Microgrids are having a moment in rural communities—and for good reason. Island Institute’s resilient energy team breaks down what microgrids are and how they fit in coastal Maine’s unique and often challenging energy landscape.
Category: Blog
Reflections from the 2026 Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute co-planned and facilitated two sessions at this year’s Fishermen’s Forum. We asked our programs staff to reflect on the conversations, lectures, and lessons of this year’s Forum. Here’s what they had to say.
Day in Community: Kate Cart, Island Institute Fellow
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
From writing grants to photographing clam diggers, spend a day with Kate Cart, the Island Institute Fellow in Phippsburg, ME!
The Systems of Mud
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Katherine (Kate) Cart, the Island Institute Fellow based in Phippsburg, returns to the mudflats with local clammers Terry and Casey Watson. They discuss communication challenges, comedy, and the milk ribbon worm.
Island Institute Welcomes New Communities to the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Blurb: Belfast, Wiscasset, Cranberry Isles, and Islesboro are among the new cohort of a national program providing energy planning and analysis support. Kate Klibansky, Senior Community Development Officer, breaks down Island Institute’s role in supporting these communities.
Our Top Five Stories of 2025
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
We looked back through the articles, videos, and blogs Island Institute produced this past year and compiled our favorites. Check out our top five stories of 2025!
Holiday Wishes from Island Institute
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Through every season and storm, for years past and years to come, community keeps us anchored. Happy holidays from Island Institute!
Photo Story: A Day in Community on Islesboro
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Rural coastal communities often face higher energy prices than other parts of Maine. For many communities, including Islesboro, that means that energy planning is a top priority. Click through a visual recap of our energy knowledge-exchange trip to Islesboro.
Kelp Lessons From Portugal
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Sam Feldman, a community development officer at Island Institute, traveled to Portugal to learn from the world’s leading experts on kelp cultivation and restoration. He shares his reflections on how this knowledge can shape Maine’s marine ecosystems and economy.
When the Boats Come In
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Senior community development officer Christa Thorpe reflects on the launch of Fishing Plus—a new business accelerator program designed for a cohort of lobstermen, crew members, and their families to build or grow side and second businesses.
