NOAA ’bout it! Federal funding that supports Maine’s coast is at risk. Speak up to show policymakers these critical investments matter. Learn more and share your voice now!
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Katherine (Kate) Cart, the new Island Institute Fellow based in Phippsburg, shares lessons learnt from a day spent on the water with a local clammer. She reflects on environmental change, science communication, and the deep wealth of wisdom that harvesters possess.
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
“We’ve seen an increase in fellowship applicants with interest and studies in municipal planning and marine policy. It’s exciting to see new energy in these areas adding to the momentum of town and island projects,” shared Lisa Millette who leads Island Institute’s fellowship program, “and not only from Fellows coming out of their undergraduate degrees, but also those looking for a career transition.”
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
At the start of the month, Governor Janet Mills announced the award of $8 million in grant funding through the state’s Community Resilience Partnership (CRP) to help communities protect people, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding, storm surge, and other climate effects. Three Island Institute Fellows––Claire Oxford, Thomas McClellan, and Alice Cockerham––helped their host communities apply for, and receive, thousands in Community Action Grant (CAG) funding.
