Our Maine

Lobsters, blueberries, moose, and rugged coastlines dotted with lighthouses are emblematic of the state of Maine. But underlying these simple icons is the rich natural heritage of Maine that drives the economy and shapes the state's culture. The history of Maine’s natural heritage has been co-produced by the both the natural and human worlds. The essays and photographs gathered here paint a vivid portrait of Maine's wild places and wild creatures, as well as of human impacts and the way the state's heritage has changed.

Aram JK Calhoun is a Professor of Wetland Ecology in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine in Orono. Her research focuses on conserving wetland ecosystems with a focus on vernal pools. She is particularly interested in conservation of natural resources on private lands using collaborative approaches that are locally designed and implemented. Dr. Calhoun works at all levels of government on wetland policy and conservation issues. She lives in rural Maine with her husband Mac and together they explore Maine from sea kayaks, white water canoes, hiking boots, skis, snowshoes, and scuba gear. Having traveled the world extensively, Aram still counts Maine as among the most beautiful places on earth.

Malcolm "Mac" Hunter is the Libra Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Maine where his research covers a wide range of organisms and ecosystems and he has produced six books, mainly on conservation issues. His interests are also geographically broad with work in over 30 countries, including leading a global professional organization, the Society for Conservation Biology. He and his wife, Professor Aram Calhoun, live on an organic blueberry farm surrounded by 60,000 acres of conservation land, and spend their free time exploring by foot, ski, kayak, and canoe.

Kent Redford is Principal at Archipelago Consulting in Portland Maine which he established in 2012 in order to facilitate a move to Maine. His work has spanned academia (10 years at University of Florida), the NGO world (14 years at The Nature Conservancy and The Wildlife Conservation Society) and now the consulting world. Starting as an ecologist and mammologist he now works on protected areas, invasive species, conservation strategy and implementation, and the intersection of synthetic biology and conservation. With his wife Pamela Shaw he explores Maine from the frozen shores of Moosehead Lake to the heaths of southern Maine.