Aroostook Outdoor News: 9.10.15 edition

#IndianSummer? #Love this #weather for #OutdoorEvents! #GetOutside #LotsToDo #AroostookThing

In this edition: 1) An #Allagash #trip originating in #Caribou. 2) #Running events in Florenceville-Bristol and Woodstock, #NewBrunswick. 3) #Stargazing with #astronomers at #Katahdin. Plus lots more! #offugo…

 

Friday, September 11-Sunday, September 13

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Exploration, Caribou. Two night stay at Maccanamac Camps; canoe Chase Rapids, tour Churchill Dam Museum, hike to historic Chamberlain Lake trains. Participants must be in excellent shape. Cost: $150; includes gear, transportation, meals. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Friday, September 11

PI Historical Society Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour, Presque Isle. 1.5-hour guided walking tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local historic figures. Many hills on tour. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact Kimberly Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Maine Forest Rangers Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day, Chapman. Would you be willing to say thank you to a landowner by helping us clean this site? It is called the Lavway Pit in Chapman. Make a difference and help Keep Maine Clean. Contact Ranger Justin Carney (207-435-7963) FMI

 

*Saturday, September 12

Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival Family Fun Run, Florenceville-Bristol, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Northern Carleton Civic Centre. Race start: 9:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Distances: 2k, 5k, 10k. Everyone welcome. Visit www.facebook.com/ButtermilkCreekFallFestival FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

River Valley Runners 5k Trail Run & Yoga, Woodstock, NB. 8:30 a.m. at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King St. Group trail run followed by cool down Yoga session on the green by the farmer’s market; bring a yoga mat. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1665365113693486 FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

14th Annual Linda M. Page Remembrance Walk A Thon, Limestone. 9:00 a.m. at Robert A. Frost Memorial Library, 42 Main St. Walk at your own pace. Route maps, refreshments provided. Walkers under 12 must be with adult. T-shirt to first 30 with pledges of $25 or more; door prizes, special prize for highest dollar amount in pledges. Contact Angel Boyd (207-325-4706) FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Out of the Darkness Walk, Fort Kent. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Lion’s Pavilion, Riverside Park. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Walk to save lives and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Suicide can be prevented. You can help. Join the movement. Contact Jennifer Malmborg (207-834-1649) or visit www.afsp.org FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Walk MS Caribou 2015, Caribou. Check-in: 9:00 a.m. at Cary Medical Center. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Judith Hamer (1-800-344-4867) or judith.hamer@nmss.org FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Historic Weapons Storage Area Tour, Limestone. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 3-mile Auto Tour Route from ANWR Office to former Weapons Storage Area. Explore ANWR’s wetlands, woodlands, vast network of hiking trails; prime time to see migratory waterfowl on the numerous ponds and wetlands. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Aid for Kids Educational Fair, Houlton. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Millar Civic Center. Events include Kids’ Bike Rodeo (must have helmet and bike), Maine Forest Service helicopter, bounce house, games, prizes, free BBQ, drawings for bicycles. Contact Dannette Ellis (207-832-4107) FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Zach’s Run, Presque Isle. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk at PI Middle School to benefit Zach Gagnon, a local 12-year old who has cancer. Cost: $20 (suggested). Donations welcome; can be made on the link below. Please come and show your support for Zach! Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/ZachsRun FMI

 

Saturday, September 12

Katahdin Woods & Waters Stars Over Katahdin Wilderness Stargazing, Patten. With some of the starriest skies east of the Mississippi, there are few better places to view the night sky. Guided hiking, biking, stargazing with experienced astronomers. Great for families; reservations recommended. Contact Mark Adams (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI

 

Sunday, September 13

Redy…Set…Let’s Go! Youth Adventure Race, Presque Isle.

**CANCELLED**

 

Tuesday, September 15

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Windmill Tour, Mars Hill. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Guided tour to base of windmill; easy 1/2-mile walk. Stop at Hentosh Bronze, Bridgewater to learn about sculptures that have been sold all over the world, including Caribou’s caribou! Cost: $25; includes lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Wednesday, September 16 and Saturday, September 26

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

 

Thursday, September 17

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Moose & Salmon Day, Ashland. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Travel to Ashland to learn why moose permits have been rolled back 25%. Spend the afternoon learning what Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine is working on. Cost: $25; includes transportation, lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Friday, September 18

Trails End Festival Hard Core Project, Millinocket. 7:00 a.m. at Appalachian Trail Lodge. A yearly festival tradition and a way to give back to the Appalachian Trail; work on the AT, earn a Trails End Hard Core patch, then enjoy a BBQ at the AT Lodge. It is a hard day’s work but a lot of fun! Contact Appalachian Trail Lodge (207-723-4321) FMI

 

