BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260123T170320Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T155300Z UID:10000802-1775487600-1775491200@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Bright ideas for a Stormy Future: Strengthening Southern Maine’s resilience to power outages DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeakers: Karina Graeter and James Rather\, Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission \nPower outages from inclement weather are a significant hazard in Maine\, where outages are among the most frequent in the country\, and are likely to become more frequent in Maine’s changing climate. While upgrading the electrical grid infrastructure is the responsibility of the electric utilities\, there are many actions that Maine’s regions\, state and local government(s)\, and community-based organizations can take to build upon and coordinate with utilities’ efforts to increase resilience. Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC)\, York and southern Oxford County’s Council of Governments\, recently completed a plan that includes an array of interventions designed to increase resilience to power outages in southern Maine. Join this session to learn about how power outages are affecting southern Maine communities and the actions the region will take to improve energy resilience in the face of a stormier future. \nKarina Graeter serves as the Sustainability Division Director for Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC)\, leading efforts to assist communities in local and regional response to climate change. Prior to joining SMPDC\, Karina served as the Sustainability Coordinator for the University of Maine. \nJames Rather serves as SMPDC’s Director of Strategic Initiatives\, overseeing many projects in economic development and long-range planning. James comes to SMPDC from the planning departments at the City of Portland\, City of New York\, and several firms within the private and nonprofit sectors. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-bright-ideas-for-a-stormy-future-strengthening-southern-maines-resilience-to-power-outages/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260123T162848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T132829Z UID:10000801-1774882800-1774886400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Why bowling balls end up in our recycling bins (and what state lawmakers are doing about it) DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeaker: Erin Victor\, Postdoctoral Researcher\, Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\, University of Maine \nBowling balls\, garden hoses\, and other strange items are showing up at recycling facilities. This “wishcycling”—recycling items in the bin and hoping they are recyclable — stems from confusing rules and increasingly complex packaging. It also drives up municipal costs. However\, big changes in Maine’s recycling system are coming. In 2021\, Maine passed the nation’s first Extended Producer Responsibility law for packaging\, shifting some of the costs and responsibility for recycling from cities and towns to the companies that make the packaging. The hope is that this will encourage companies to design less wasteful packaging. Yet\, even as these policies gain traction in the United States\, the environmental\, economic\, and social impacts of different policy design decisions remain unclear. In this talk\, Dr. Victor will share primary insights from a two-year project at the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions that examines these trade-offs. She will highlight what the interdisciplinary team has learned so far\, where major knowledge gaps remain\, and why understanding these trade-offs matter for ensuring that recycling programs are economically effective\, environmentally sustainable\, and just. \nDr. Erin Victor is a postdoctoral researcher at the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine. She earned her PhD in Anthropology and Environmental Policy at UMaine\, where she studied the politics of disposable packaging in the U.S. and Canada. Before returning to academia\, she worked in local and state government on solid waste and sustainability initiatives\, experience that shapes her commitment to collaborative research to foster more effective and just environmental policy solutions. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-why-bowling-balls-end-up-in-our-recycling-bins-and-what-state-lawmakers-are-doing-about-it/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260326 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260327 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250624T135053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T135053Z UID:10000781-1774483200-1774569599@umaine.edu SUMMARY:2026 Maine Sustainability & Water Conference DESCRIPTION:The request for sessions for the 2026 Maine Sustainability & Water Conference will be issued in early fall. Stay tuned for details! URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/2026-maine-sustainability-water-conference/ LOCATION:Augusta Civic Center\, Augusta\, ME\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260323T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260323T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260120T212525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T122704Z UID:10000798-1774278000-1774281600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Maine’s PFAS Response: A Comprehensive Policy Review DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeakers: \n\nEddie Nachamie\, University of Maine Honors College\, Ecology and Environmental Sciences\nRachel Schattman\, Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture\, University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture\n\nPFAS contamination has become a prevalent issue for communities\, policymakers\, residents\, farmers\, and industries throughout Maine and beyond. The state’s policy response thus far is among the most advanced\, comprehensive\, and diverse in the nation. Environmental contamination does not respect state lines\, however. Through a comprehensive policy analysis\, we provide a suite of recommendations for federal and state governments to follow to protect environmental and human health. \nEddie Nachamie is a senior in the University of Maine Honors College studying Ecology and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Ethics. He has served with AmeriCorps NCCC as an Assistant Team Leader\, a research assistant for Food Rescue MAINE\, a program assistant for the Future Sustainability Leaders Program\, a forest technician for the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit and University Forests\, and is a resident at the Terrell House Permaculture Living & Learning Center. He is passionate about sustainability\, ecology\, and climate change mitigation. \nRachel Schattman is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture\, a Fellow with the George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\, and an associate faculty member with the University of Maine Climate Change Institute. Her work spans the impacts of climate change on farmers\, PFAS contamination in the food system\, and water policy and governance. She leads the Agroecology Lab at UMaine Orono. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-maines-pfas-response-a-comprehensive-policy-review/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T130000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260304T124912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T125038Z UID:10000804-1773230400-1773234000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Unlocking the Full Potential of School Food Systems (A FINE Webinar) DESCRIPTION:A Farm to Institution New England (FINE) Webinar\nSpeakers:  \n\nSusanne Lee\, Mitchell Center\, University of Maine\nWilliam Brenneman\, Masters Student\, University of Maine\n\nTo register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/En3dEMvBSUi_TG7BfU_gMg#/registration \nIn a largely rural state\, Maine schools are a key community food resource providing nutrition to the most vulnerable in our communities – our children. But when Maine school cafeterias generate over 7 million pounds of food waste annually (NRCM 2019) and the largest waste is the nutritious fruits and veggies\, we have a problem. Fortunately\, some Maine school districts are working to stop the waste and unlock the full potential of school food systems to sustainably and nutritiously feed our children. The University of Maine’s Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions has been working with Maine school nutrition directors and their school communities on food waste prevention programs. Join Faculty Fellow Susanne Lee and MA Student William Brenneman to hear about their research and their success\, and walk away with ideas on how you can reduce food waste in your school. \n  URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/unlocking-the-full-potential-of-school-food-systems/ LOCATION:Virtual\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Farm to Institution New England":MAILTO:riley@farmtoinstitution.