Backyard Naturalist: Backyard critters make their presence known through summer, fall

The chipmunks, mice, and red and gray squirrels have been bolder the last few summers, as the cat Brian’s years caught up with him, he passed away the first of October, a few days after his 17th birthday, Dana Wilde writes.

J.P. Devine Podcast: My 92-year-old legs are ready to go

On the Edge: The phone is ringing

J.P. Devine ponders going from being two to being one, and how it is jarring and leaves scars.

Reporting Aside: Preparing for the inevitable

No place is immune from severe weather events that can destroy communities, and we must heed the advice of climate experts and prepare, Amy Calder writes.

In the Field: My first moose hunt check station

Back in October 1988, Ron Joseph recalls his first experience during Maine’s six-day moose hunt as a regional wildlife biologist in Greenville.

Thinking Things Through: Should a candidate’s parental status be an issue in any campaign?

For nearly half a century, women have been able to choose whether they have children or not, Liz Soares writes.

J.P. Devine Podcast: Autumn, the saddest season of all for this old soul

On the Edge: Early Autumn, come again

Memories of what was and what could have been are strong as the leaves change colors, J.P. Devine writes.

Reporting Aside: Memories of Skowhegan’s ‘dairy treat’

While much changed around the Island Dairy Treat in Skowhegan during the 72 seasons it was in business, the ice cream stand soldiered on as a tradition that brought much joy to longtime residents and customers, Amy Calder writes.

Backyard Naturalist: A vote for September

Usually such beautiful days are an escape from political ugliness, Dana Wildes writes.