Aroostook Outdoor News: 3.26.15 edition

With warmer temps, lots of #runners and #bikers will be out on the roads. #BeAware, #BeSeen, #BeSafe.

In this edition: 1) Family fun on snow in Van Buren by day and Madawaska by night. 2) Kids can try ice fishing (for free!) at Madawaska Lake. 3) End-of-the season soiree, just for kids, in Fort Kent. Plus lots more! offugo…

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

Thursday, March 26
Valley Outdoor Centre Waxing Clinic, Centerville, NB
7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Valley Outdoor Centre on Upton Road. Get tips and techniques on how to wax, types of wax, and when to wax to make you ski faster than ever. Fee: $5. Hope to see you there! Visit www.valleyoutdoor.ca 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

*Saturday, March 28
River Valley Runners Spring Club Social, Woodstock, NB
Random Route Run; you won’t know which 5k route or group you will run with until that morning. We will draw names/routes out of hats and go. Meet in The River parking lot, 558 Main St., Woodstock at 10:00 a.m. (Atlantic). We will plan on having brunch together there. Going to be a fun time! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

*Saturday, March 28
Greater Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Family Fun Day, Van Buren
12:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s (Reservoir). Join us for skiing, snowshoeing, bonfire, barbecue with all the fixings, and sweets! Some skis and snowshoes are available for use. Contact Miles Garcia (207-868-5059) or vbchamber@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, March 28
Four Seasons Trails Association Tiki Torch Night, Madawaska
7:00-9:00 p.m. This is a fun night of skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding; we light up a few kilometers with tiki torches. Refreshments will be served, such as hot dogs, hot chocolate, and other goodies. Bring headlamps or flashlights. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

*Sunday, March 29
Sportsmen’s Inc. Kids’ Ice Fishing Day, Madawaska Lake
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All fishing equipment and bait provided. First 100 kids registered will receive a free ice fishing trap. Food available. Visit “Sportsmen’s Inc.” on facebook 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

Wednesday, April 1 and Saturday, April 11
Presque Isle Fish & Game Club Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Presque Isle
Maine DIF&W Hunter Education is more than gun safety; taught by trained, certified instructors, students receive course handbook, outdoor survival info, and more. Course includes lectures and demonstrations, field experiences, and written exam. Contact Dick Fortier (207-496-1221) 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

Thursday, April 16
MSAD27 Adult Ed. Fishing Course: From Pond to Plate, Fort Kent
6:00-8:30 p.m. at Quigley’s Outdoors, Main St. This introductory session, led by Master Maine Guide Jesse Jalbert, will cover basic fishing gear, tactics, proper fish preparation. Fee: $5. Contact MSAD27 Adult/Community Education (207-834-3536) 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

Saturday, April 25
Aroostook Birders Waterfowl Walk, Fort Fairfield
8:00-11:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Explore favorite birding sites for returning waterfowl and other early spring migrants. Non-strenuous series of short drives; a great way to discover some excellent birding spots. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

*Saturday, April 25
Cary Donor Dash 5k, Caribou
Annual Walk/Run for Organ and Tissue Awareness. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Griffeth Ford. Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Run start: 9:30 a.m. First 100 registrants get a t-shirt; refreshments at Cary following the event. Contact Ann King (207-498-1282) aking@carymed.org FMI

*Saturday, April 25
PI Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle 10:00 a.m.-Noon. This guided two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third Street, and covers over 30 historic sites and individuals. Fee: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

*Saturday, May 2
UMPI Outing Club Rock Climbing Trip, Acadia National Park
Climb real granite! No experience required. Fee: $30/UMPI student; $45/non-student; transportation, guide services, gear provided. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

*Saturday, May 2
Community Voices 2nd Annual High On Life 420 Run, Fort Kent
5k run/walk for all ages and abilities. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at FKCHS. Supervised children’s activities: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Walk start: 8:45 a.m. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Proceeds to support Community Voices substance abuse prevention programs. Contact Mark Shea mshea@carymed.org FMI

*Sunday, May 4
3rd Annual Safe Homes Aroostook 5k Run/Walk, Presque Isle
Registration: 12:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Race start: 1:00 p.m. Fee: $15. Participants encouraged to solicit pledges; individuals, teams raising most funds receive prizes. Proceeds go directly to Hope & Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook. Visit www.safehomesaroostook.org 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

*After the Bell Running Club, Mars Hill
Tuesdays & Thursdays; 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. At Fort St. School. Begins March 24 and concludes April 18 at the Autism Challenge. A “celebrity” coach will lead each session. We will run outside as often as possible. Fee: $3. Contact Jamie Guerrette (207-694-1320) 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).