Tag: Winter

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall:In 1970 the University of Maine received two substantial natural history collections. The first was a conglomeration of marine and freshwater sea shells and local forestry specimens. The second was a significant portion of the discontinued Portland Museum of Natural History. In October of 1996 The Northern Maine Museum of Science officially opened its doors. Within the complex you will find three floors to explore. The first floor is devoted strictly to mathematics, featuring Platonic solids, Fibonacci numbers, infinity mirrors and more. The second floor is a collection of agricultural, forestry, chemistry and physics. Astrological buffs can marvel at the solar system scale model which is over 100’ long. The Northern Lights display will be sure to grab your attention as well. The third floor is filled with biological and geological displays. Minerals, aerial photos, insect and spider exhibits and fossils adorn this section of the museum. Furthermore the museum is home to a nature walk across seven acres with one main trail and one loop. It is open to foot traffic only and has ten stop stations with detailed explanations of native tree and shrub species. Next time you are heading to Aroostook County stop and enjoy this unique museum.

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: Commonly called “Brookies, or Squaretails” these speckled members of the Char family look as though they swam out of a painting and into our world. Native only to the Eastern United States and Canada these fish are sought by anglers not only for their stunning beauty, but also for the pristine places where they inhabit. These fish are very sensitive to the effects of development, pollution, and deforestation, and sadly have lost much of their habitat in the Southern United States. Fortunately, Maine has the largest native populations in the country, due to its vast undeveloped forests and miles of clean rivers and streams. Aroostook County has miles of undeveloped streams, rivers, ponds and lakes where these extrodinary fish can be found. Methods for catching them can be super simple from merely using a hook, worm and bobber, to flyfishing for them where anglers use hooks adorned with feathers and fur that imitate floating insects. This type of fishing can be extremely satisfying, watching as fish rise to the surface to take your fly. These fish can also be taken in winter by ice fishing, and can make for a fun filled day for the whole family. Whatever method you choose, after catching your first brook trout you will no doubt be amazed by the beauty of this special fish, and the places they are caught.Note: The State of Maine has very specific regulations regarding fishing that vary region to region, please take the time to learn, and follow the laws on the waters you choose to fish.

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: In the heart of Maine’s northern forests lies the scenic and silent Debouille Public Reserve far off the beaten path this 22,000 acre tract is a slice of Northwoods heaven. Hiking trails lead to a fire tower atop Debouille Mountain and from the summit the views of the surrounding ponds and hills are breathtaking. The word Debouille is French for rockslides which are common to the area. The southeastern portion of the park is where most of the campsites, trails, and boat launches are, and also holds the more rugged mountain terrain. There are plenty of scenic spots to camp, so if a site is occupied rest assured there are others nearby that likely are not. Wildlife is plentiful here with moose and dear sightings common along the water, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are the most popular activities here as well as snowmobiling in winter. This is a rugged and remote area accessable through the Northwoods gates for a small fee so come prepared with plenty of supplies, a smile and sense of adventure.