#brunswickme — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #brunswickme, aggregated by home.social.
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#CascoBay #AlgaeBloom weakens in some areas, but shellfish impacts to continue
Harpswell's harbormaster said as the algae dies, it uses up oxygen marine life need to survive.
by Alex Haskell (NCM)
September 21, 2026HARPSWELL, Maine — "An algae bloom believed to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of shellfish in Casco Bay is weakening in some areas, but local officials said its effects could continue for weeks, and recovery could take years.
"The bloom has affected waters off #HarpswellME and #BrunswickME in recent weeks. Harpswell Harbormaster Darcie Couture said monitoring shows some improvement in places that were hit early.
" 'The areas that were first impacted, we’re watching the cell counts go down,' Couture said.
"However, declining algae levels can create another problem for marine life. As the algae dies, it uses up dissolved oxygen in the water.
" 'Dissolved oxygen is what’s out there in the water that everything else needs to survive—all the clams, the fish, everything that lives there,' Couture said. 'So we’re potentially looking at a second wave of impacts.'
"It could take days or weeks for oxygen levels to return to normal, according to Couture. In the meantime, additional marine life could die as oxygen levels remain low.
"Officials are also watching new blooms developing elsewhere in the region, including the #NewMeadowsRiver area at the northern end of Casco Bay.
" 'We’re trying to figure how to manage that and continue to track the bloom,' Couture said.
"The bloom has also prompted harvesting restrictions. Hundreds of acres of #mudflats under stress from the bloom are now closed to shellfish harvesting in Brunswick and Harpswell.
" 'The closure was put in place because of a request from the two towns over concerns that continued harvesting will cause additional stress and increased mortality,' Maine Department of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols said in a statement.
"While those closures directly affect where shellfish harvesters can work, officials are still determining what the bloom could mean for local aquaculture operations.
" 'We’ve had some reports of sickly-looking oysters,' Couture told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"The full extent of the damage may not become clear for some time. Couture said the algae bloom could linger until late fall, and officials will need to conduct a survey after it disappears to determine its overall effect on the area's shellfish.
"She said the affected mudflats could take years to fully recover.
"Intense weather this fall could also complicate the situation by pushing additional blooms toward Maine waters, Couture added."
#ClimateDiaryMaine #ClimateChange #ToxicAlgae #Maine #AlgalBloom #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #KareniaMikimotoi
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#CascoBay #AlgaeBloom weakens in some areas, but shellfish impacts to continue
Harpswell's harbormaster said as the algae dies, it uses up oxygen marine life need to survive.
by Alex Haskell (NCM)
September 21, 2026HARPSWELL, Maine — "An algae bloom believed to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of shellfish in Casco Bay is weakening in some areas, but local officials said its effects could continue for weeks, and recovery could take years.
"The bloom has affected waters off #HarpswellME and #BrunswickME in recent weeks. Harpswell Harbormaster Darcie Couture said monitoring shows some improvement in places that were hit early.
" 'The areas that were first impacted, we’re watching the cell counts go down,' Couture said.
"However, declining algae levels can create another problem for marine life. As the algae dies, it uses up dissolved oxygen in the water.
" 'Dissolved oxygen is what’s out there in the water that everything else needs to survive—all the clams, the fish, everything that lives there,' Couture said. 'So we’re potentially looking at a second wave of impacts.'
"It could take days or weeks for oxygen levels to return to normal, according to Couture. In the meantime, additional marine life could die as oxygen levels remain low.
"Officials are also watching new blooms developing elsewhere in the region, including the #NewMeadowsRiver area at the northern end of Casco Bay.
" 'We’re trying to figure how to manage that and continue to track the bloom,' Couture said.
"The bloom has also prompted harvesting restrictions. Hundreds of acres of #mudflats under stress from the bloom are now closed to shellfish harvesting in Brunswick and Harpswell.
" 'The closure was put in place because of a request from the two towns over concerns that continued harvesting will cause additional stress and increased mortality,' Maine Department of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols said in a statement.
"While those closures directly affect where shellfish harvesters can work, officials are still determining what the bloom could mean for local aquaculture operations.
