Aroostook Outdoor News: 3.12.15 edition

#Snow on the way? Don’t let that stop you; there’s lots to do #outdoors this weekend! #SpringSkiing #Snowshoe #Running #Birding

In this edition: 1) Get lucky at the Lucky Leprechaun 5k in Mars Hill. 2) Get lucky again at Irish Fest in Presque Isle. 3) Triple your luck with free lift tickets in Edmundston, NB. Plus lots more! offugo…

Saturday, March 14
Aroostook Birders Duckbox Cleanout Day, Limestone
8:00 a.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Give back to the birds on this one-mile snowshoe hike and morning of conservation work. Clean out and prep duck boxes for the upcoming season. Bring snowshoes, water, snacks. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, March 14
After The Bell/Araya Wellness Lucky Leprechaun 5k, Mars Hill
Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Fort Street Elementary. Fee: $5/runner; $20/family. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

Saturday March 14
2nd Annual Perth-Andover Loppet, Perth-Andover, NB
Join us for a fun day on the community trails in Carlingford! Those that wish to race will be timed; medals to all participants. Registration: 1:00 p.m. Loppet start: 2:00 p.m. (all time Atlantic). Hope to see you there! Contact Perth-Andover Rec. Dept. (506-273-4845) FMI

Saturday, March 14
Thompson-Hamel Irish Fest, Presque Isle
1:00-7:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Activities for all ages. Leprechaun Hunt with $1000 in prizes, Kids’ Gold Dollar Hunt, snowshoe races, food, drinks, live band! Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities Farm for ME for the 2015 growing season. Visit www.facebook.com/events/621093624658002 FMI

*Saturday, March 14
Mont Farlagne Free Lift Ticket Night, Edmundston, NB
5:00 p.m. (Atlantic). Sponsored by Edmundston Toyota. Rentals only $5! Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI

Saturday, March 14
Bigrock Winterfest Moon Light Snowshoe Hike, Mars Hill
6:00 p.m. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and join in on a guided 1-mile loop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes; limited number of snowshoes available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

Sunday, March 15
Bigrock Invitational Youth Ski Race, Mars Hill
Registration: 8:00 a.m. Giant Slalom Race start: 10:00 a.m. Slalom Race start: 12:45 p.m. Awards: 2:30 p.m. Fee: $25; includes lift ticket; season pass holders, $15. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-425-6711) or ryanguerrette@skibigrock.me FMI

Sunday, March 15
CompetitorME Triathlon 101, Presque Isle
2:30 p.m. at UMPI Campus Center. Now is the time to begin thinking, planning, preparing for TriAroostook in June! USA Triathlon Certified Coach/Race Director discusses triathlon topics. Parents of TriAroostook Kids athletes also invited. Free. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

Tuesday, March 17
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Ice Fishing Trip, Madawaska Lake
Depart Caribou Rec. at 9:00 a.m.; return by 3:00 p.m. Fee: $25/ages 18-69; $20/ages 70 and up; includes transportation, ice traps, bait, ice auger, lakeside lunch, campfire. Bring folding chairs, warm clothes. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Thursday, March 19
Aroostook Birders March Annual Meeting/Talk, Presque Isle
“Seabirds of Maine” presentation by Bill Sheehan; 6:30 p.m. At UMPI Campus Center. Maine is famous for diverse and abundant seabird life; learn about birds found along the coastline and on the open ocean. All are invited! Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Friday, March 20-Sunday, March 22
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Ski Trip, Baxter State Park
Join us for a two-night trip to Katahdin Lake Wilderness Cabins, featuring a 13-mile round trip ski to Chimney Pond. Fee: $175; includes skis and trekking poles, cabin lodging, all meals (excluding first day lunch). Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Saturday, March 21
Ashland Area XC Ski Club Family Fun Day, Ashland
10:00 a.m. at Chase’s Ski Trails, 267 Garfield Rd. Self-guided family activities will include: ice cube hunt, snowshoeing, and ski trails to explore. Skis available for use. Contact Amanda Barker (207-712-8552) ranger.amanda.barker@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, March 21
Acadia FCU Marathon, Madawaska
40k classic/skate race with cash prizes; 20k classic/skate race. Pasta meal with lots of raffle prizes for all skiers. Race start: 11:00 a.m. at Four Seasons Trails. Fee: $25/40k racers, $15/20k racers. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22
Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Sportsman’s Show, Presque Isle
Kids’ Trout Fishing Pond sponsored by L.L. Bean, Shooting Range, Bow Range, Video Hunting Game, Moose Calling Contest, hourly kids’ door prizes! 75+ exhibitors from Maine, New Brunswick, Labrador, Quebec, New England. Fee: $5. Visit Presque Isle Fish and Game Club www.PIFG.org FMI

