Resources
At the Watershed Coalition, we’re in touch with experts and activists around the region, the state, and the nation. Also, we’re big readers.
In our work, including the Penobscot Bay Stewards program, we’ve amassed a library of connections, articles, and resources. For the record, the Pen Bay program typically starts with these two books:
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The Lobster Coast, Colin Woodard, 2004. Maine coastal history since European contact, indigenous-settler relations, the stages of boom and bust in Maine’s economy. ​
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Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-based Change, Sherri Mitchel, 2018.
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Enjoy.
Geology
Maine’s Ice Age Trail - DownEast Map and Guide. $8.95. Forty-six auto stops to see and learn about the last Ice Age. Order from University of Maine Bookstore: 888-863-4438.
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The Last Billion Years. A Geological History of the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The Atlantic Geoscience Society, 2001. Nimbus Publishing Co., Ltd. P.O. Box 9166, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K5M8. Much of this book tells the Maine story, too.
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Lobsters
Corson, Trevor. The Secret Life of Lobsters, Trevor Corson, 2005. An amusing and engrossing history of the lifecycle of lobsters with parallels to the lives of lobster fishing families and their communities (including reproductive behavior).
Immigrants in Maine are Filling a Labor Gap. A 2024 article explores the role of immigrants in an industry located in the oldest state in the union. Can immigrants save the lobstering? ​
Soil​​
Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District offers its own set of resources, including info on the nature of soil, PFAS, and more.
The Wabanaki
The Penobscot River and Environmental Contaminants: Assessment of Tribal Exposure through Sustenance Lifeways. This sobering 2015 EPA report details findings on water quality, as well as toxins in fish and wildlife in the river. A good intro to pieces describing recent activity.
Popp, Evan. What Tribal Sovereignty Means to Wabanaki People. A 2022 article details the conversations around a bill that would ensure that Wabanaki Nations had the same rights as other tribes in the U.S.Wabanaki Alliance is comprised of the tribes in Maine (Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation), who are committed to securing the sovereignty of the tribes in Maine.
Wabanaki Nations State of the Tribes Address to the Maine Legislature, March 16, 2023. (If you don’t have time to listen to the 2-hour address from the 5 Chiefs, you can skip to the 59th minute to hear Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation.)
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Water
A 22-year Court Battle ends with Justice for the Penobscot. This 2022 summary describes the issues around the health and degradation of the Penobscot—and its recovery. For a broad view: Penobscot River Restoration Project.
Outwater, Alice. Water, a Natural History, 1996. History and ecology of the water cycle in New England and other places in the U.S. Science told by a master storyteller.
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Taylor, Peter. From the Mountains to the Sea: The Historic Restoration of the Penobscot River,Islandport Press, 2020.
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Wildlife
Ben Goldfaarb. Eager: The surprising, secret life of beavers and why they matter, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2019.
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The Working Waterfront​​
Belfast Historical Society and Museum. There’s lots to see and learn here. We particularly lovethe walking tours.​Front Street Shipyard. Located at the south end of Belfast’s waterfront, the shipyard offers free tours—and they’re impressive; the website hosts several good videos.
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Island Institute. The organization works to strengthen Maine’s island and coastal communities. One of their services is the Working Waterfront newspaper.
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Harbormaster, City of Belfast. A quick video tour and list of services.
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Must Be Nice Lobster. Lobsterwoman Sadie Samuels offers a mini-documentary about her life on the sea. A slice of insight.