Friday, September 18

Trails End Festival Walk with a Local Naturalist, Millinocket. 3:30 p.m. at Crandall Park; walk along Michaud Trail with local naturalist; explore the natural resources in downtown Millinocket, learn about native and invasive species of plants, and the birds and insects that pollinate them. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI

 

Friday, September 18-Saturday, September 19

PI Fish & Game Club Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic, Presque Isle. An opportunity for women to learn all about firearms, shooting skills, safe firearms handling, how to store firearms safely. What are you waiting for? Come join the fun! Class limited to 30 students, based on a first come, first serve basis. Visit www.pifg.org/womenontarget FMI

 

*Saturday, September 19

Kicking Bear Bow Shooting Clinic, Bridgewater. Free Bow Shooting Clinic and Adventure Day for kids ages 5–15. Meet renowned bow hunter Ray Howell in person. Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Smoldering Lake Outfitters, 129 Snow Rd. Contact Dave Hentosh (207-551-3426) FMI

 

Saturday, September 19

Caribou Rec. Caribou Adventure Challenge 5k, Caribou. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Otter Street Park & Ride. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15/adult, $10/student, $40/family of 4; t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Prizes: 1st overall male, female, two-person, and four-person teams. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Saturday, September 19

5th Annual Riverfront Harvest Festival 5k, Houlton. Great old-fashioned family fun day: games, vendors, lots more! Registration: 9:00 a.m. in Riverfront Park. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Fee: $12; t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Contact Chris Rines (207-532-4216) or visit www.facebook.com/runaharvest5k FMI

 

Saturday, September 19

Trails End Festival Millinocket Stream Canoe Trip, Millinocket. 10:00 a.m. at Crandall Park; carpool to put-in. Led by Registered Maine Guide Greg Friel. Limited number of canoes available, or bring your own canoe or kayak. All children must be accompanied by parent; young children must have own PFD. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI

 

Saturday, September 19

Trails End Festival “Learn how to paddle!” Trip, Millinocket. 1:00 p.m. Join Greg Friel, Registered Maine Guide, for lessons and demonstrations of kayak and canoe techniques. All equipment provided. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI

 

*Sunday, September 20

UMPI Outing Club Katahdin Hiking Trip, Presque Isle. Community members are welcomed and encouraged to sign up for our events! Call for information about non-UMPI student prices. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

 

Sunday, September 20

Trails End Festival Hike the Bait Hole Trip, Millinocket. 9:30 a.m. at the bandstand in the park; join local trail expert Don Nodine for 60-90 minute hike on the Bait Hole Trail. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI

 

Sunday, September 20

UMPI Alumni and All-Comers XC Race, Presque Isle. Distance: 5k. Race start: 10:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Park Family Field (soccer field complex). Contact Chris Smith (207-768-4972) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI

 

Thursday, September 24

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Red River Camps Tour, Deboullie. Host Jen Brophy will provide a tour, sit down lunch, and talk about the history of Red River Camps in the Deboullie Township; visit nearby trout ponds and Red River Falls. Fee: $35; includes transportation and lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Thursday, September 24

Make-A-Wish Maine Walk for Wishes, Presque Isle. Proceeds help grant wishes for young people with life threatening illness; every donation helps make a child’s wish come true. Registration: 6:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. Walk start: 7:00 p.m. Contact Pete Lento (207-762-1693) or pete.lento@gmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, September 26

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Woodstock, NB. Join us from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) and help clean up the Meduxnekeag Shoreline; help keep our waters healthy for everyone. Meet in the back parking lot of NBCC. Contact Geneva (506-328-1100) FMI

 

Saturday, September 26

PenAir 5k On The Runway, Presque Isle. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Northern Maine Regional Airport. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run, Kids’ Healthy Habits Session during Adult Race, Dash For Cash. Proceeds benefit Crown Critical Care Transport. Visit www.tamc.org/takeflight FMI

 

Saturday, September 26

Presque Isle Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Guided two-hour, two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third St. Cost: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Tour cancelled in inclement weather. Contact PIHS (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

 

Saturday, September 26

Run For Your Life 3rd Annual Zombie Apocalypse 5k Walk/Shuffle/Run, Caribou. Watch out for the Zombies who will be waiting around every corner! Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Cary Medical Center Trails/Cary Rehab. Race start: 12:00 p.m. Fee: $10; includes t-shirt (while they last). Contact Graham Warne (207-328-4052) or warne.graham@jobcorps.org FMI

 

*Saturday, September 26

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Twilight Hike and Poker Run, Fort Kent. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at FKOC trails, followed by a social at the lodge around the fire pit. Cost: $10; registration required. Contact Laura Audibert la4568@roadrunner.com FMI

 