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260127T152302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T123106Z UID:10000803-1773068400-1773072000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Collaborating for Impact: Can transdisciplinary teams help move the needle? DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeaker: Karen Hutchins Bieluch\, Transdisciplinary Research Strategist\, Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\, University of Maine \nBringing together people from different disciplines\, organizations\, and life experiences to learn\, conduct research\, and develop solutions is both rewarding and challenging. We often begin this work with subject matter expertise and a deep commitment to our projects and partners. Yet most of us have little formal training in how to collaborate effectively\, engage across boundaries\, or lead diverse teams. Thus\, often\, we are learning these skills as we are doing the work. \nIn this talk\, Dr. Karen Bieluch will highlight key features of transdisciplinary practice and discuss approaches and challenges to transdisciplinarity through her work with research teams. She will also invite participants to explore a new resource guide to identify practical tips and techniques to strengthen their own work. Designing Inspiring Workshops & Courses in Transdisciplinarity – A Guide provides research- and practice-based guidance on building collaborations to address complex problems. \nDr. Karen Hutchins Bieluch is the transdisciplinary research strategist at UMaine’s Mitchell Center\, the Practice-Based Learning Specialist in the Dept. of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College\, and a program evaluation consultant. She specializes in community–university partnerships\, group communication and collaboration\, and program evaluation\, and was selected by leaders at Stanford University as one of 12 North American researchers to participate in an innovative “Train-the-Trainer” program for transdisciplinary researchers. Karen earned her interdisciplinary Ph.D. at UMaine and was a graduate research assistant with the Mitchell Center’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative\, where she developed a commitment to connecting the wealth of resources of community partners and universities to address sustainability challenges. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-collaborating-for-impact-can-transdisciplinary-research-skills-make-a-difference/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260123T155213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T213956Z UID:10000800-1772463600-1772467200@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Amplifying the story of food: Sea Run’s connection to education\, conservation\, clams\, and more! DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeaker: Anthony Sutton\, Passamaquoddy from Sipayik; Assistant Professor\, Native American Studies and Food Systems\, University of Maine \nThe Maine Indian Tribal State Commission (MITSC) recently released an audio version of Sea Run\, which documents all non-Indigenous impacts to river-based fisheries from European contact to today. Though the report focuses on fisheries\, this presentation intends to connect this story to many topics central to Wabanaki Foodways\, whether it’s land-based conservation or clams\, they all come from the story of what happened to our food. \nAnthony Sutton\, PhD\, is Passamaquoddy from Sipayik. He is an Assistant Professor of Native American Studies and Food Systems at the University of Maine and Faculty Fellow at the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. Tony’s work focuses on historical and contemporary aspects of Wabanaki foodways\, both unpacking the histories that have shaped lands\, waters\, and species central to Wabanaki foodways\, to the present by centering Wabanaki visions for the restoration of foodways and fisheries. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-amplifying-the-story-of-food-sea-runs-connection-to-education-conservation-clams-and-more/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260223T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260223T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260112T185125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T134306Z UID:10000793-1771858800-1771862400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:CANCELLED Talk – Vector-borne disease management decision-making in an uncertain information environment DESCRIPTION:This talk has been cancelled due to inclement weather. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\n\nSpeaker: Allison (Allie) Gardner\, Associate Professor\, University of Maine\nDuring the early 21st century\, the number of outbreaks of infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans has grown explosively worldwide. These emerging zoonotic diseases are integrated into landscapes managed by people and amplified in complex cycles in which pathogen transmission is intertwined with ecosystem ecology and human behavior. Many management decisions at the human-wildlife-environmental health nexus are made under conditions of both risk (i.e.\, potential for negative outcomes) and uncertainty (due to imperfect\, evolving scientific knowledge). This talk will explore the case study of tick-borne disease management in North America\, which is high-risk due to the health threat posed by disease and high-uncertainty due to lack of data and/or expert consensus about the most effective control tactics. \nAllison (Allie) Gardner is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine studying the ecology and management of tick-borne and mosquito-borne disease. Allie has worked in disease systems including Lyme disease\, West Nile virus\, and Zika virus and has extensive experience collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams\, community scientists\, and federal and state agency partners. She has served as an Entomological Society of America Science Policy Fellow\, Chair of the “Biology\, Ecology\, and Management of Emerging Disease Vectors” USDA Multistate Hatch project\, and a founding member of the New England Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-vector-borne-disease-management-decision-making-in-an-uncertain-information-environment/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260113T164058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T164234Z UID:10000795-1770649200-1770652800@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk – Priorities for Prescribed Fire Research and Management in Maine – A Panel Discussion DESCRIPTION:A recording of this panel discussion is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nModerators: Rose Abramoff and Lydia Horne\, School of Forest Resources\, University of Maine \nPanelists: \n\nAliesha Black\, Maine Forest Service\nTim Bickford\, Maine Prescribed Fire Council\nKeith Kanoti\, University of Maine\nJon Bailey\, The Nature Conservancy\n\nJoin us for a panel discussion about priorities for understanding and using prescribed fire (i.e.\, planned and intentional use of fire) in Maine. We will hear from local fire practitioners and land managers about their land management objectives\, considerations when applying prescribed fire in different contexts\, and perceived barriers to safely using prescribed fire. \nModerators Rose Abramoff and Lydia Horne are involved in a Mitchell Center pilot project to understand perceptions around prescribed fire use in Maine across different sectors. Rose is a forest ecologist and Lydia is a social scientist – both work within the School of Forest Resources. Panelists include fire bosses and land managers in the state of Maine: Aliesha Black is a forest ranger with the Maine Forest Service. Tim Bickford is the Maine Army National Guard conservation manager and wildland fire program manager. Keith Kanoti is the university forest manager at the University of Maine. Jon Bailey is the Maine fire manager/regional land manager at The Nature Conservancy. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-priorities-for-prescribed-fire-research-and-management-in-maine-a-panel-discussion/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20260120T152613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T170450Z UID:10000797-1770044400-1770048000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - A journey in fisheries and ecosystem thinking: a conversation about the past\, present\, and future DESCRIPTION:A recording of this panel discussion is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nModerator \n\nJoshua Stoll\, Associate Professor\, School of Marine Sciences\, University of Maine\n\nPanelists \n\nRobin Alden\, former Executive Director\, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries\nHeather Leslie\, Professor\, School of Marine Sciences\, University of Maine\nJessica Bonilla\, Graduate student\, Marine Policy\, University of Maine\n\nJoin us for a panel discussion about Maine’s fisheries and how ecosystem thinking in ocean conservation has emerged\, matured\, and continues to evolve. Drawing on personal and professional experiences across different moments in time\, our guests will explore how their understanding of fisheries\, communities\, and marine ecosystems has shifted—from early single-species management perspectives to more integrated\, ecosystem-based approaches. Through conversation\, we will examine lessons from the past\, challenges of the present\, and possibilities for the future\, highlighting how place-based knowledge\, collaboration\, leadership\, and adaptive thinking can shape more resilient fisheries and ocean stewardship. \nJoshua Stoll in an Associate Professor in the School of Marine Sciences and co-leads the University of Maine’s National Research Traineeship Program in Ecosystem Science. He is also a Faculty Fellow of the Mitchell Center. \nRobin Alden has worked to integrate fishermen’s knowledge into sustainable fisheries management throughout her career. She is a former Maine Commissioner of Marine Resources and retired as Founding Executive Director of Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in 2018. \nHeather Leslie is a Professor of Marine Sciences in the University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences and a Faculty Fellow of the Mitchell Center. Her research\, teaching\, and public service focus on the connections among people and coastal marine ecosystems. As a marine conservation scientist\, she draws on a combination of field experiments\, modeling\, and other approaches grounded in the ecological and social sciences and humanities.  \nJessica Bonilla is a graduate student in the Marine Policy Program at the University of Maine and a member of the inaugural cohort of graduate students in the Ecosystem Science National Research Traineeship Program. Grounded in her hands-on experience working as a sternman in Maine’s lobster fishery\, her work centers on women’s experiences with diversification and adaptive strategies in the lobster industry as coastal communities navigate social\, regulatory\, and environmental change. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-a-journey-in-fisheries-and-ecosystem-thinking-a-conversation-about-the-past-present-and-future/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250807T150512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T142422Z UID:10000788-1764601200-1764604800@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Empowering Maine’s Livestock Farms Via Sustainable Reproductive Practices DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsor:\n\nUniversity of Maine Cooperative Extension\n\nSpeakers: Colt Knight and Glenda Pereira\, University of Maine Cooperative Extension\nArtificial insemination (AI) allows farmers to improve livestock genetics\, enhancing feed efficiency\, growth\, reproduction\, and overall health. It also eliminates the need to keep a bull or boar on-site\, reducing costs\, safety risks\, and the farm’s carbon footprint. Over the course of a year\, artificial insemination workshops will be held across the state of Maine\, combining classroom instruction with hands-on practice\, and tailored separately for farmers and youth. The presentation will highlight the creation and partnerships established to conduct these workshops\, as well as feedback from program participants and future plans. \nDr. Colt Knight grew up in a coal mining family in West Virginia and earned his bachelor’s\, master’s\, and doctorate in animal science. Since 2017\, he has worked as an associate professor for UMaine’s Cooperative Extension team where he serves as the state livestock specialist. Knight teaches Introduction to Animal Science (AVS 145) and runs the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab. The core focus of the Grazing Behavior Lab revolves around designing and manufacturing livestock tracking collars\, engaging in applied grazing behavior research\, and assisting other researchers with technology to interpret animal behavior. \nAs the dairy specialist at the University of Maine\, as well as an assistant professor at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and School of Food and Agriculture\, Dr. Glenda Pereira conducts applied research and develops educational programs for dairy farmers in the state. Current projects include working with farmers in Maine utilizing precision dairy technologies\, learning about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)\, and working on educational events with the University of New Hampshire and University of Vermont. She also teaches an introductory course on animal genetics and selection. She has a PhD. in animal science from the University of Minnesota. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-empowering-maines-livestock-farms-via-sustainable-reproductive-practices/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251124T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251124T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250807T140123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T203432Z UID:10000785-1763996400-1764000000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Housing as a sustainability challenge: Perceptions of risk and the quest for affordable housing in Maine DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeaker: Sarah Sturtevant\, Independent Research Analyst\nMaine’s affordable housing crisis mirrors that of the nation. And yet some of the root causes of the housing crisis are unique to Maine. Join Sarah as she explores the ecosystem surrounding housing construction\, the role of specialization\, and the impact of perceptions of risk. Through gaining a better understanding of what brought Maine to this point\, she will explore some paths forward in the quest for affordable housing in Maine. \nSarah Sturtevant is an independent research analyst focused on affordable housing in Maine. Growing up on a chicken farm in Maine and graduating from Bowdoin College\, preceded a multi-decade career in investment management; the last seven years as a portfolio advisor and global\, small-cap\, equity analyst for Wellington Management’s Global Macro Research Group. Sarah returned to Maine in 2020 graduating from  the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School’s Public Policy Analysis graduate program in 2023. She has completed housing research as a Shaw Innovation Fellow  and as a consultant with the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC). She has also participated in several state working groups focused on Maine’s housing challenges. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-housing-as-a-sustainability-challenge-perceptions-of-risk-and-the-quest-for-affordable-housing-in-maine/ LOCATION:mitchell center CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250811T143753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T142044Z UID:10000790-1763391600-1763395200@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Bridging the Worlds of Fishing and Research: Roles for Connectors DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-sponsors:\n\nSchool of Marine Sciences\nDepartment of Communication & Journalism\nAquaculture Research Institute\n3-D Ecosystem Science National Research Traineeship\nMaine Sea Grant\n\nSpeaker: Carla Guenther\, Chief Scientist\, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries \nDr. Carla Guenther is the chief scientist at Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington\, Maine. Formally educated in engineering\, marine science and human geography from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of California\, Santa Barbara\, Carla has worked in fisheries in Mexico\, California\, and Maine. Alongside fishermen\, scientists\, and managers she has been navigating resource\, management\, and social change in Maine’s coastal fishing dependent communities for 15 years. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/bridging-the-worlds-of-fishing-and-research/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251110T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250808T140654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T143936Z UID:10000789-1762786800-1762790400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - A Career in Service to Maine: Lessons learned from municipal to state to business DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-sponsors\n\nSPIRE (Office of Strategic Partnerships\, Innovation\, Resources\, and Engagement)\nMargaret Chase Smith Policy Center\nDept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering\nCohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service\nHonors College\nMaine Business School\n\nSpeaker: Dana Connors\, former President and CEO\, Maine State Chamber of Commerce\nDana Connors is the former leader of the Maine’s largest and most diverse business association\, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. In this position\, he oversaw a broad range of activities including advocacy efforts\, economic development initiatives\, workforce development opportunities\, and a wide variety of member services on behalf of the state’s business community. \nConnors began his career as the city manager of Presque Isle for 16 years\, and then spent 11 years as commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. He was president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce from 1994 until his recent retirement. \nA Maine native\, Connors received a bachelor’s degree in public management from the University of Maine in 1965. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and the State of Maine Governor’s Business Roundtable for Early Childhood Development. Other boards on which he served include the Maine Economic Research Institute; Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and Maine & Company. Additionally\, he has been a member of ReadyNation since 2009. \nConnors has received numerous awards for his service and leadership to the state of Maine throughout his career. Most recently\, he was inducted into Junior Achievement’s Maine Business Hall of Fame (2014) and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Maine (2015). URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-a-career-in-service-to-maine-lessons-learned-from-municipal-to-state-to-business/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250807T143952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T132020Z UID:10000786-1762182000-1762185600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Student Sustainability Lightning Talks DESCRIPTION:A recording of this event is available. \nLightning talks will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nTalks in this session will focus on sustainability research by graduate and undergraduate students in Maine. Each presenter will have 5-minutes for their talk. PowerPoint presentations are allowed but will be limited to 10 slides. \nAgenda\n3:00PM-3:03PM\nWelcome – David Hart \n3:03pm-3:08pm\nMelisa Uyar and Rafiul Ahmed\nTapping into unmet demand for U.S. seafood: Can Maine lead the way? \n3:09pm-3:14pm (virtual)\nErfan Najaf\nBuilding a Greener Maine: Reducing Concrete’s Carbon Footprint and Cracking \n3:15pm-3:20pm\nEddie Nachamie (undergraduate)\nInvestigating PFAS Contamination from Cleaning and Waxing Products in Maine Schools through a Participatory Action Research Project \n3:21pm-3:26pm\nHarry Nutifafa Arden and Amber Schultz\nPeople\, Coast and Offshore Wind Energy Development: Reflections from a mixed-methods study in Maine \n3:27pm-3:32pm\nMelissa Godin\nSandbagging the future in the fog of uncertainty \n3:33pm-3:38pm\nKatherine Simmons and Muhammad Hamza Imran\nIncreasing access to equitable sustainable energy transitions through co-designed community microgrids \n3:39pm-3:44pm\nClara Thompson (undergraduate)\nCoating Cellulose Nanofibrils and Poly-vinyl Alcohol on Paper as an Alternative to Perfluoroalkane Substances \n3:45pm-3-50pm\nSonia Leone\nImpacts of Climate Language on Rural Maine Community Resilience Initiatives \n3:50pm-4:00pm\nFacilitated Q&A \nAbstracts\nTapping into unmet demand for U.S. seafood: Can Maine lead the way?