NOW HIRING: Orono Bog Boardwalk Summer 2025 Interns
The Orono Bog Boardwalk (OBB) is currently accepting applications for two boardwalk intern positions for summer 2025. These part-time positions (20 hrs/week) will begin following the UMaine graduation in early May and end the last week in August, with an option to be re-hired through the fall semester. Applications are welcome from undergraduates with academic background and interests that include, but are not limited to, wildlife biology, ecology and ecosystem science, earth science, biology, zoology, environmental chemistry and microbiology, botany, aquatic sciences, resource economics and parks, recreation, and tourism. Applicants must be registered for at least 6 credit hours in the fall 2025 semester. Student interns join a group of enthusiastic volunteers as boardwalk docents whose collective duties include opening and closing the OBB gate daily; greeting visitors and answering questions about bog natural history; informing users of specific boardwalk rules; selling OBB merchandise to help support OBB operations; providing local area information and insight; and generally monitoring the day-to-day operation of the OBB. Interns report problems to the Director and/or maintenance coordinator. The Orono Bog Boardwalk is about 5 miles from the UMaine campus so interns must provide their own transportation.
The ~1-mile Orono Bog Boardwalk trail begins at the forested East-West loop trail of the Bangor City Forest. The boardwalk is a wheelchair-friendly facility. The boardwalk passes through a wide range of changing vegetation and habitats on its way to the open, sphagnum moss carpeted center of the Orono Bog. Seven informational kiosks placed along the boardwalk illustrate common species of bog plants and animals and describe the changing environment along the trail. Interns will receive training about this unique environment.
Applications received before April 11, 2025, will be given full consideration. Applicants should include a cover letter with a statement of research interests and goals for the internship period (no more than 2 pages). The application should also include the names and email addresses of two referees. Submit inquiries and applications to the OBB Director, Dr. Rebecca Van Beneden, via email (rebeccav@maine.edu).
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is now closed for the season.
Thank you! It has been a great season!
We are pleased to announce the publication of:
The Bog Walker’s Companion – A Guide to the Orono Bog Boardwalk. Jerry R Longcore, James E. Bird, and Robert Klose (editors). University of Maine Press, Preface by Bernd Heinrich. Price: $28.00 + shipping and handling.
Click here to find book information and how to order your copy.
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is a premier destination in the Bangor/Orono area for persons wishing to experience the beauty and fascinating plants and animals of a Maine bog. The 1-mile boardwalk loop trail begins at the forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest, and after 800 feet crosses the Orono town line into the portion of the Orono Bog owned by the University of Maine. Along the way the boardwalk passes through a wide range of changing vegetation and environments on its way to the open, peat moss carpeted center of the Orono Bog.
The Bog Boardwalk is a joint venture of the University of Maine, the City of Bangor, and the Orono Land Trust. The Boardwalk is managed by a committee that includes Rebecca Van Beneden, Director, Jerry Longcore representing the Orono Land Trust, Tracy Willette, representing the City of Bangor, and Dr. Adam Daigneault, representing the University of Maine. The Founding Director of the Bog Boardwalk was Dr. Ronald Davis, Professor Emeritus at the Climate Change Institute, University of Maine.
Boardwalk visitors encounter a series of well designed, full color signs with illustrations of common species of bog plants and animals, and explanations to go along with them. Many visitors return to the boardwalk, again and again, to observe the colorful bog and to absorb its tranquil beauty over the changing seasons. The boardwalk is a wheelchair-friendly facility. Benches for rest and contemplation are provided at least every 200 feet.
We encourage you to take advantage of nature walks scheduled for next season, which are trips guided by experts in their respective fields that provide insights into the ecology and natural history of the flora and fauna found along the boardwalk.
The Boardwalk recently underwent an exciting rejuvenation to increase its safety and durability, and ensure that the boardwalk is available to visitors for years to come. All sections of the Boardwalk have been replaced. If you would like to help us with maintenance, just click on Support on the menu bar above.
Enjoy your time in the bog!
Rebecca Van Beneden
Orono Bog Boardwalk Director
P.S. You can learn the History of the Orono Bog Boardwalk, the story of how we came to be. The answers to Bog Frequently Asked Questions will help you understand better this treasure. So that everyone is safe and gains from the experience we have a few Rules for Enjoying the Boardwalk.