Wednesday, September 30

Beyond Limits Presentation, Presque Isle. 7:00 p.m. at UMPI Campus Center. This summer, a team that included a person who is a paraplegic did what many thought was impossible: reached the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Join team members for a documentary about the climb, photos, memories, reflections. Cost: FREE; open to everyone. Visit www.beyondlimitsawaken.org FMI

 

Saturday, October 3

SAGE Beginner Birding, Presque Isle. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Optional bird walk from 12:30-2:30 p.m. For SAGE (Seniors Achieving Greater Education) members. Learn about winter birds, best bird seed and bird feeders from an expert. Get involved in the Christmas and February Bird Counts. Contact Mary Lawrence (207-768-9502) or mary.l.lawrence@umpi.edu FMI

 

Saturday, October 3

Cary’s Walk for Care, Caribou. 2-mile walk begins and ends at Cary Medical Center. Registration: 9:00 a.m. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Doris St. Hilaire (207-498-1234) FMI

 

*Friday, October 9

Hope & Justice Project Walk It Up, Presque Isle!, Presque Isle. Meet at Turner Memorial Library for a light walk to bring awareness to domestic abuse and sexual violence. Registration: 11:00 a.m. Walk start: 12:00 p.m. Free t-shirt and lunch to those who pre-register. Contact Casey Faulkingham (207-764-2977) or visit www.hopeandjusticeproject.org FMI

 

*Saturday, October 10

Colors of Courage 5k Run/Walk, Presque Isle. Celebrate, support cancer survivors! New bicycle, motorcycle route options. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at TAMC. Bike start: 10:00 a.m. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run start: 10:15 a.m. 5k start: 11:00 a.m. BBQ: Noon. Colors of Courage shirts to first 125 registrants. Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/ColorMEPink FMI

 

*Saturday, October 10

The Dam Run 10k, Perth-Andover, NB. 10k, 5k, Kids’ 1k races. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at River Valley Civic Centre. Race start: 11:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Run along the beautiful St. John River; pre-register for “I ran the DAM RUN” t-shirt. Cost: $30/adult, $20/student, $10/Kids’ 1k. Contact Tasha Wright (506-273-4845) or tasha.wright@perth-andover.com FMI

 

Ongoing Programs:

 

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Road Bike Ride, Fort Kent. Sundays; 8:00 a.m. behind Irving on Main St. June-September. Rides last 2+ hours and range 20-40 miles. All riders welcome. Come join the fun and experience some great rides. Contact Norm Martin njmartin@fairpoint.net FMI

 

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

 

Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Sundays; fourth Sunday/month at the end of Chemin Brissette at Pied-du-Lac (Long Lake). The Rivière-Bleue Appalachian Hiking Club invites visitors to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect you with exceptional nature, islands, animal, and a magical setting. Cost: Free! Contact Marielle Landry (418-893-2649) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

 

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

 

MOJO Monday Meander, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports. Easy road bike group ride. Average speed: 14-18 mph for 22 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

 

Walking Group, Caribou. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Mall parking lot. Open to the public; weather permitting. A good way to exercise and meet new friends. Contact Pauline or Renee (207-492-2079) evenings FMI

 

Tuesday Track Workouts, Caribou. Tuesdays; 5:15 p.m. at CHS. Join runners of all abilities to do predetermined intervals, your own workout, or just run with others and forget the workout. Average distance: 5-9 miles; can be adapted per individual. Contact PJ Gorneault pgorneault@rsu39.org FMI

 

Jessome’s Friendly Group Road Bike Ride, Edmundston, NB. Tuesdays; 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Jessome’s parking lot. Different routes/distances from 30k to 60k! Average speed: 25-30 kmh. Contact Marc-André Martin (506 735-6292) FMI

 

River Valley Runners Tuesday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

 

Perception of Aroostook Guided Aroostook River Tour, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m. at Perception of Aroostook, 9 Caribou Rd. Paddle Washburn to Presque Isle; bird watching, lessons, relaxation! 2.5-4 hours. Shuttle Fee: $10; Kayak rental and shuttle: $35. Contact Leo Freeman (207-764-5506) FMI

 

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

 

MOJO Good Times Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports. Moderate road bike group ride. Average speed: 15-18 mph for 20-30 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

 

Village of Perth-Andover Walk in the Park, Perth-Andover, NB. Wednesdays; 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Perth-Andover Bandstand; weather permitting. Visit www.perth-andover.com FMI

 

River Valley Runners Thursday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

 

Houlton Rec. Adult Running Program, Houlton. Thursdays; 6:00 p.m. at Houlton Rec Center. Start date: August 27; 4-week program will teach safe and proper running; warm-ups, group runs, cool downs. Cost: $10/Houlton resident, $15/non-resident; must be 18 years or older. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI

 

Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 25-35 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph early season, 18-20 mph mid-season. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI

 

River Valley Runners Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

 

* = New or updated item(s).