Kelp Lessons From Portugal

Posted October 28, 2025 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 October 28, 2025 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 October 27, 2025 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.

Meet the New Island Institute Fellows

Posted September 15, 2025 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 June 25, 2025 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 May 28, 2025 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 February 26, 2025 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.

A Trail of Memories: Becoming an Island Institute Fellow

Posted October 30, 2024 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.

Continuing Community Collaboration

Posted November 14, 2023 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.