July 29, 2026
Describe Maine's Coast in 3 Words
At a recent even on Peaks Island, we asked folks to describe Maine's coast in 3 words! We compiled some of our favorite answers to celebrate our shared connection to place.
July 24, 2026
Innovation is Just a Ferry Ride Away
Marine Electrification Across Borders
What can Maine learn from Nova Scotia about electrifying a commercial boat? Island Institute's marine electrification team traveled to Halifax to exchange ideas and bring home insights to advance the electrification of Maine’s working waterfronts.
July 22, 2026
On Kayaks, Community, and Collaboration
Reflections from the Island Institute Fellows retreat
Island Institute Fellows gathered in Stonington to celebrate successes, troubleshoot shared challenges, and recharge on the water. Emerson Wesselhoff, the Damariscotta Fellow, reflects on the theme of collaboration that framed the trip and her work in community.
June 22, 2026
A Coastal Maine Town's Investment in Energy Reliability
How ETIPP helped Brooklin take the next step towards their energy goals
Brooklin sits at the southern tip of Maine’s Blue Hill Peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides and connected to the mainland by roads that cross saltwater bridges. Much of the town’s development is concentrated along the shoreline, where increasingly frequent and severe coastal storms threaten reliable access to power.
May 22, 2026
Boldly Navigating Change with State and Federal Agencies
updates from island institute's policy team
Maine’s island and coastal communities regularly grapple with climate and economic issues that originate from beyond their shores. Learn how Island Institute is elevating community concerns and leveraging key relationship with State and Federal agencies to tackle these challenges.
May 21, 2026
Nature-based Strategies 101
As climate change impacts storm intensity and sea level rise, communities along Maine's coast are facing extreme shoreline change. One way they're tackling this challenge? Nature-based strategies
April 28, 2026
Microgrids 101
how independent energy systems can support rural maine communities
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.
March 24, 2026
Reflections from the 2026 Maine Fishermen's Forum
Island Institute's takeaways from the 51st-annual convening
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.
March 10, 2026
Day in Community: Kate Cart, Island Institute Fellow
From writing grants to photographing clam diggers, spend a day with Kate Cart, the Island Institute Fellow in Phippsburg, ME!
February 17, 2026
The Systems of Mud
Lessons from clammers, comedians, and the milky ribbon worm.
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.
