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.
Tag: Sustainable 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!
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.
The Steward of the Intertidal
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
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.
Meet the New Island Institute Fellows
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.”
These Are The Days in Maine
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute’s Susie Arnold reflects on the power of partnership at the 2025 Maine Climate Change Adaptation Providers Network meeting.
Energy Innovation Opportunity for Rural, Coastal, & Island Communities in the Northeast
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) helps rural communities explore affordable, reliable, and locally driven energy solutions. Apply by July 27th to join the growing network of communities powering their own path forward.
Legacy Fellowship Program Walks Path of New Mission
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute’s Fellowship program has sharpened its focus to support community-led climate and marine economy projects. Senior Community Development Officer Lisa Millette shares how this shift aligns with the Institute’s refreshed mission and Maine’s climate action plan.
