#wabanaki — Public Fediverse posts

The #MaineGearLibraryNetwork.

"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 Development

Partners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – Statewide

The 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

#Mainers! Here's your chance to help fight #EmeraldAshBorer!

#MaineForestryService - Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Update

September 22, 2025

"Since 2019, MFS has been releasing parasitoid wasps for the long-term management of emerald ash borer (#EAB) in the forests of Maine. These are tiny, non-stinging members of the order Hymenoptera, and they specialize in EAB. In most cases, they will not keep the mature trees already in the forest alive, but there is evidence from other states that have had EAB longer than we have that these #wasps provide protection to the seedlings and saplings as they grow. We are attempting to release them in as many areas with EAB as possible so that they can eventually spread throughout the state, allowing ash to remain in #Maine’s forests.

"As of 2025, we have released these #parasitoids in 20 sites throughout the range of EAB. Of the ten sites that are at the stage where we can start monitoring for their establishment, we have recovered one or both of Spathius or Tetrastichus at five of them: four in #YorkCounty and one in northern #Aroostook. We are still years away from actual control of EAB, but it is encouraging to start recovering parasitoids.

"With the many new detections of EAB in Maine in recent years, we would like to establish new biological control release sites. The ash-dominated forests that serve as release sites can be public or privately owned. Many of our cooperators are private woodlot owners. Ideally, we would like to ship biological control directly to a local landowner or manager and have them conduct releases after training by MFS. The releases take 5-15 minutes, 4-6 times a summer for two summers. We are looking for new release sites in areas where EAB has recently become established. Specifically, we would like to find sites in or near #BarHarborME, #SolonME, #BelfastME, the #BathME / #BrunswickME area, #CoastalMaine south of #PortlandME, and #WesternMaine west of #LewistonME. If you have forested land in one of these areas and are potentially interested in having it become a biological release site, please review the guidelines and information about EAB biocontrol available on-line, and email foresthealth @ maine . gov (no spaces) with the town in which your ash stand is, the approximate acreage of ash, and the coordinates (approximate is fine) of the stand. If it looks like your land would be suitable for a biological control site, we will reach out to you."

Source:
Emailed newsletter

Link to guidelines (PDF):
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/eab/documents/meeting-082020/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer%20Biocontrol%20Info%20For%20Potential%20Cooperators.pdf

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees #SaveTheForests #ProtectTheSacred #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol