Archives for June 2019

Upta Camp: A Maine Tradition

June 24, 2019 By FSM

Four generations of Bernards: Barry, his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather at camp near Jackman, ME.

This story first appeared in the 2019 spring edition of Forest View, FSM’s biannual newsletter.

Ever heard the phrase “Upta camp”? It refers to one of Maine’s cherished traditions—spending time at camp. It’s such a pervasive part of Maine culture that even if you don’t have a camp, chances are you have visited a friend’s. There is an allure to being in the woods away from everyday life, and being at camp provides time to relax and “just be.” Often just enjoying the surroundings—the great outdoors—is the main activity. But make no mistake, there’s a lot that happens at camp: exploring, paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, playing games, cooking, making memories with family and friends, and more.

For Barry Bernard, longtime FSM supporter, family camp traditions go back four generations. Particularly for Bill, Harry, and George Bernard, (his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father), spending time in Maine’s North Woods was about a sense of self-reliance, independence, and stewardship.

Barry was thrilled when he was finally invited to camp at age six. No one got a free ride though and he had to carry his own pack, which an uncle slyly filled with an increasing number of rocks each time they stopped for a break. Pranks included, time at camp was treasured and it was important to his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that the land be treated with respect. They instilled the value of respecting the land in their children as Barry has done with his own daughters.

A love for the woods has also been passed down through the generations and Barry says, “it’s in my blood.” He appreciates that FSM keeps in mind the multiple values the woods provide when undertaking a conservation project. Barry states, “FSM looks to conserve the land but also protect a way of life.” That includes outdoor traditions that Mainers have been enjoying for decades.

Many of us seek remote corners of the woods for solitude or to spend time with friends or family, and a big part of FSM’s mission is ensuring that there will always be the opportunity for people to go to the woods and “just be.”

Swan Internship Program Begins

June 13, 2019 By FSM

The Forest Society of Maine is happy to welcome Carlton Scott as the very first participant in our Swan Internship Program. This opportunity is made possible by a generous bequest by long-time donors and Attean Circle members Hank and Freda Swan. Hank was a founding board member and a leader in transitioning FSM to a staffed organization. He graduated from the University of Maine School of Forest Resources and spent his career in the forest industry.

To help honor Hank’s life and passions, FSM launched the Swan Internship Program in 2019. The goal of the program is to introduce one student, annually, to the ins-and-outs of FSM’s land trust work through a range of professional experiences in conservation and easement stewardship. Carlton will have opportunities to expand his skill sets both in the office and in the field.

Carlton, who grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland, will be a senior this fall. He says he has known since high school that he wants to work in a field related to the environment, and studying forestry has been a great fit. He writes,

“Conservation has always been a major interest to me. Interning at the Forest Society of Maine is a great opportunity to learn about forest conservation and stewardship. I am looking forward to seeing different conservation projects in Maine’s North Woods.”

Carlton is an Honors College student and has previously worked at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland and as a teaching assistant. We’re looking forward to him writing a blog post or two about his summer experience, in the months ahead.

If you are a college student in forest resources, or a related field of study, interested in working forest conservation, conservation easements, and land stewardship, we hope you will consider applying for the Swan Internship Program, next year. A call for applications will be sent out via the School of Forest Resources in early winter. Questions about the program may be directed to FSM Forestland Steward Kristen Hoffmann at ‘Kristen at fsmaine dot org.’

People Support FSM in Many Ways

June 5, 2019 By FSM

FSM is fortunate to have friends that have made an annual gift for decades in support of our ongoing work. And many of these same folks, along with others, make special gifts on occasion—either in support of a specific project or in memory of a friend. These gifts are being made via check, credit card, stock, or retirement distributions.

A few of these same people informed us that FSM has been included in their estate plans. (Just in the past two years FSM has benefited from planned gifts which are allowing us to launch a summer internship program and other special projects). Some people choose a bequest; other people name FSM as a beneficiary of life insurance or a gift annuity. Each wants to leave a legacy in support of work they believe in. The Forest Society of Maine recognizes them as members of the Attean Circle, so named because the Attean lands were the foundation for FSM’s beginnings and now Attean Circle members are fortifying that base for the future.

A young outdoorsman hiking in Maine’s western mountains.

Each person has their own reasons for valuing FSM’s work and for continuing support for that work after they pass. Whether you believe in conserving Maine forests for economic activity, cultural values, recreation, their wild character, or something else, have you considered leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations beyond your lifetime? If you are interested in including (or have already included) FSM in your estate plans, speak with your attorney and then let us know so that we can recognize your enduring commitment.