comments, which were overwhelmingly in support of the ordinances, met with rousing applause, and the final comments by Charlotte Partin and Logan Wilbur, two of the high school freshmen who initiated, wrote and helped advocate for the measures, moved some of us to tears. The council voted and passed the two bans to jubilant applause. They will go into effect this Valentine's Day, but businesses will be able to use up their old stock before switching to alternatives. If you weren't there, you can watch the hearing about 12 - 13 minutes in.

The ordinances spread quickly. Southwest Harbor passed them in November, and Mount Desert and Tremont passed them via a vote at the annual town meetings in May.

You can learn more about reducing single-use plastics on MDI here.

by Tracy Staedter for Experience Magazine

On Maine's Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the sea brings news of change. Over the last 15 years, the Gulf of Maine has warmed faster than 99 percent of the global ocean. Storms more frequently swamp the island's low-lying roads. Lobsters, who prefer the cold, have started a slow march north toward Canadian waters, taking the state's iconic industry with them. Ticks, who like it warm, have multiplied, as have reports of Lyme disease. Another insect, the red pine scale, burrows into conifers and kills them from the inside out. Rusted and skeletal, the trees die overlooking the island's smooth-bouldered shores.

A local couple who grew up on MDI have made a five-year, $25,000 matching pledge to A Climate to Thrive which is the largest gift from an individual ACTT has received. "We enthusiastically support the mission of ACTT and envision its expansion to communities across the State."

35 people attended a workshop developed by the Maine Climate Table on May 1 at the Northeast Harbor Library. Tyler Kidder of the Onion Foundation led an exciting interactive workshop that explored the results of in-depth research about climate change messages that resonate especially well with Mainers. Based on extensive Maine social science research conducted by communication professionals through the Maine Climate Table, the workshop included information on modern brain science as well as findings on how to change opinion and move audiences to action.

Several educators and rangers from Acadia National Park, and representatives from the Abbe Museum, Friends of Acadia, the Ellsworth Green Plan, and other organizations were in attendance. All attendees received the print edition of supporting research.

will create jobs, preserve the beauty of this island, and establish MDI as a resource and leader for communities around the world.

Maine Energy Visioning Project

Maine Youth Climate Action

Expanding Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Large-Scale Solar Energy

Winter Farmers Market with Healthy Acadia's MDI FarmDrop

Reducing Plastics

Sustainable MDI

Youth Community Catalysts with MDI Schools

Are you passionate about clean energy, zero waste, public policy, or climate-friendly transportation? We welcome you to join one of our exciting projects and help create the future that you envision for your family, your grandchildren, and future generations.

Over 200 people from around the state joined us at MDI High School on February 10 for our Summit event, "Building a Brighter Future: Stepping up to the Climate Change Challenge". A variety of community members shared their own success stories and what they are personally doing to take action towards a more sustainable MDI. From high school students who implemented a plastic bag and styrofoam ban, to a local hotel manager aiming to adopt more sustainable practices, it was great to hear from MDI residents who are passionate about conserving our island!

We're very excited about the positive energy that this year's event helped to create, and look forward to continue working together towards a more sustainable future!

Contact us at lawson@aclimatetothrive.org to find out how you can help us or click here to see how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that." - Thomas Edison (1931)

Thanks to the following organizations for their generous support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ACTT interns wrapped up their vegan food guide for the island. This is a resource for all who choose to be vegan/vegetarian on a daily basis, or those who wish to try something new. The motivation for this project was driven by the destructive impacts animal agriculture has on the environment.