Some might say that forging ahead with environmental and climate improvement work whilst many of the basic services of our federal government are being dismantled is a bit like putting out brush fires while the forest burns. However, we don’t see it that way. We believe every effort to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, limit our consumption of planetary resources, and organize citizens for greener communities is beneficial, building resilience and community when we need it most.
The ravages of global warming won’t go away just because the current administration denies the situation. We’ll still have heat waves, forest fires, flooding rivers, sea level rise. And if we don’t do more locally to offset national losses, we’ll be much less prepared, lacking resources of all kinds.
So, despite the larger national and global situation, CamdenCAN and other climate-forward local groups will not just carry on but double down. We hope you’ll join us at one of the many events and opportunities presented here. You’ll meet new neighbors, rightly feel that you’re doing your part, and perhaps even have some fun.
Quick Takes
Pollinator Power—We know May is coming soon—Thursday! and No Mow May is increasingly popular. While we don’t want to jump into that debate, we do want to encourage Midcoasters to consider the pollinator power of the land surrounding our houses. You’ll find a lot more encouragement in this article (“with just 10% of your lawn you can boost you pollinator population by 50%”), and by attending the film and panel this Thursday, May 1, at the Camden Public Library. (See the full description, below.) And if you missed CamdenCAN’s Anna Dembska April talk about how she upped her pollinator power (and much more), you can watch/listen here.
Bounded by Forest—on May 6 Ivan Fernandez, Professor Emeritus and Climate Research Scientist in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine, will help us understand the role Camden’s bountiful forests play in balancing carbon in our atmosphere. It’s the last of CamdenCAN’s Camden Talks Climate events until next fall. How fortunate we are to live alongside a huge forest—and to have these able scientists to help us see the forest, and the trees.
Upcoming Local Climate-Changed-Planet-Related Events
May 1, Thursday, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Camden Public Library, “The Buzz On Native Plants.” Native Gardens of Blue Hill, and Wild Ones Midcoast Maine join together to present a film screening of The Buzz on Native Plants. The film explores the relationship between native plants and pollinators and how they can benefit local ecosystems in our ever-changing climate. The film will be followed by a lively panel discussion of local experts, including Cathy Rees, Roger Rittmaster, Louisa Crane, and Amy Thomas. See more here.
May 6, Tuesday, 6:30 – 7:45 pm, Camden Public Library. CamdenCAN’s Camden Talks Climate presents “Camden’s Forests as a Lens on Maine’s Changing Climate” with Ivan Fernandez, Professor Emeritus and Climate Research Scientist in the School of Forest Resources, Climate Change Institute, and School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine. This presentation will consider our changing climate and its implications particularly for Camden’s forests, both as treasured natural resources and climate solutions. We’ll use the forest lens to also consider relevant findings from the 2024 Maine climate science assessment developed by the Maine Climate Council’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STS). See more here. This program is hybrid—register here to watch virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_680b9kzuSL-Z1wWPBwW7aQ.
May 13, Tuesday, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Camden Public Library, CamdenCAN’s Climate Conversation Circles. Restarting this second and fourth Tuesday circle, open-ended facilitated conversation about climate, ecological overshoot, local climate policy—anything folks bring up related to our climate-changed reality. See more here.
May 15, Thursday, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Flatbread Pizza, Rockport. Midcoast Climate, Energy + Green Building Happy Hour. All ages welcome! 5:00-5:45 pm connect 1:1 —meet someone new, catch up; 5:45-6:15 pm community announcements “in-the-round”—job openings, job search, events, public meetings, etc.; 6:15-7:00 pm—continue conversations. Buy your own beverage, including a growing list of non-alcoholic options. And sometimes we pool cash $ for pizza.
May 21, Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Rockport Public Library, “Conservation for Climate: Protecting Lands and Farms for the Future.” The last talk in the Rockport Conservation Commission’s 2025 Climate Series will explore the critical role of natural lands and conservation in responding to climate change. Jeremy Gabrielson, Associate Director of Planning with Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), will talk about the organization’s work to enhance climate resilience and protect ecosystems. Attendees will learn what can be done to be good stewards of local lands for the future. Gabrielson works with MCHT’s Project Managers and Stewards to develop strategies for conserving land that balance the needs of Maine’s people, plants, and animals. See more here.
May 30, Friday, noon – 4pm. SEA Fair, at the Camden Middle School. CamdenCAN will have tomato seedlings for all interested students! Last year representatives of 21 environmental organizations had tables. Students from Camden Hills High School and the Watershed School helped prepare and run student activities. Of the approximately 500 attendees last year, about 100 were adult members of the larger community and 400 were students and staff members at CRMS.
Farther Afield
May 8, Thursday, all day, Augusta, Climate Work Maine’s Annual Summit on Maine’s Economy & Climate Change. A day filled with informative sessions and engaging discussions that focus on actionable climate solutions. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in your community and your business. Whether you’re a business owner looking to adopt sustainable practices or an advocate for change in your local area, this summit will equip you with the tools you need to drive climate action effectively. Cost is $95. See more here.
May 16-17, Friday-Saturday, South Paris, Maine, the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy’s (CEBE) 2030 Vision Climate Convergence. See more here. With the theme of “Resist, Regenerate, Renew,” they’ll be holding space for those new to the movement, as well as seasoned Convergence attendees. They’ll take over the Celebration Barn Theater in Paris—with beautiful indoor and outdoor options for whatever May’s weather will hold. There will be a special climate-related theater performance on Friday evening. There are many, many other events packed in these two days.
Concluding Thoughts
It’s heartening to realize how much is going on. Our towns of Camden and Rockport are awash in good work, good trouble, and good folks. These local bonds—as well as the local actions and initiatives—are the foundation, and heart of democracy. We need to build these connections and these voices for the future we want.
Locally we’re still pushing for the Camden Select Board to invest money from two capital reserve funds (funds for energy efficiency and funds received as settlement on poisoned trees) so that we can own the solar farm that we’ve been leasing on town property at Sagamore Farms. Drop the select board a note (tocselectboard@camdenmaine.gov) to remind them of this important action—it saves taxpayers money and allows us to own our own power. It’s not doing Camden citizens any good to put it off.
The days are delightfully long; the buds are coming out on the pencil branches of our trees; bright green shoots push out from the soil, higher every day. What wealth our planet supplies right at our doorstep.
We’re thrilled to be alive, despite the chaos and challenges. And alive here, now, where our continent meets saltwater, where birds are migrating by the hundreds, and friendly neighbors greet one another on sidewalks and in cafes.
We’re in a mess, and we’re in it together. That’s our superpower. And our challenge. Let’s see if we can see each other, as well as the forest.