" 'We’ve had some reports of sickly-looking oysters,' Couture told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"The full extent of the damage may not become clear for some time. Couture said the algae bloom could linger until late fall, and officials will need to conduct a survey after it disappears to determine its overall effect on the area's shellfish.
"She said the affected mudflats could take years to fully recover.
"Intense weather this fall could also complicate the situation by pushing additional blooms toward Maine waters, Couture added."
#ClimateDiaryMaine #ClimateChange #ToxicAlgae #Maine #AlgalBloom #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #KareniaMikimotoi
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#CascoBay #AlgaeBloom weakens in some areas, but shellfish impacts to continue
Harpswell's harbormaster said as the algae dies, it uses up oxygen marine life need to survive.
by Alex Haskell (NCM)
September 21, 2026HARPSWELL, Maine — "An algae bloom believed to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of shellfish in Casco Bay is weakening in some areas, but local officials said its effects could continue for weeks, and recovery could take years.
"The bloom has affected waters off #HarpswellME and #BrunswickME in recent weeks. Harpswell Harbormaster Darcie Couture said monitoring shows some improvement in places that were hit early.
" 'The areas that were first impacted, we’re watching the cell counts go down,' Couture said.
"However, declining algae levels can create another problem for marine life. As the algae dies, it uses up dissolved oxygen in the water.
" 'Dissolved oxygen is what’s out there in the water that everything else needs to survive—all the clams, the fish, everything that lives there,' Couture said. 'So we’re potentially looking at a second wave of impacts.'
"It could take days or weeks for oxygen levels to return to normal, according to Couture. In the meantime, additional marine life could die as oxygen levels remain low.
"Officials are also watching new blooms developing elsewhere in the region, including the #NewMeadowsRiver area at the northern end of Casco Bay.
" 'We’re trying to figure how to manage that and continue to track the bloom,' Couture said.
"The bloom has also prompted harvesting restrictions. Hundreds of acres of #mudflats under stress from the bloom are now closed to shellfish harvesting in Brunswick and Harpswell.
" 'The closure was put in place because of a request from the two towns over concerns that continued harvesting will cause additional stress and increased mortality,' Maine Department of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols said in a statement.
"While those closures directly affect where shellfish harvesters can work, officials are still determining what the bloom could mean for local aquaculture operations.
" 'We’ve had some reports of sickly-looking oysters,' Couture told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"The full extent of the damage may not become clear for some time. Couture said the algae bloom could linger until late fall, and officials will need to conduct a survey after it disappears to determine its overall effect on the area's shellfish.
"She said the affected mudflats could take years to fully recover.
"Intense weather this fall could also complicate the situation by pushing additional blooms toward Maine waters, Couture added."
#ClimateDiaryMaine #ClimateChange #ToxicAlgae #Maine #AlgalBloom #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #KareniaMikimotoi
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#CascoBay #AlgaeBloom weakens in some areas, but shellfish impacts to continue
Harpswell's harbormaster said as the algae dies, it uses up oxygen marine life need to survive.
by Alex Haskell (NCM)
September 21, 2026HARPSWELL, Maine — "An algae bloom believed to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of shellfish in Casco Bay is weakening in some areas, but local officials said its effects could continue for weeks, and recovery could take years.
"The bloom has affected waters off #HarpswellME and #BrunswickME in recent weeks. Harpswell Harbormaster Darcie Couture said monitoring shows some improvement in places that were hit early.
" 'The areas that were first impacted, we’re watching the cell counts go down,' Couture said.
"However, declining algae levels can create another problem for marine life. As the algae dies, it uses up dissolved oxygen in the water.
" 'Dissolved oxygen is what’s out there in the water that everything else needs to survive—all the clams, the fish, everything that lives there,' Couture said. 'So we’re potentially looking at a second wave of impacts.'
"It could take days or weeks for oxygen levels to return to normal, according to Couture. In the meantime, additional marine life could die as oxygen levels remain low.
"Officials are also watching new blooms developing elsewhere in the region, including the #NewMeadowsRiver area at the northern end of Casco Bay.
" 'We’re trying to figure how to manage that and continue to track the bloom,' Couture said.
"The bloom has also prompted harvesting restrictions. Hundreds of acres of #mudflats under stress from the bloom are now closed to shellfish harvesting in Brunswick and Harpswell.
