These are the glory days of the hike.
Outdoors
Birding: Saltmarsh sparrows are exceptional, but in steep decline
The species has been reduced by nearly 80 percent in the last 15 years, down to about 30,000 birds.
Maine puts off plan to assess whether human food is affecting bear numbers
Maine has more black bears than any other East Coast state, and critics say the use of bait by hunters may contribute to population growth.
Grueling endurance race finds a home in Casco Bay
The Casco Bay Islands SwimRun, now in its fourth year, requires ocean swimming and running across 10 islands.
What’s Up in August: Jupiter and Saturn continue to rule the night sky
The Perseid meteor shower peaks in August, but the approaching full moon means the show won’t be as good as usual.
However Mainers feel about out-of-staters, we’re partial to bass
Native fish may get the glory, but bass, be they largemouth or small, get the love.
Hiking: Walking carefree from morning to evening – the latest dispatch from the Pacific Crest Trail
In the spring, Carey Kish set out to hike from Mexico to Canada. Despite challenges, life on the trail is good. Very good.
Glamping, new this summer at Maine state parks, draws fans from many camps
When you spend time in the great outdoors, are you a rough-it or a take-it-easy sort? Both kinds of campers, it turns out, get along just fine.
Canoeing: Exploring the eastern arm of Sebasticook Lake in Newport
Songbirds, loons, fishermen and you – this is a rare quiet spot for canoeing in Maine in July.
Video: Hummingbirds show speed and grace in slow-motion, close-up view
Videographer Roger McCord spends a month capturing enough footage for a 3-minute film.