#HappyNewYear! It’s a slow weekend for planned #outdoor events. #MakeYourOwnFun #AroostookThing

In this edition: 1) An annual #Audubon #BirdCount in #PresqueIsle. 2) Give #biathlon a try in #FortKent. 3) The first citizen’s #XCSkiRace of the season in #Madawaska. Plus lots more! #offugo…

Friday, January 1, 2016

Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Presque Isle. We invite you to join us for all or part of this day-long count in the Presque Isle area; all welcomed for this long-standing holiday tradition! Meet at 6:45 a.m. at Tim Horton’s, Main St. to break into groups, assign coverage areas. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, January 9-Sunday, January 10

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Regional Biathlon Competition, Fort Kent. Regional citizens’ series to give novices/youth a chance to enter low-pressure biathlon competitions to gain experience, as well as for more experienced athletes. Very low key races, similar to a time trial; just an opportunity to race for anybody. Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

Sunday, January 10
FSTA Deprey Classic Ski Race – Aroostook Cup #1, Madawaska. Kick off the 2016 Aroostook Cup series at Four Seasons Lodge. Registration: Noon. Start time, Distance: TBA. Cost: $10. Contact Colin Jandreau (207-728-6103) or jandreau@roadrunner.com FMI

Thursday, January 14

Baxter State Park Summer Camping Reservations Opening Day, Millinocket. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in-person only at Baxter State Park Authority Headquarters, 64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket. Only 20% of each campground may be reserved; two reservation limit per person or camp group. Contact Baxter State Park (207-723-5140) FMI

*Wednesday, January 20

Aroostook Birders Meeting and Presentation, Presque Isle. 7:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Folsom Hall, Room 301. “From 1880 to Present: A Look at UMPI’s Ornithology Teaching Collection.” Bird enthusiasts of all ages, ability levels welcome. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, January 23

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, Fort Kent. 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Contact FKOC (207-834-6203) or visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

*Saturday, January 23

Healthy You Moonlight Snowshoe Hike, Easton. 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Francis Malcolm Science Center. Join us for a guided snowshoe hike through wooded trails with science educator Larry Berz. Hot cocoa will be served following the hike. Pre-registration required; snowshoes must be reserved. Contact Healthy You (207-498-1361) FMI

Sunday, January 24

FKOC Frostbite XC Ski Event – Aroostook Cup #2, Fort Kent. Distances: 3k, 7.5k, 15k Freestyle. Registration: 11:30 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Race start, Fee: TBA. Contact Paul Cyr (207-834-6478) or bpcyr@fkglobal.com FMI

Ongoing Programs:

County Strides Running Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at various locations. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Visit County Strides at www.facebook.com/groups/447181508818122 FMI

Bootlegger Snowshoe Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at the end of Path Brissette. Get to know the magical setting of the Bootlegger trails on this guided hike. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

UMPI Meteorology Course, Presque Isle. Mondays and Wednesdays from Jan. 19-May 12; 12:30-1:45 p.m. Learn about basic weather systems, how to identify cloud formations and interpret what they mean in terms of upcoming weather. Emphasis placed on northern Maine weather. Contact Ted Shapiro (207-764-4461) or tshapiro@wagmtv.com FMI

Sportsmen’s Inc. Meeting, Stockholm. First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Axle Siding Clubhouse (intersection of Lake Street/Rt. 161). Outdoors men and women promoting the traditions of the outdoors. If you’re interested in joining, you’re welcome to attend as a guest. Kids are welcome too! Visit www.facebook.com/Sportsmens-Inc-568794129811741 FMI

*Caribou Rec. Ski-Daddle Program, Caribou. Tuesdays & Thursdays; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Jan. 5–March 1. Designed for Grades 3-5. Lessons include intro to XC ski equipment, techniques, lots of outdoor fun. Cost: $10/resident, $25/non-resident. Ski equipment available; pre-registration required. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Meeting, Presque Isle. First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. The club promotes healthy outdoor recreation, economic vitality in Central Aroostook County by providing first-class facilities and programs to area residents, athletes, visitors. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

Four Season Trail Association Meeting, Madawaska. First Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of healthier lifestyles for this community; participation open to anyone interested. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent. Saturdays; 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Jan. 9-Feb. 13. Open to youth ages 4-14; Nordic skiing, rifle shooting, and LOTS of games! Cost: Free; participants asked to purchase FKOC memberships or daily trail passes. Contact Gail Johnson stegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

* = New or updated item(s).