We’re fortunate to live in a place where we can lift our heads and draw that line we call the horizon—whether it’s across islands, sea, or both. When we gaze out, shifting from a small to a wide aperture, a different world stretches before us.
Horizon gazing allows us to take in a whole, a conjoining of sea and sky that often seems limitless. We’re spinning along on a big planet, in an immense universe. And only Earth—our wondrous blue planet—provides this unique melding of sea, sky, and islands. You don’t get this on the moon…
These weeks we’re weaving this near and far perspective as we make sense of the return of moon explorers, terror and bombs across the planet, local controversies of town governance, spring shoots emerging through winter’s detritus, as well as the warmth and generosity of neighbors—a joyful mingling of potlucks and seed fests.
There’s awe mixed with wonder, with side notes of terror. We hope some of the news and events herewith help you find paths toward our shared earth-friendly future.
And—the talk’s title not withstanding—Luke Kemp’s chat at the Congregational Church on Tuesday (see below) provides another unique horizon, as well as a positive course forward.
Get Help Lowering Your Home’s Energy Use
If invited, volunteer coaches will visit your home in pairs to help you take steps to lower costs and improve comfort.
The program particularly seeks to help households with annual incomes under $100,000 for those filing jointly and $70,000 for those filing singly.
To schedule a free coaching visit or to learn more:
- Sign up online at https://crenergycoaching.org/
- Email energyprogram@rockportmaine.gov
- Or call or text 207-691-5007
(The energy coaching initiative, a collaborative initiative of the towns of Rockport and Camden, the Rockport Conservation Commission and CamdenCAN, is funded by a state Community Resilience Partnership grant.)
Volunteers Needed
Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help make their Annual Spring Plant Sale a success. Shifts are available weekdays and weekends from Friday, May 1 through Saturday, May 9 at the Union Fairgrounds. Whether you enjoy working with plants, helping customers, or being part of a fun community event, we’d love to have you on our team. Your support helps make this fundraiser possible—and directly benefits District conservation programs. As a thank you, you’ll receive a 10% credit toward your plant sale order. Sign up today: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/plant-sale-volunteer.
Uplifting News You Might Have Missed
Plug-In Solar Bill Passed in Maine. That means we’ll be able to buy small solar panels and, working with a certified electrician, have them installed directly into our home electrical systems. This could save as much as 20% on our yearly energy bills. This explanation page from A Climate to Thrive provides more details. Many thanks to all who worked to bring this to reality so quickly.
EV Rebates—$3,000 to $4,000 for used vehicles (for earners under 100K/70K)—in Maine extended until 9/30/26. See more here. And EV prices are at an all-time low.
Maine lawmakers have advanced a bill to halt data center buildout in Maine. See more here.
There’s a humane movement afoot to pushback against unfettered AI. Listen to this roadmap for a better AI future here, and visit the human movement website here.
Upcoming Earth- and Community-Friendly Events
April 14 and 28, Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 pm, Resilient Reading Group, CPL. Come join others in casual conversation about the multiple polycrises of the moment. This month’s topics include alternative governing structures—including citizens’ assemblies—to help us move toward a better functioning democracy, where deliberative, collaborative institutions can thrive.
April 14, Tuesday, 7:00 pm, First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden. Public lecture by Luke Kemp, author of Goliath’s Curse: The History and Future of Societal Collapse: “Are We On the Road to Collapse?” Fascinating—and surprisingly uplifting and comprehensive—take on how we thwart global system collapse. Among his suggestions is the notion of deliberative democracy via citizens’ assemblies. Listen to Kemp discuss our future here. Kemp is currently on a USA book tour. We are fortunate he’s chosen to make a stop here.
April 16, Thursday, 12-1 pm, Climate-Smart Garden Design, online. MOFGA. First of three-part session, free. Climate change has noticeable impacts on gardeners, from more extreme weather events, to the increased presence of ticks and other pests. Climate change also has many gardeners looking for ways to support their local ecosystem through garden design. In this three-part webinar series, Dr. Annie White will provide some concrete strategies for climate-smart garden design, on a whole landscape level. Register here.
April 22, Wednesday, Earth Day. Hopefully you can spend a moment in awe.
April 25, Saturday, 9:00 to 12, Knowlton Street, Camden. Joan Herzog opens her yard for this season’s “SATURDAY MARKETS.” This started as a way to distribute extra seedlings and divide perennials as a fundraiser for Homeworthy. Just down the street from the Camden Farmers market, with the same Saturday hours (toward the bus barn). Stop by to ask a question or visit. It’s a great way to add native plants and veggies to your home—and meet Joan!
May 7 and 8, Thursday and Friday, Wabanaki homelands in West Gardiner, ME, Pilgrim Lodge at Lake Cobbosseecontee. Maine Environmental Education Association 2026 Conference. The MEEA 2026 Conference is a two-day event to celebrate educators, students, and anyone in our communities who contributes to creating a more just and sustainable Maine environment. The conference offers workshops, networking, and a retreat atmosphere. Topics explored include environmental education, outdoor learning, Wabanaki studies, and skills for action. See more here.
Concluding Thoughts
There’s always a chance to slow down and gaze—whether it’s at a horizon line from the top of one of our hills, or into the horizonless deep night sky to watch Orion as he transits his winter perch.
Horizons also allow us to imagine a path through to that distant place. We speak of time horizons—how long until we reach a specific place or goal. Our unique sapiens status allows us to set both the course of that path, and the speed with which we get there.
This Earth Day our wish is for each of us to find our own few minutes, and our own perch, to gaze outward.
April 22 may remind us to carve a future path that centers the living Earth and all her creatures.