Tuesday, March 24
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Snowshoe Adventure, Caribou
Join us for a snowshoe adventure at Caribou High School Ski Trails. Fee: $20; includes snowshoes, trekking poles, instruction, hot dog roast. Depart Caribou Rec. Center at 10:00 a.m.; return by 3:00 p.m. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Thursday, March 26
UMPI Science Seminar Series, Presque Isle
12:15-1:30 p.m.; 201 Folsom Hall, featuring research conducted by UMPI students, faculty, other scientists. Wildlife Biologist Derek Woods presents Conservation of Wood Turtles from Maine to Virginia: A Coordinated Regional Approach. Contact Dr. Jason Johnston (207-768-9652) or jason.johnston@umpi.edu FMI

Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Winter Adventure, Spider Lake
Activities: ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing and enjoying a nice warm cabin in the woods. Fee: $150; includes transportation, fishing license, food, lodging, necessary equipment. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Sunday, March 29
Lonesome Pine Trails Kids’ Day, Fort Kent
A day filled with fun and games for kids, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Hot dog roast, face painting, scavenger hunt, and more; lots of fun for everyone! This is a free event. Visit www.lonesomepines.org FMI

*Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3
UMPI Outing Club Youth Rock Climbing Clinic, Presque Isle
3:00-5:00 p.m. at Gentile Hall. For students currently in grades 5-9; learn climbing/belaying terminology and techniques. Climbers receive Junior Belay Certification, photo DVD, climbing journal/log, Fee: $100. Contact Vitoria or Jean Pierre (207-200-3596) or victoria.winslow@maine.edu FMI

Tuesday, March 31
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult XC Ski Adventure, Caribou
The Caribou Ski Trails at Caribou County Club boast a wilderness experience right in our backyard. Trip includes a hot bowl of chowder and finger sandwiches on the trail. Fee: $20; includes equipment, transportation. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Saturday, April 11
34th Annual UMPI Spring Runoff 5k Road Race, Presque Isle
Fundraiser for UMPI Cross Country running programs. Run as an individual or 3-person relay team. Walk start: 9:30 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-9472) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI

*Tuesday, April 14
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Deer Yard/Greenhouse Tour, Caribou
Travel with Wildlife Biologist Rich Hoppe to learn what it takes to manage deer. Visit a greenhouse to learn about gardening; design and plant your own outdoor flower pot. Fee: $30; includes lunch and transportation. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Saturday, April 18
CompetitorME Autism Challenge, Presque Isle
Registration: 9:00 a.m. 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run start: 9:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 10:00 a.m.; fully supported race with awards. Fee: $20/adult, $10/18 and under, FREE/Kids’ Fun Run entries. Proceeds benefit Aroostook Autism Support Group. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, April 18
Team Berry Sisters 1st Annual 5k Run/Walk for MS, Island Falls
Join us to raise funds and awareness for MS. If 5k is too much, take the 1-mile route! Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Island Falls Municipal Building. Run/Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Snacks and entertainment at finish line. Contact Team Berry Sisters (207-949-6968) or susren1972@aol.com FMI

Ongoing Programs:

Sunday Saunter Running Group, Presque Isle
Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Jalbert Pee Wee Biathlon Program, Fort Kent
Tuesdays; 4:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Open to youth ages 9 and under. Kids will learn basic skate skiing skills, go on ski adventures, and play LOTS of games! Cost: FREE! Contact Gail Johnson stegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent
Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Open to youth ages 10-14; roller skiing, rifle shooting, trail running, and LOTS of games! Cost: FREE! Contact Gail Johnsonstegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

Valley Outdoor Centre Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB
Wednesdays; 7:00-7:45 p.m. (Atlantic) at Valley Outdoor Centre on Upton Rd. Ski from the lodge, as far or as little as you like, at your own pace; return to warm beverages, snacks, and a fire. Bring headlamp. Fee: $5; for snacks, beverages, fire pit, door prizes. Visit www.valleyoutdoor.ca FMI

River Valley Runners Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB
Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Carleton Civic Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd. Meet in main/front parking lot of Civic Centre. Hope to see many runners out; spring is coming soon. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
* = New or updated item(s).