Aroostook Outdoor News: 3.3.16 edition

#WinterIsBack! #SnowDances worked! #KeepDancing!

In this edition: 1) A #snowshoe #hike in #PresqueIsle. 2) #Nordic #XCSki races in Presque Isle and #Caribou. 3) #Skijoring (#skiing + #dogpower) fun in #FortKent. Plus lots more! #offugo…

Snow

Friday, March 4-Sunday, March 6

UMPI Outing Club Cabin in the Woods Weekend, Presque Isle and Kingfield. Snuggle up near the woodstove as we go winter camping in an off-the-grid cabin. We will be exploring the trails by snowshoe. This is a great introduction to winter camping and snowshoeing! No experience required. Cost: $30/UMPI student, $100/non-student; includes transportation, equipment rental (snowshoes), food, lodging. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

 

*Friday, March 4-Saturday, March 5

80th Annual New Sweden Community Sno Carnival, New Sweden. Friday: Sledding under the lights; 5:00 p.m. Saturday: events and activities for children and adults; snowshoeing, XC skiing, sledding, and more at New Sweden Trails, 113 Westmanland Road. Breakfast and lunch items available for purchase. Contact New Sweden School (207-896-5541) FMI

 

Saturday, March 5

TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Guided group hike. Cost: FREE! Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI

 

Saturday, March 5

Himie Towle Memorial Ski Frolic – Aroostook Cup #5, Presque Isle. Youth races (ages 15 and under) at varying distances; 10k Freestyle (classic track also set) Race, 5k Tour for adults. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Youth race start: 12:00 p.m. Adult race start: 12:30 p.m. Cost: $20/family, $10/adult, $5/youth; includes lunch. Contact Tom Towle (207-227-6306) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI

 

Saturday, March 5

Beardsley Hill Nature Preserve Snowshoe Venture, Woodstock, NB.

**Cancelled due to water on trail**

Contact Richelle ntnbpreserves@ntnb.org FMI

 

Saturday, March 5-Sunday, March 6

Fort Kent Outdoor Center/Can-Am Crown Skijoring Races, Fort Kent. Skijoring: a blend of XC skiing and mushing, where skier and animal(s) work together. 2k, 4k Sprint races under the lights Saturday; 5k, 15k races Sunday, at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Cash prizes to be announced after sponsorship is finalized! Cost: $20/2k, $30/4k, $35/5k, $45/15k; $5 discount if entered in two races. Contact Laura Audibert (207-834-6773) or la4568@roadrunner.com FMI

 

Saturday, March 5-Sunday, March 6

Woodstock Sanctuary House Winter Baseball, Woodstock, NB. We are looking for teams for Woodstock’s first Winter Baseball event held at Ayr Motor Centre’s Shiretown and Jeff Clark Baseball fields. All are welcome! Registration deadline: February 27. Cost: $10/person. All moneys go to Woodstock Sanctuary House. Canteen available inside Ayr Motor Centre. Contact Woodstock Sanctuary House sanctuary@nb.aibn.com FMI

 

*Sunday, March 6

41st Annual Henry Anderson Memorial Ski Dag – Aroostook Cup #4, Caribou. 5-mile, Classical XC ski race open to all ages. This is the granddaddy of ‘em all! The longest continuously-run Nordic race in Aroostook! Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Caribou Country Club. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Caribou Parks & Recreation Department (207-493-4224) FMI

 

*Monday, March 7

Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Friendly Triathlon, Edmundston, NB. 1:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at Centre Plein Air Mont Farlagne, 360 Mont Farlagne Road. Participate at this new activity: Triathlon Amical. One person goes up and down the hill on skis, one goes up and down on snowboard and ends with a ride on Fat Bike. Register with Shelly at the ticket office. Contact Mont Farlagne (506-739-7669) FMI

 

Wednesday, March 9

Aroostook Birders Annual Slide Show and Pot Luck, Presque Isle. 7:00 p.m. at Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection, 1235 Central Drive. Birds of a feather flock together; join us for an evening of show and tell! Bring one of your very best bird photos of the year and a dish to add to our pot luck supper. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

 

Thursday, March 10

Caribou Rec. Ski 4 Life Downhill Program, Caribou. Meets Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. on 3/10, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7. Learn to ski. Open to students in grades 6-8. Cost: $80; includes lift ticket, ski rentals, lesson, transportation. Participants will need to bring a bag lunch or money to eat at the mountain. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Thursday, March 10 and Saturday, March 12

Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar, Caribou. March 10: 6:00-9:00 p.m. March 12: 9:00 a.m.-Noon at Caribou High School. Instructor Steve Stubbs will teach turkey hunting strategies including scouting, decoy use and set up, calls and calling, turkey biology and characteristics, firearms and firearms safety. Youth will meet a Maine Game Warden, learn about turkey hunting laws and hunting ethics. Turkey calling contest, door prizes. Contact Steve Stubbs turkeyhuntingaroostook@gmail.com FMI

 

Friday, March 11-Sunday, March 13

North American and US Ski Orienteering Championship, Presque Isle. Elite races will be at the highest competitive level, though all age groups and classes will enjoy appropriately challenging courses. Nordic Heritage Center trails are fun to ski; special narrow trails have been cut and groomed for advanced courses. Even those with minimal ski orienteering experience can enjoy the mini-sprints around the arena complex all weekend. Great for kids! Visit www.neskio.com/2016champs FMI

 

Saturday, March 12

Limestone Community Winter Fun Day, Limestone. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Limestone Community School. Come enjoy a day of winter fun outside. Sliding, bonfire, skiing (equipment available to borrow), snowmobile tote rides, outdoor games and activities and much more. Chili Cook-off sponsored by Limestone Chamber. Chicken Stew and concessions available. Contact Bill Tucker (207-551-1204) FMI

 

Saturday, March 12

Acadia FCU Marathon – Aroostook Cup #6, 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 12

3rd Annual Angel Snowfest, St. Agatha. All-day event at Lakeview Restaurant; live music, outdoor Ice Bar, Snowshoe/Walk, Luminary Walk on the breathtaking Lakeview trails. Proceeds benefit Angel Flight NE and Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund. Fee: $15; includes neck-warmer, stew, entertainment. Visit www.facebook.com/angelsnowfest FMI

 

Sunday, March 13

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 13

UMPI Outing Club Snowshoe Hike, Presque Isle. 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Aroostook State Park. Cost: FREE! Includes guide, transportation, equipment. No experience required. Participants should sign up no later than Friday, March 11 by 3:00 p.m. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI

 

Monday, March 14

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. Cost: $25/ages 18-69, includes on day fishing license; $20/ages 70 and up, includes lifetime fishing license; fees include transportation, ice traps, bait, ice auger, lakeside lunch, campfire. Bring folding chairs, warm clothes, blanket. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Friday, March 18-Sunday, March 20

Lonesome Pine Trails Winter Carnival/Kids’ Day Weekend, Fort Kent. Snow sculptures, games, and fun all weekend long! It’s something new, it’s something exciting! Ski Patrol Midnight Ski on Saturday night! At Lonesome Pine Trails, Forest Avenue. Contact Lonesome Pine Trails (207-834-5202) or info@lonesomepines.org FMI

 

*Saturday, March 19

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, ski trails to explore. Hot dog roast, marshmallows, hot cocoa, other goodies. Skis available for use. Contact Amanda Barker (207-712-8552) ranger.amanda.barker@gmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, March 19

St. John Vianney Parish Mommy & Me Sledding Event, Fort Kent. 10:00 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, 33 Paradis Circle. Our next “The Way We Grow” event is a sledding party. We’d love to have a hill full of moms and kiddos! Please join us! Contact St. John Vianney Parish (207-834-5656) FMI

 

Sunday, March 20

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Snowshoe Hike, Fort Kent. 1:00-3:00 p.m. at FKOC, 33 Paradis Circle. Contact FKOC (207-834-6203) or visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

 

Monday, March 21

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

 

Wednesday, March 23 and Saturday, April 2

Houlton/Hodgdon Adult Ed. Hunter Safety, Houlton. Meets at Houlton High School Cafeteria. Required for those 16 and up seeking first time hunting license. Course consists of classroom instruction taught by a trained, certified volunteer instructor according to statewide standards. Course topics: Proper Handling, Rifle and Shotgun, Survival/First Aid, Hunter Responsibility, Map and Compass, Landowner Relations. Cost: $5. Contact Houlton/Hodgdon Adult Ed. (207-521-3100) 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

 

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

 

Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. Second Monday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at ANWR headquarters and Visitor’s Center, 97 Refuge Rd. Founded in 1998, Friends are involved in a number of volunteer projects on the ANWR in an effort to balance the enhancing of habitat with the public access privilege to enjoy wildlife in an unmolested environment. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) or friendsofanwr@gmail.com 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

 

Madawaska Valley Adventure Club Meeting, Madawaska. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Contact Real Deschaine (207-728-4992) FMI

 

Four Seasons Trail Association Snowshoe Hike, Madawaska. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge. Group snowshoeing/walking on trails. Bring lunch. Contact FSTA (207-728-7047) FMI

 

Valley Outdoor Centre Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB. Wednesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at VOC, 133 Upton Rd. Come on out for a night ski with a group to keep you company. Bring headlamp, stay for snacks, drinks afterwards. Cost: $2/member, $5/non-member, $3/rentals. Visit Valley Outdoor Centre at www.facebook.com/valleyoutdoor 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

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club/TAMC Youth Ski Program, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. February 27-March 26. UMPI Ski Team coaches will combine instruction and technique training with obstacle courses and games on skis. For children 6- 14 years of age. Contact Joey Bard joey.bard@maine.edu FMI

 

Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Ice Wall, Edmundston, NB. Saturdays; 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Sundays; 1:00-5:00 p.m. (All times Atlantic). Our ice wall is open for the season! First come, first served basis. Cost: $25/hour; $15/equipment rental; $65/2 hours (includes equipment). It will also be possible to buy ice wall climbing equipment at our pro shop in the upcoming weeks. See you on the wall! Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI

 

* = New or updated item(s).