\nMelisa Uyar and Rafiul Ahmed\n \nU.S. households frequently report a desire to increase seafood consumption but face persistent barriers that hinder actual behavior. This study examines the nature and distribution of these consumption barriers across different U.S. regions. We also focus on the potential for Maine’s aquaculture industry to convert unmet intent into realized demand. Data for this study comes from a 2023 representative survey (n = 7\,438) administered by the University of Maine School of Economics. The sample includes respondents from U.S. Major Cities (n = 2\,361) and the Northeastern U.S. (n = 5\,077)\, encompassing variables such as seafood purchasing and consumption patterns\, choice experiment\, key barriers to at-home seafood consumption\, seafood and marine environment quality perceptions\, visitation history\, and demographics. \nPreliminary results suggest that around 87% of our sample report wanting to prepare or eat more seafood at home. Barriers to increased consumption include knowledge (how to prepare/store/safe preparation) and price\, both of which are emerging more frequently than dislike of seafood\, suggesting that factors other than taste restrict at-home consumption. We find meaningful differences consistent with variation in fresh seafood access across locations. We also examine the relationship between perceptions of the location’s marine environment\, seafood quality\, and water quality concerns and barriers experienced. \nThese findings offer valuable insights for aquaculture producers: by addressing knowledge and cost barriers\, industry stakeholders can better align product offerings with consumer intent and tap into unmet demand. \nBuilding a Greener Maine: Reducing Concrete’s Carbon Footprint and Cracking\nErfan Najaf\n \nConcrete infrastructure in Maine faces a critical challenge: premature\, early-age cracking caused by shrinkage and temperature changes\, which leads to costly repairs and a shortened service life. At the same time\, conventional concrete carries a heavy environmental burden due to the high CO₂ emissions from its primary ingredient\, cement. My research tackles both of these problems by developing a more durable and sustainable concrete tailored for our state. \nThe approach is two-fold. First\, by optimizing the ratio of sand and stone\, we have developed new mix designs that significantly reduce the required cement content. A full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) confirms that these mixes dramatically lower the material’s environmental footprint across all indicators\, including climate change impact. \nSecond\, to enhance durability\, we are investigating the addition of Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF)\, a bio-based nanomaterial derived from wood. Results show that adding a small amount of CNF increases both compressive and flexural (bending) strength\, creating a tougher concrete that better resists crack formation. This project presents a Maine-based solution for building greener\, longer-lasting infrastructure. \nInvestigating PFAS Contamination from Cleaning and Waxing Products in Maine Schools through a Participatory Action Research Project\nEddie Nachamie (undergraduate) \nThe aim of this research project is to investigate the source of PFAS contamination in Maine’s public schools and communicate the results to school administrators. This work is important because PFAS have become a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and present a looming public health threat. These compounds have been linked to liver and kidney diseases\, increased cholesterol\, certain cancers\, endocrine disruption\, and developmental toxicity. The pace of work on this problem has accelerated in the state of Maine after a series of farm closures in the late 2010s as a result of contamination. School systems have yet to be fully investigated as sources of contamination through floor waxing\, stripping\, and cleaning products\, but early evidence from the New Hampshire DES shows this is an area of emerging concern2. In 2024\, researchers from MDI Biological Laboratory detected PFAS contamination in homes surrounding MDI High School which had been found to have high PFAS concentrations in its drinking and wastewater sources following a sampling round by the Maine Drinking Water Program in 2023. The research highlighted the potential for floor wax\, floor stripping\, and other cleaning products utilized in the school to be the source of PFAS contamination4 My research will investigate if floor stripping and waxing wastewater is the primary cause of PFAS contamination in school drinking and wastewater systems. Understanding the cause of contamination in schools will help administrators and school boards make better decisions about floor maintenance practices and product choices in order to protect public health and the environment. \nIncreasing access to equitable sustainable energy transitions through co-designed community microgrids\nKatherine Simmons and Muhammad Hamza Imran \nAccess to reliable\, affordable\, and sustainable energy remains a persistent challenge for many rural and Indigenous communities across the United States. High energy costs\, frequent outages\, and limited local control continue to affect social and economic well-being. Microgrids\, which are localized and semi-independent energy networks\, offer a promising approach to enhancing community resilience and advancing energy justice. Their success\, however\, depends on meaningful participation from the communities they are designed to serve. \nThis study presents a systematic literature review examining the current landscape of community-led microgrids\, focusing on how communities engage in co-design processes with researchers\, developers\, and utilities. The review explores four main themes: the mechanisms of community participation and their influence on project outcomes; how engagement affects whether systems operate as intended; ownership models that promote energy sovereignty; and the barriers and opportunities that shape community-led microgrid development. \nFindings indicate that projects built on strong community engagement\, including collaborative workshops\, accessible communication\, and technical training\, are most likely to achieve long-term success and reflect local needs and values. Community and Tribal ownership models\, in particular\, promote sustained operation and economic self-determination. However\, persistent technical\, financial\, and regulatory challenges continue to limit widespread adoption. To advance an equitable and sustainable energy transition\, microgrid development must be grounded in community partnership\, transparent communication\, and shared decision-making supported by clear ownership and maintenance structures. \nSandbagging the future in the fog of uncertainty\nMelissa Godin \nPlanning ahead under financial\, political\, and climate uncertainty is stressful. Some people may psychologically protect themselves from the distress of a perceived bleak future by simply choosing not to think about it. Economists would call this a behavioral trap\, a self-reinforcing cycle in which factors such as stress\, financial constraints\, and uncertain institutions push people toward short-sighted choices that don’t accurately account for their long-term interests\, both for themselves and for their communities. In sustainability practice\, this might lead people to avoid investing in climate resilience\, especially for median homeowners\, who are disproportionately impacted by rising insurance premiums and mitigation costs. Across all income levels\, more abstract concerns like climate anxiety and political instability may also narrow the planning horizon. In these scenarios\, people are “sandbagging” their future–that is\, choosing short-run fixes that feel fine today but don’t build durable stability and resilience tomorrow. An emerging study aims to collect empirical evidence to model these behavioral traps\, and to examine whether financial\, political\, and climate anxieties shorten the horizon for the choices people make for both themselves and their communities. \nPeople\, Coast and Offshore Wind Energy Development: Reflections from a mixed-methods study in Maine\nHarry Nutifafa Arden and Amber Schultz\n \nCoastal communities face increasing pressure to provide resources amid several other issues related to spatial competition and climate change\, which makes understanding residents’ preferences for coastal development vital. Focusing on Maine\, where an offshore wind energy project was designated for the Gulf of Maine in 2022\, this research employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the mixed perceptions of residents in Searsport and Yarmouth about the potential impacts and community benefits. The research design integrates both qualitative and quantitative data from over 20 key informant interviews with