Forest Society of Maine

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Upta Camp: A Maine Tradition

June 24, 2019 By Annie

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

Filed Under: Blog

Committed to Diversity

The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) recognizes the importance and urgency of increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all elements of our mission and work. Please read FSM’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Statement here: FSM’s DEIJ Statement.

KIW-Silver Lake Drone Footage

The Forest Society of Maine is pleased to share with the public drone footage highlighting the unique values of the KIW-Silver Lake property. The drone footage can be accessed using the following link to a Google Drive folder: KIW Drone Footage. The footage was sponsored by Conservation Forestry, LLC and filmed by North Woods Aerial. The videos shared here also include subtitles for accessibility.

Maine Won’t Wait

The Maine Climate Council published a four-year plan for climate action in Maine in December 2020. The Council made two proposals that directly impact Maine’s forests. Firstly, an increase of 30% in total acreage of conserved lands in Maine by 2030 (30 by 30) through purchases of land and conservation easements. Secondly, the development of new programs and incentives to increase carbon storage.

For the full document, visit: Maine Won’t Wait.

Background Photo Credit: James Wheeler

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Your land trust for Maine’s North Woods

Forest Society of Maine conserves Maine's forestlands in a manner that sustains their ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational values.

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115 Franklin St., 3rd Floor,
Bangor, Maine 04401
(207) 945-9200
info@fsmaine.org

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