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.
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.
Island Institute’s Susie Arnold reflects on the power of partnership at the 2025 Maine Climate Change Adaptation Providers Network meeting.
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.
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.
Posted by Laura England & filed under Blog.
I grew up on Peaks Island and recently moved to Deer Isle to work as an Island Institute Fellow to support Deer Isle & Stonington’s Adult & Community Education. I’m helping people with career transitions and assisting those whose jobs, like lobstermen, require new technological skills for tracking and reporting. As I unpacked boxes in my new apartment, I saw the little trail of memories that have led me to this moment and to become an Island Institute Fellow.
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
The Island Institute Fellows program was recently awarded a USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant for the support of three fellows including Grace Carrier who supports the Brooklin Climate Response Committee.