" 'The closure was put in place because of a request from the two towns over concerns that continued harvesting will cause additional stress and increased mortality,' Maine Department of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols said in a statement.
"While those closures directly affect where shellfish harvesters can work, officials are still determining what the bloom could mean for local aquaculture operations.
" 'We’ve had some reports of sickly-looking oysters,' Couture told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"The full extent of the damage may not become clear for some time. Couture said the algae bloom could linger until late fall, and officials will need to conduct a survey after it disappears to determine its overall effect on the area's shellfish.
"She said the affected mudflats could take years to fully recover.
"Intense weather this fall could also complicate the situation by pushing additional blooms toward Maine waters, Couture added."
#ClimateDiaryMaine #ClimateChange #ToxicAlgae #Maine #AlgalBloom #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #KareniaMikimotoi
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#CascoBay #AlgaeBloom weakens in some areas, but shellfish impacts to continue
Harpswell's harbormaster said as the algae dies, it uses up oxygen marine life need to survive.
by Alex Haskell (NCM)
September 21, 2026HARPSWELL, Maine — "An algae bloom believed to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of shellfish in Casco Bay is weakening in some areas, but local officials said its effects could continue for weeks, and recovery could take years.
"The bloom has affected waters off #HarpswellME and #BrunswickME in recent weeks. Harpswell Harbormaster Darcie Couture said monitoring shows some improvement in places that were hit early.
" 'The areas that were first impacted, we’re watching the cell counts go down,' Couture said.
"However, declining algae levels can create another problem for marine life. As the algae dies, it uses up dissolved oxygen in the water.
" 'Dissolved oxygen is what’s out there in the water that everything else needs to survive—all the clams, the fish, everything that lives there,' Couture said. 'So we’re potentially looking at a second wave of impacts.'
"It could take days or weeks for oxygen levels to return to normal, according to Couture. In the meantime, additional marine life could die as oxygen levels remain low.
"Officials are also watching new blooms developing elsewhere in the region, including the #NewMeadowsRiver area at the northern end of Casco Bay.
" 'We’re trying to figure how to manage that and continue to track the bloom,' Couture said.
"The bloom has also prompted harvesting restrictions. Hundreds of acres of #mudflats under stress from the bloom are now closed to shellfish harvesting in Brunswick and Harpswell.
" 'The closure was put in place because of a request from the two towns over concerns that continued harvesting will cause additional stress and increased mortality,' Maine Department of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols said in a statement.
"While those closures directly affect where shellfish harvesters can work, officials are still determining what the bloom could mean for local aquaculture operations.
" 'We’ve had some reports of sickly-looking oysters,' Couture told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"The full extent of the damage may not become clear for some time. Couture said the algae bloom could linger until late fall, and officials will need to conduct a survey after it disappears to determine its overall effect on the area's shellfish.
"She said the affected mudflats could take years to fully recover.
"Intense weather this fall could also complicate the situation by pushing additional blooms toward Maine waters, Couture added."
#ClimateDiaryMaine #ClimateChange #ToxicAlgae #Maine #AlgalBloom #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #KareniaMikimotoi
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"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.
Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In DevelopmentPartners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – StatewideThe Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.
From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.
What is a Gear Library?A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."
FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping
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"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.
Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In DevelopmentPartners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – StatewideThe Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.
From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.
What is a Gear Library?A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."
FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping
-
"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.
Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In DevelopmentPartners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – StatewideThe Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.
From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.
What is a Gear Library?A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."
FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping
-
"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.
Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In DevelopmentPartners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – StatewideThe Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.
From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.
What is a Gear Library?A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."
FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping
-
"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.
Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In DevelopmentPartners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – StatewideThe Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.
From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.
What is a Gear Library?A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."
FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping
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Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense
Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.
By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26
"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?
"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.
" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'
"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.
"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.
"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."
Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation
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Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense
Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.
By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26
"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?
"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.
" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'
"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.
"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.
"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."
Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation
-
Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense
Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.
By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26
"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?
"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.
" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'
"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.
"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.
"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."
Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation
-
Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense
Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.
By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26
"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?
"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.
" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'
"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.
"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.
"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."
Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation
-
Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense
Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.
By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26
"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?
"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.
" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'
"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.
"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.
"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."
Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation