July 2025

In this issue:

• Mainers Ask Senator Collins to Take a Stand
• Monthly Community Conversations Return in September
• Join Sierra Club National Outings for a Penobscot River Trip
• Save The Date: Annual Celebration October 4
• Welcome Ashley! Welcome Back Matt!
• The Month Ahead
• Volunteer With Sierra Club Maine

More than 1000 Mainers Ask Senator Collins to Take a Stand Against Reconciliation Bill

Last Friday, volunteers and staff from the Maine Chapter met in Bangor to deliver ~1000 hand signed postcards to Senator Susan Collins' office. The postcards were collected from residents of dozens of towns throughout Maine as part of the No Kings protests a few weekends ago. The cards asked the Senator to fight for our rights to a clean environment, a more sustainable future, and access to public lands, as she grappled with fellow Republicans over the text of the so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill."

Yesterday, Sen. Collins did vote to oppose the measure, but her vote was not enough to stop the legislation after a number of last-minute compromises were reached with Sen. Murkowski of Alaska. The fight now returns to the House, where our Maine delegation is already solidly opposed; Sierra Club chapters in other districts will be carrying the torch forward in our last push to try and stop this bill.

As Sierra Club's Legislative Director Melinda Pierce said on Saturday: “The American people have come together to stand up and make their voices heard—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike—begging their elected leaders in Congress not to advance the most anti-environment and anti-public lands bill in history ... This bill fails the families and communities who need help the most, hinders our economic growth now and in the future, and sacrifices so much of what makes this country great—all to give handouts to wealthy political donors and corporate polluters."

This is not our last fight. Read on for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities as we continue to fight for our communities (both human and natural) from the grassroots up.

In solidarity,

Philip Mathieu
Conservation Chair
Sierra Club Maine

Monthly Community Conversations Return This September!

Back by popular demand, the Chapter is delighted to announce the return of monthly Community Conversations! Starting in September, the Conversations will be held on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:00 PM.  They will be virtual and occasionally in-person as we travel topically to different areas of our great state.  

Community Conversations will cover a variety of environmental interests from legislation to greening up your home to natural sciences, and everything in between!  Each conversation will have 15-30 minutes of presentation followed by audience Q&A.  These conversations will be a casual and fun experience where we will learn from each other.  

We want your help putting the final touches on our fall schedule! If you have a speaker or topic you would like to see presented, please reach out to either Suzanne Zeliff (Suzanne.Zeliff@gmail.com) or Corrine Adamowicz (corrine.kucirkaadamowicz@sierraclub.org ).  And make sure to keep an eye on our events page for more information the moment speakers are confirmed!

Join Sierra Club for a Week-Long Adventure on the Penobscot River

If you’re looking for a late summer wilderness adventure, you may want to consider signing up for this year’s Sierra Club National Outings West Branch Penobscot River trip from August 31st to September 6th . “Primeval, untamed, and forever untamable nature” is how Henry David Thoreau described the Maine woods after his explorations in 1846. The West Branch of the Penobscot River in central Maine flows through one of the last extensive, undeveloped regions in the Northeast. No other Maine river can boast a comparable variety of history, exploration, folklore, Native American names or extraordinary tales. This is a classic canoe trip complete with the opportunity to see wildlife. Typical area wildlife includes deer, black bear, moose, and beaver. It is also possible we may see bald eagles, osprey, herons, mergansers, and river otters. We expect to have plenty of time to relax, swim, fish (you will need a license) and take pictures.
 
During our journey, we will paddle remote and beautiful lakes and rivers in a wilderness area. You may fall asleep to the haunting calls of loons, search for moose grazing in the shallow waters near our campsites, and scan the treetops and sky for eagles. You’ll experience the world as it existed when Thoreau paddled here without the distractions of cell phones and motor boats. You will also spend time with like-minded people who share your deep love and respect for nature. There will be two leaders on the trip, one of whom is a Registered Maine Guide, and both of us have Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. Like any Sierra Club trip, we will spend time focusing on both local and national conservation issues and offer suggestions on how you can become a more active voice for the environment.
 
This outing is geared toward paddlers who enjoy backcountry camping. Our campsites have fireplaces, picnic tables, and privies. Everyone will take turns cooking and cleaning up. Additional responsibilities include setting up your tent, carrying water, and doing other camp duties. Canoe rentals, shuttles, all meals, and camping and Maine North Woods fees are included in the trip price.
 
You can find more details about the trip here: West Branch Penobscot Trip.
 
You can also email trip me (john_killeen@verizon.net) if you’d like more information about the trip. Hope to see you on the river!

Save the Date: Sierra Club Maine Annual Celebration on October 4

Our upcoming Annual Celebration will be a family-friendly event held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport. The day will commence with registration and networking at 11:30 am, followed by lunch and our main event. We will be offering an outdoor hike, live music, yard games, and lots more activities during the celebration.

The theme this year is honoring our legacy and how those who have come before us helped to build the strong foundation upon which we stand today. 

We are especially delighted to announce Karin Tilburg will be our keynote speaker. Karin is the President and CEO of the Forest Society of Maine and author of the new book, Loving the North Woods: 25 Years of Historic Conservation in Maine.  Stay tuned for more information; we look forward to seeing you at our biggest event of the year! 

Welcome Ashley! Welcome Back, Matt!

The Month Ahead

Here are some of the meetings and events we have coming up. We hope to see you soon!

• July 9 at 12pm: Volunteer Orientation
  • Learn how you can help protect Maine's environment.                                            
• July 9 at 5:30pm: Conservation Team Meeting
  • Ensure we protect our lands and waters & preserve access to the outdoors for all.

• July 30 at 5:30pm: Action Team Meeting
  • Whether you're new to Sierra Club Maine and looking for ways to get involved or a dedicated member and volunteer, join us in taking actions to oppose the Trump Administration.