stakeholders\, using semi-structured questions and over 400 household surveys made of open-ended questions\, Likert-scale questions and choice experiments deployed by a drop-off/pick-up technique. After the first phase of our data collection\, we reflect on the rationale\, challenges and lessons learned from applying diverse methodologies in researching people and their perceptions about coastal space use. The overall experience demonstrates that while a mixed-methods approach can be cumbersome\, it is indispensable in coastal-marine social science research for capturing the nuanced perspectives required for effective and equitable policy. \nCoating Cellulose Nanofibrils and Poly-vinyl Alcohol on Paper as an Alternative to Perfluoroalkane Substances\nClara Thompson (undergraduate) \nWhen packaging food\, a good grease and oxygen barrier is needed. Paper alone is not a good barrier\, so when used it has been coated with perfluoroalkanes (PFAS). However\, these\n“forever chemicals” have detrimental environmental and health effects\, leading to a ban on their use in food packaging. In this research\, the formation of composite cellulose nanofibril and poly(vinyl alcohol) coatings is being developed as a replacement. CNFs (cellulose nanofibrils) are cellulose typically obtained from wood and\, in this research\, refined to nanofibrils mechanically. CNF layers formed from highly refined CNFs make for good grease and oxygen barriers\, however at lower refinement large pores exist between the fibers\, allowing oxygen through. To combat this without the expense and energy output needed for high levels of refinement\, this research aims to fill these pores with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH). PVOH acts as a good grease and oxygen barrier\, can be produced from biobased materials\, and is biodegradable. This research utilizes CNF at 70% fines. Fines is a measurement that can be used as a metric of refinement\, and higher percentages indicate higher refinement. To form CNF coatings\, a solution of 0.6% weight CNF was coated onto water-resistant paper\, and vacuum filtration was used to pull the water from the solution through the paper\, leaving behind a layer of CNF. Multiple trials have been completed with differing target basis weights of CNF. \nImpacts of Climate Language on Rural Maine Community Resilience Initiatives\nSonia Leone \nLanguage about climate change may create barriers for communities seeking to engage in resilience initiatives\, and these barriers can be especially pronounced for rural and Indigenous communities. My undergraduate Honors Thesis\, titled Impacts of Climate Language on Rural Maine Community Resilience Initiatives\, analyzes the barriers and opportunities of climate language in rural Maine communities and Wabanaki Tribes. It also examines how iterative co-production of research and equitable relationships can support successful resilience initiatives. This study uses three methods: (1) A literature review of peer-reviewed publications about place-centered climate knowledge and equitable research methodology\, which is compared to (2) interview data from from Maine community leaders who engage with resilience projects and issues at the local level\, and (3) data from a survey co-developed with representatives from Maine communities and Wabanaki tribes to understand citizen perceptions and preferences regarding of energy and climate resilience. Community participation in this study finds that trusting relationships with institutions can help rural and Indigenous communities talk about climate change and center local needs in resilience projects. Literature review results support this finding and establish community-based participatory research (CBPR) as a methodology that iteratively engages with community members as equal partners in resilience projects. However\, rural populations of Maine and Wabanaki Tribes continue to be underrepresented in current research\, which does not sufficiently address nuanced local contexts. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/student-sustainability-lightning-talks-2/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250807T144839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T180419Z UID:10000787-1761577200-1761580800@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - The Economics of Nature in Today’s Political Landscape DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-Sponsors\n\nEcology & Environmental Sciences Program\, UMaine\nSchool of Biology & Ecology\, UMaine\nDept. of Wildlife\, Fisheries & Conservation Biology\, UMaine\n\nSpeaker: William Ginn\, globally recognized expert on investing and valuing ecosystem services\nIn a few swift months\, the current federal administration has abandoned any action on climate change\, shifted energy incentives back to oil and gas from solar and wind\, and repositioned the nation’s environment agency towards facilitating development rather than protecting nature. \nThese rapid moves deeply challenge the proposition that shifting investing toward “green” infrastructure is the only long term sustainable path for the world. This talk will explore these changes and consider how progress can still be made toward conserving the lands and waters upon which all life depends. \nWilliam Ginn is a globally recognized expert on investing and valuing ecosystem services. The author of two books on the subject\, Ginn founded NatureVest\, The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) partnership with private investment capital that now has over $3 billion dollars under management. He also served as the chief conservation officer of TNC\, running their worldwide activities in more that 65 countries with over 3\,000 employees. \nGinn has a long relationship with Maine having graduated from the first class of students at the College of the Atlantic. He was the executive director of Maine Audubon and has been a founder of many companies in Maine including MEMIC\, TimberHP and Katahdin Salmon. He is the recipient of the Governors Award for Business Leadership\, and received an honorary doctorate from Unity College for his work to pass Maine’s Returnable Container Law and as chair of the Maine Pesticide Control Board. \nHe now splits his time between a farm in Pownal\, Maine and on Eagle Island in Eastern Penobscot Bay. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-the-economics-of-nature-in-todays-political-landscape/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250820T193716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T122636Z UID:10000792-1760972400-1760976000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Panel Discussion - Why return land to Indigenous Nations without restriction? Discussions on Wáhsehtəkʷ and Wabanaki-Land Trust Partnerships DESCRIPTION:A recording of this event is available \nThis panel discussion will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsors:\n\nWabanaki Center\nNative American Programs\nUMaine Dept. of Communication & Journalism\nUMaine Dept. of Anthropology\n\nPanelists:\n\nChuck Loring\, Penobscot Nation\nBetsy Cook\, Maine State Director\, Trust for Public Land\nDarren Ranco\, Chair\, Native American Programs\, University of Maine\n\nLand return\, rematriation (rebuilding traditional Indigenous stewardship and caretaking practices to ancestral places)\, and conservation work led by Indigenous peoples intersect with several of the key issues impacting the well-being and cultures of our Indigenous nations. This includes\, but is not limited to\, issues of environmental and climate justice\, food sovereignty\, health\, and economic justice. As a practice\, land returns are being done by land trusts without easements or restrictions\, while at the same time scholars have recognized that Indigenous leadership\, knowledge\, and decision-making in conservation work also represent conservation best practices — resulting in the most effective ways to conserve lands productively for climate resilience and biodiversity. \nChuck Loring is a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. In his work duties\, he provides oversight to the Nation’s natural resources department. His background is in Forestry\, and he is a UMaine alum who graduated in 2012.  He has worked for the Nation’s natural resources department in various capacities since then.  Though his path has been through forestry\, Chuck feels a deep connection to not only the forest\, but the animals within it.  When he isn’t in the office you can find him on any one of the various Penobscot territories with his daughter doing anything from collecting shed antlers to hunting moose. \nBetsy Cook is the Maine State Director for the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL). She is committed to ensuring all Mainers have equitable access to the outdoors. Betsy joined TPL in 2017 and during her time has worked with communities across the state to create over 25\,000 acres of new public lands\, parks\, and community forests. Previously\, Betsy worked with the New England Forestry Foundation\, and Triangle Land Conservancy and Duke Forest\, both in Durham\, North Carolina. Betsy discovered the power of public lands during her summers working in the White Mountain National Forest’s backcountry hut system. Betsy holds a BA from Cornell University and Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry from Duke University\, where she completed her thesis on community forests. Betsy lives in Portland and enjoys exploring all corners of Maine by cross-country skiing\, hiking\, and paddling with her spouse\, Jesse\, their two kids\, Nora and Malcolm\, and their energetic dog\, Banjo. \nDarren J. Ranco\, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation\, is a professor of anthropology\, Chair of Native American Programs\, and faculty fellow at the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine.  He has a master of studies in environmental law from Vermont Law School and a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard University. His research focuses on the ways in which Indigenous Nations resist environmental destruction by using Indigenous science and diplomacies to protect their natural and cultural resources. He has published extensively and teaches classes on Indigenous intellectual property rights\, research ethics and methodology\, environmental and climate justice\, and tribal governance. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/panel-discussion-why-return-land-to-indigenous-nations-without-restriction-discussions-on-wahseht%c9%99k%ca%b7-and-wabanaki-land-trust-partnerships/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250805T170754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T175501Z UID:10000783-1759762800-1759766400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - One Climate Future: From Plan to Progress DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-Sponsors:\n\nUMaine Office of Sustainability\nMaine Climate Science Information Exchange\nSustainability & Environmental Action Division\nMAINECAN\nUMaine Honors College\n\nSpeaker: Katie Tims\, Sustainability Associate\, City of Portland’s Sustainability Office \nOne Climate Future is the City of Portland’s climate action and adaptation plan; it is more than just a document\, it’s the City’s roadmap to a more sustainable and resilient future. Portland’s ongoing efforts include everything from reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy to equipping the community with the resources to adapt to a changing climate. Hear about the tangible steps the City of Portland is taking\, the challenges they’re addressing\, and the collaborative efforts underway to achieve Portland’s ambitious climate goals. \nKatie Tims is a sustainability associate at the City of Portland’s Sustainability Office. She implements programs to decarbonize and improve energy efficiency in municipal\, commercial\, and residential buildings\, helping the city achieve its One Climate Future goals. A Maine native and UMaine alumna\, where she contributed to a sustainability research team at the UMaine Mitchell Center focused on engaging stakeholders across the state in the effort to reduce food waste. Before joining the city\, she worked for UMaine Cooperative Extension\, conducting agricultural research\, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection\, assisting municipalities and businesses with waste management. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-one-climate-future-from-plan-to-progress/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250723T180817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T133240Z UID:10000782-1759158000-1759161600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Whose Knowledge Counts? Trust\, Expertise\, and the Politics of Sustainability in Rural America DESCRIPTION:Photo credit: Ken Woisard\nA recording of this talk is available \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-sponsors:\n\nMitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\nCohen Institute for Leadership & Public Service\nUMaine Political Science Department\n\nSpeaker: Nicholas Jacobs\, Goldfarb Family Distinguished Chair in American Government\, Colby College \nWhat happens when facts aren’t enough? In many rural communities\, sustainability efforts face not just logistical or economic hurdles\, but a deeper crisis of legitimacy—one rooted in longstanding mistrust of outside experts and institutions. This talk explores how knowledge itself becomes contested terrain\, where technical expertise is often viewed as disconnected from lived experience and political power. Understanding rural resistance requires grappling with how people make sense of the past\, locate blame\, and defend the integrity of their communities. \n\n\nNicholas F. Jacobs is the Goldfarb Family Distinguished Chair in American Government at Colby College and the founding director of the Colby Public Policy Lab. His research focuses on rural politics\, federalism\, and public trust in government\, with a particular interest in how people interpret policy through place-based narratives and lived experience. He is co-author of “The Rural Voter” and has advised policymakers at the local and national level. His work has been featured in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, The Wall Street Journal\, and other major outlets. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-whose-knowledge-counts-trust-expertise-and-the-politics-of-sustainability-in-rural-america/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250807T134105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T154056Z UID:10000784-1758553200-1758556800@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Hunting for Truth: PFAS Impacts in Maine’s Natural Food Sources DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-sponsors:\n\nMitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\nUMaine Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering\nUMaine School of Economics\nUMaine School of Food & Agriculture\nUMaine\, Dept. of Wildlife\, Fisheries & Conservation Biology\n\nSpeakers: Caroline Noblet and Dianne Kopec\, University of Maine\nIn this talk\, Noblet and Kopec will explore how rural Maine people\, who possess a long heritage of fishing and hunting\, are navigating impacts from environmental contamination and climate change. Two surveys conducted in collaboration with Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: one with Maine fishing license holders (August 2024\, n = 3\,549) and another with Maine hunting license holders (March 2025\, n = 13\,330) allowed our interdisciplinary team to conduct an in-depth exploration of how folks who hunt and fish in Maine are processing information about consumption advisories\, and potentially changing their behaviors. \nDr. Caroline L. Noblet is an associate professor in the School of Economics at the University of Maine. She holds a doctorate in economic psychology. Her research lies at the intersection of behavioral and experimental economics\, environmental economics\, and decision‑making theory.  Her current PFAS work focuses on how Maine residents perceive PFAS (“forever chemicals”) contamination—particularly in fish and game—and how messaging can influence environmental and consumption decisions. \nDr. Dianne Kopec is a research fellow at the Mitchell Center. Her research examines how ecology and behavior influence an organism’s exposure to toxic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-hunting-for-truth-pfas-impacts-in-maines-natural-food-sources/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250915T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250915T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250811T165311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195216Z UID:10000791-1757948400-1757952000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Who Do You Choose to Be? Service\, Collaboration\, and Resilience DESCRIPTION:A recording of this talk is available. \nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nEvent Co-sponsors:\n\nMitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions\nMaine Climate Science Information Exchange\nMAINECAN\nUMaine Dept. of Communication & Journalism\n\nSpeaker: Gabe McPhail\, Founder\, Resilient Communities\nBuilding community resilience isn’t only about projects or plans — it’s about how we work together. Grounded in experiences from Maine’s rural islands and small towns—places rich in social capital but often limited in capacity—this talk explores how shared principles\, authentic collaboration\, and a spirit of service can deepen relationships with one another and with the ecosystems we are part of. Drawing from the Community Resilience Partnership\, the Maine Islands Project\, MAINECAN\, and other collaborations\, we’ll imagine the systems we can create\, the service we can offer\, and ask: Who do we choose to be? \nGabe McPhail is a facilitator and planner with over two decades of experience advancing resilience\, equity\, and sustainability in Maine. As founder of Resilient Communities\, they help towns plan for a more resilient future\, secure funding\, and design practical strategies that address climate challenges and community needs. Their work is grounded in empathy\, inclusion\, and respect for local knowledge. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-who-do-you-choose-to-be-service-collaboration-and-resilience/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events ORGANIZER;CN="Mitchell Center":MAILTO:umgmc@maine.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250121T165847Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T150949Z UID:10000772-1745247600-1745251200@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Reconciling with resilience: How Maine can bounce back from floods DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsors: \n\nMaine Climate Science Information Exchange\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\nDept. of Communication & Journalism\, UMaine\nCivil & Environmental Engineering\, UMaine\n\nSpeaker: Emmett Gartner\, Environmental Reporter\, The Maine Monitor \nLast winter’s devastating storms revealed just how vulnerable Maine communities are to flooding\, whether they’re behind seawalls along the coast or nestled on rivers in the state’s mountainous interior. \nIn the aftermath of that flooding\, Maine Monitor reporter Emmett Gartner traveled across the state to report on how effectively communities weathered the storms\, speaking with local officials about their plans to fortify their towns against the rising seas and more frequent\, intensifying storms brought on by climate change. \nJoin Emmett at the University of Maine’s Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions on April 21 at 3PM as he discusses his reporting on the challenges Maine faces in building resilience to flooding and what solutions exist at the state and local levels to prepare Maine for what’s to come. \nEmmett Gartner is an environmental reporter for The Maine Monitor and contributor to The Monitor’s weekly environmental newsletter\, Climate Monitor. Having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay\, Emmett has long been interested in stories of adaptation and accountability. He joined the newsroom in 2023 as a Roy W. Howard fellow and now explores how environmental policy aligns with Mainers’ lived experiences and where climate change complicates the status quo. Previously\, he reported for a daily newspaper in western Maryland and spent separate summer stints working as a trail maintenance worker in Nevada\, a wildland firefighter in Oregon and an environmental educator on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-reconciling-with-resilience-how-maine-can-bounce-back-from-floods/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250418T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250418T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250224T181951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T142733Z UID:10000779-1744970400-1744977600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Maine Wasted Food Solutions Summit DESCRIPTION:The Maine Wasted Food Solutions Summit is Maine’s statewide event focused on ending wasted food and food loss in our state through solutions that benefit everyone. The Summit brings together our state’s key food system participants: farms\, businesses\, feeding partners\, community leaders\, and nonprofit organizations – to discuss best and highest uses for our valuable Maine food resources at every stage… “Maine Food: Too Good To Waste.” \nThis year\, we will specifically highlight the bottom-line economic benefits that Maine municipalities\, schools\, businesses\, and households are achieving by simply remembering that food is always a valuable resource packed with energy and nutrients. It is never waste! \nAttendees are encouraged to bring questions and ideas\, as each session will feature Q&A time – and our always lively online group chat will be moderated by our Mitchell Center team to encourage sharing between speakers and participants. \nPlease go to the summit web page for additional information and to register. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/maine-food-waste-solutions-summit-2/ LOCATION:Virtual\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250116T203229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T134036Z UID:10000771-1744642800-1744646400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Managing for sustainability and climate resilience: The future of agroecological wild blueberry management in Maine and maritime Canada DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsor: \n\nSchool of Food and Agriculture\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\n\nSpeakers: \n\nBrogan Tooley\, Senior Manager\, Agroecology Department\, Wyman’s\nRachel Schattman\, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Agriculture\, UMaine\n\nWild blueberry production in Maine and maritime Canada is an ecologically\, economically\, and culturally important industry and land use. Agroecology is a scientific discipline that examines agriculture within both ecological and social contexts\, and can be used to better understand the past\, present\, and potential future of wild blueberry agriculture in our region. In this talk\, we present two recent agroecological investigations of wild blueberries: First\, Brogan Tooley\, senior manager of agroecology at Wyman’s\, will share on-farm challenges and ongoing research efforts to identify management techniques that bolster crop resilience and mitigate crop stress in today’s climate. Next\, Dr. Rachel Schattman of the University of Maine Agroecology Lab will present on an ongoing study to investigate the effects of climate change\, specifically changing temperature and precipitation regimes\, on wild blueberries. We invite audience participation in the second half of the presentation as we probe the most pressing questions related to Northeast wild blueberry production in a changing climate. \nBrogan Tooley is the senior manager of the agroecology department at Wyman’s\, serving Maine and the Canadian maritimes. With a background in plant\, soil and environmental science\, she leads cutting-edge research focused on innovation\, risk mitigation and sustainable resource management in wild blueberries. Supporting one of the larger stakeholders in the industry\, Brogan aims to operationalize research findings and adaptive management strategies in a rapidly changing climate. \nDr. Rachel E. Schattman is an assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. She is trained as both a field-based and social science agroecologist. In her research\, Dr. Schattman addresses some of the most pressing problems faced by the agricultural community today\, among them climate change\, food insecurity\, and chemical contamination. You can read more about her work at https://agroecolab.com/ URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-managing-for-sustainability-and-climate-resilience-the-future-of-agroecological-wild-blueberry-management-in-maine-and-maritime-canada/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250407T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250407T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250122T202724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T150626Z UID:10000775-1744038000-1744041600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Closing the Loop: Opportunities for Industrial Circular Economy Exchanges in Maine DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsors: \n\nAdvanced Manufacturing Center\, UMaine\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\n\nSpeakers: \n\nReed Miller\, Assistant Professor\, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Advanced Structures and Composites Center\, UMaine\nJohn Belding\, Director\, Advanced Manufacturing Center\, UMaine\nJean MacRae\, Associate Professor\, Civil and Environmental Engineering\, UMaine\nCindy Isenhour\, Professor of Anthropology and Climate Change\, UMaine\n\nIn this talk\, we’ll explore the potential of industrial symbiosis and materials exchanges as solutions for reducing waste in Maine— a key policy priority for climate action and sustainable resource use. By facilitating the exchange of waste\, Industrial Symbiosis and Materials Exchanges can cut disposal costs\, minimize pollution\, and unlock new economic opportunities. This presentation will examine how Maine can create a collaborative network to foster these circular economy solutions and support the state’s climate goals. \nReed Miller is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a joint affiliation at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. Dr. Miller’s research applies the key methods from the field of Industrial Ecology\, including life cycle assessment\, to tackle sustainability challenges in modern production and consumption systems. \nJohn Belding is a professional engineer and has been the Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Center for over 15 years— fostering deep and broad connections with companies of all sizes in and beyond Maine. He is also affiliated with professional organizations\, including the Manufacturers Association of Maine and Manufacturing Extension Partnerships across ME\, NH\, and VT. \nJean MacRae is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is part of two Mitchell Center research teams (Materials Management and PFAS research). Current research interests are focused on PFAS in the food system\, developing more efficient aquaculture waste management\, and the creation of more circular material systems. \nCindy Isenhour is a Professor of Anthropology and Climate Change. Her research is focused on environmental governance and policies designed to ensure economic\, social\, and ecological well-being. Recent research projects have focused on reuse as a strategy for building local and regional resilience. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-closing-the-loop-opportunities-for-industrial-circular-economy-exchanges-in-maine/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250331T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250331T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250225T193908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T195332Z UID:10000780-1743433200-1743436800@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Scallop Aquaculture in the Gulf of Maine: Challenges\, Opportunities\, and Lessons Learned DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nSpeaker: Damian C. Brady\, Professor of Oceanography\, Darling Marine Center\, UMaine \nGlobal scallop production has rapidly transitioned from a wild-capture fishery to an aquaculture industry over the past several decades. However\, aquaculture of the Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) in the Gulf of Maine has remained limited by the high labor burden and costs within the United States and Canada\, particularly when using traditional lantern net culture. Although we have a robust wild fishery for sea scallops\, we still import at least 50% of our scallops. To increase domestic production and secure seed supply in the future\, our team has been focused on technology transfer from Asia and Europe as well as developing scallop hatchery protocols. Sea scallops aquaculture has increased 6-fold in the last three years. In this talk\, I will discuss the development\, challenges\, and opportunities of this emerging aquaculture industry in Maine. \n\nDr. Damian C. Brady is a Professor of Oceanography based at the Darling Marine Center. His research interests\, while broad\, focus on how models can inform better decision-making in marine ecosystems to reflect the values of the coastal communities that rely on them. The decision-making contexts have included aquaculture\, offshore wind\, marine carbon dioxide removal\, the American lobster fishery\, sea-run fish\, and coastal water quality. The Gulf of Maine is an important economic driver for the region with important fisheries and aquaculture operations; however\, dynamic new ocean industries are emerging\, such as recirculating aquaculture systems\, floating offshore wind\, and marine carbon dioxide removal. Many of these new and emerging technologies purport to address our pressing climate change induced challenges. To determine whether these emerging technologies can address these challenges\, our team develops\, calibrates\, and validates tools\, such as techno-economic analyses\, marine ecosystem models\, remote sensing\, and oceanographic buoys\, to collect objective\, science-based information and importantly\, communicate these results to coastal communities. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-scallop-aquaculture-in-the-gulf-of-maine-challenges-opportunities-and-lessons-learned-2/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250327 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250328 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20240618T134829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T190537Z UID:10000756-1743033600-1743119999@umaine.edu SUMMARY:2025 Maine Sustainability & Water Conference DESCRIPTION:The 2025 conference is scheduled to take place on Thursday\, March 27 at the Augusta Civic Center. Conference updates are available through our e-newsletter or from the conference web pages. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/2025-maine-sustainability-water-conference/ LOCATION:Augusta Civic Center\, Augusta\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250121T184322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T145633Z UID:10000773-1742828400-1742832000@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Zoom Panel Discussion - The Tekαkαpimək Contact Station at Katahdin Woods & Waters DESCRIPTION:Tekαkαpimək under construction. Credit: Wright-Ryan Construction\nThe talk will be held virtually via Zoom only. \nComplete the registration form for Zoom connection information \nCo-sponsors: \n\nNative American Programs/Wabanaki Center\, UMaine\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\n\nModerator: Darren Ranco\, Chair of Native American Programs; Professor\, Anthropology and Mitchell Center\, UMaine \nPanelists: \n\nJennifer Neptune\, Penobscot Nation\nJames Francis\, Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation\, Penobscot Nation\nGabe Frey\, Passamaquoddy\nErin Hutton\, Erin Hutton Projects\n\nTekαkαpimək Contact Station is a stunning 7\,900 square-foot building and 23-acre site atop Lookout Mountain created to welcome the global public to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The monument is located within the present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation. The land and waters hold special significance to the Penobscot Nation and is inextricably linked with Penobscot culture\, ceremonies\, oral traditions\, language\, history\, and Indigenous stewardship which continues the respectful relationship with the land and waterways that has gone back more than 11\,000 years. Katahdin is a culturally significant place to the Wabanaki people where connecting watersheds provide important travel routes for Wabanaki people of Maine\, comprised of Maliseet\, Mi’kmaq\, Passamaquoddy\, and Penobscot Nations. \nTekαkαpimək is a Penobscot language word for “as far as one can see”\, pronounced deh gah-gah bee mook. Architectural\, landscape and exhibition designs for Tekαkαpimək resulted from a process between Elliotsville Foundation\, representatives of the Wabanaki Nations\, Saunders Architecture\, Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architecture\, WeShouldDoItAll\, Tuhura Communications\, Erin Hutton Projects\, and the National Park Service. The design process began in 2019 and construction was completed in 2024\, with regular public hours to be announced after National Park Service assumes ownership and operations for the 2025 visitation season. \nTekαkαpimək’s waysides and exhibits orient visitors to the monument\, inspiring them to experience Katahdin Woods and Waters from its peaks\, trails\, and rivers to its ever-changing foliage\, brilliant night sky\, and abundant wildlife. Interpretation is through a Wabanaki lens in a contemporary context\, honoring the past and showing vibrant communities moving sustainably into the future. All Wabanaki Cultural Knowledge and Intellectual Property shared within this project is owned by the Wabanaki Nations – the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians\, Mi’kmaq Nation\, Passamaquoddy Tribe\, and Penobscot Nation. \nInformation on the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station provided by Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters \nAll Wabanaki Cultural Knowledge and Intellectual Property shared within this project is owned by the Wabanaki Nations. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/panel-discussion-the-tek%ce%b1k%ce%b1pim%c9%99k-contact-station-at-katahdin-woods-waters/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250123T144744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T150056Z UID:10000776-1741618800-1741622400@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - Wicked Storms and Rising Oceans: Leading an Island Community in Peril DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsors: \n\nMaine Climate Science Information Exchange\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\nSchool of Economics\, UMaine\n\nSpeaker: Kathleen Billings\, Town Manager\, Stonington\, Maine \nA native of Deer Isle\, Maine\, Kathleen Billings has been the Town Manager for Stonington for more than 20 years. As such\, she oversees the employees and the day-to-day operations of the town. Her role includes maintaining a highly-functioning municipal sewer and water system\, an extensive network of paved roads\, one of the largest working waterfronts in the state\, an airport\, a successful economic development program\, and much more. Kathleen has an open-door policy and is deeply involved with anything and everything concerning Stonington. As Town Manager\, she started the ‘Sidewalk Project\,’ and the town rebuilt Hagen Dock\, the public landing\, and established several parks to make the town more attractive. \n  URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-wicked-storms-and-rising-oceans-leading-an-island-community-in-peril/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250303T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250303T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T203448 CREATED:20250122T140842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T132337Z UID:10000774-1741014000-1741017600@umaine.edu SUMMARY:Talk - At Last\, Restoration of Maine’s Longest River: The Unprecedented Cleanup of the Mighty Penobscot DESCRIPTION:The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall\, UMaine\, Orono. \n\nVirtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information\n\nCo-sponsors: \n\nWildlife\, Fisheries\, and Conservation Biology\, UMaine\nEcology & Environmental Sciences\, UMaine\nCivil & Environmental Engineering\, UMaine\n\nSpeaker: Lauri Gorton\, Program Manager\, Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Remediation Trust LLC \nThis talk will provide an overview of one of the largest environmental cleanups underway in Maine\, designed to reduce exposure to mercury in the Penobscot River estuary – the state’s longest river. In 2022\, the U.S. District Court in Maine approved a Consent Decree that created and funded two environmental response trusts to settle the 20-year lawsuit by Maine People’s Alliance and the Natural Resources Defense Council against Mallinckrodt US LLC for discharging mercury into the Penobscot River Estuary. The Penobscot Estuary Mercury Remediation Trust is charged with implementing measures to remediate mercury contamination in Estuary sediments using funds of at least $167 million and possibly up to $247 million provided by Mallinckrodt. The second trust\, the Penobscot Estuary Beneficial Environmental Projects Trust\, was created to fund environmental projects intended to mitigate or offset potential adverse impacts caused by mercury contamination in the Penobscot Estuary. \nAs Greenfield’s Program Manager for the Penobscot Estuary Mercury Remediation Trust\, Lauri is responsible for leading the trust’s technical\, regulatory\, and communications programs designed to address mercury contamination in the Estuary. Before working on the Penobscot\, Lauri spent ten years as Environmental Program Manager and Senior Strategist for other Greenfield environmental response trusts\, where she led the cleanup and community engagement efforts at Superfund and RCRA sites in Mississippi\, Montana\, Florida\, and Missouri. Before joining Greenfield in 2013\, Lauri worked at CH2M HILL (now Jacobs)\, managing RCRA and CERCLA (Superfund) environmental programs across the country. URL:https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/event/talk-at-last-restoration-of-maines-longest-river-the-unprecedented-cleanup-of-the-mighty-penobscot/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Mitchell Center Events END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR