One of the less visible things happening in Penobscot Bay this time of year involves one of the river’s most remarkable fish — the Atlantic sturgeon.

Researchers tracking subadult Atlantic sturgeon in the Penobscot River found that the fish typically return to the estuary in the spring and early summer and spend much of the summer using the brackish portion of the river.

Then, around this time of year, they start heading back toward the ocean.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, at noon, Ethan Hughes, of the Possibility Alliance, will give a program on "Permaculture for the Home Garden" at the Universalist Union in Belfast, located behind the Belfast Free Library, 37 Miller Street. The talk, sponsored by the Belfast Garden Club, is free and open to the public. 

Hughes' talk will cover the 16 core design principles of permaculture, and how they can be applied to the home garden.

HOPE — Join Coastal Mountains and Georges River Land Trusts for a special trail workday for women and nonbinary folks at Ragged Mountain. Led by women trails professionals from both organizations, this is a hands-on opportunity for people of all skill levels to work outside together. This session will focus on bog bridging and root removal on the Georges Highland Path on Ragged Mountain. 

The work session will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be held at the same time on Thursday, Sept. 24.

I took my pencils to Pennsylvania and began drawing where I was born, in Erie, on the Lake. I wasn’t born on the lake, but almost in a snow drift in my father’s hurry to get my mother to the hospital.

About the bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire, a reviewer said, "These musicians must enjoy what they do because their joy translates through their instruments." Hailing from Wisconsin, the band has partnered with dozens of artists from all corners of the bluegrass genre, from Sam Bush and Peter Rowan to Vince Herman and Keller Williams. Their forthcoming album features guest appearances from Grammy-winning artists Jerry Douglas and Kyle Tuttle.

MIDCOAST—To paraphrase Auntie Mame, "Maine is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death."

These last days of summer are not for scrolling, lounging, or wasting, for there are many experiences still to be had. Here are three in the Midcoast to get the most out of August's swan song.

Beat the End-of-Summer Blues by Going Blueberry Picking in Lincolnville

Cindy Wright will lead an outdoor presentation on composting, Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 12 p.m., at Merryspring Nature Center.

Wright will discuss the “art and science” of backyard composting, focusing on setting up and managing a successful backyard composting system, according to Merryspring, in a news release.

The South Thomaston Conservation Commission (STCC) and the Gilford Butler Center (GBC) will be hosting another "Backyard Talk" on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 - 11 a.m. 

Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturalist, will discuss "Invasive Plants: Winning the Weed War!"

Join Coastal Mountains Land Trust, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., on a guided hike along the trails of the McLellan-Poor Preserve in Northport.

Hannah Howland, perennial manager at Plants Unlimited, will lead an outdoor presentation on "Native Perennials" at Merryspring Nature Center on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 12 p.m.

CAMDEN — War Memorial Post 30 American Legion will host a special ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The memorial service will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Legion Hall, 91 Pearl Street in Camden.

The event features speakers from local public safety agencies and veterans' leadership, including representatives from the Camden Fire Department, the Camden Police Department, and the American Legion.

CAMDEN and ROCKPORT — CamdenCAN will host the free Third Annual Camden-Rockport Food Garden Tour on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 30. The free community event invites residents and visitors to explore local food gardens, meet the people who tend them, and exchange practical ideas about growing food in Midcoast Maine.

Eureka Masonic Lodge, 4 Watts Avenue, Tenants Harbor, is offering Crab or Shrimp Rolls on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

For the price of $15, treat yourself to either a Crab or Shrimp Roll on a toasted bun, a bag of potato chips, a homemade dessert and a bottle of water.

This is curbside pick-up and starts at 11:30 a.m. until sold out. The last sale of the season will be Sept. 2. The Lodge looks forward to serving you.