Spring 2024 SustainME

SustainME is a program that introduces outdoor skills through hands on workshops following three different paths: Hunting and Fishing, Foraging and Wild Edibles, and Homesteading Skills. The program helps people gain the knowledge, self-confidence, and practical skills to be more self-reliant with an emphasis on sustainable food sources and preparation while enjoy the outdoors! Participants can choose from a broad list of topics and follow their own path. These programs will inspire you and provide a deeper connection to nature while connecting you to others that enjoy the outdoors!

Session I Choices:

Participants can choose ONE of the following sessions:

• Freshwater Spin Casting
• Introduction to Archery and Crossbow Hunting
• Introduction to Firearms
• Wild Game Camp Cuisine
• Turkey Hunting in Maine
• Wilderness Survival - Being Prepared for the Maine Woods
• A Seasonal Approach to Gathering
• Introduction to Trapping and Fur Handling
• Introduction to Fly Fishing and Casting Techniques

Session II Choices:

Participants can choose ONE of the following sessions:

• Freshwater Spin Casting
• Introduction to Archery and Crossbow Hunting
• Introduction to Firearms
• Wild Game Camp Cuisine
• Turkey Hunting in Maine
• Wilderness Survival - Being Prepared for the Maine Woods
• Introduction to Trapping and Fur Handling,
• Fly Tying
• Introduction to Fly Fishing and Casting Techniques

Registration Process:

Complete your registration now and fill in all fields completely. Once registration is closed, all registrants will recieve an email from us with sign ups for the individual sessions. You can then choose the workshops for session I and session II that you wish to attend.

• To provide skills-based workshops that introduce new outdoor activities that will inspire future involvement in hunting, fishing, backyard farming, and foraging through a broad array of topics and a diverse group of instructors.
• To connect people to their food in a meaningful way, whether it’s wild-caught, hunted, gathered, raised, or grown.
• To engage people and inspire a greater appreciation for providing for yourself, your family, and your community.
• To connect people to additional resources, mentors, and community partners that complement these program areas, and will further develop these skills.

About the Facility:

This program will be held at the SAM Outdoors Center in Augusta. The site boasts two trout ponds, streams and wetlands, fields, forests, and various habitats and ecosystems. There's hiking trails, several picnic areas and fire pits, an archery and rifle range, and much more. An abundance of wildlife calls this place home and we often see various waterfowl and shore birds, bald eagles and raptors, deer, furbearers, and more.

You'll be right at home in this natural space, and you'll soon forget that your just on the outskirts of Maine's Capitol!

Suggested Packing List:

• Lunch, snacks and hydration
• Water bottle - pre-filled
• Backpack
• Sunglasses and or hat
• Suncreen and or bugspray (optional)
• Waterproof boots/shoes and jacket
• Extra clothing and dry socks
• Notebook and writing utensil

Please note this event will take place outside rain or shine, dress accordingly for the weather and all notices of inclement weather will be communicated via email.

Additionally, this is a drug and alcohol free event. Please pack hydration responsibly.

Host or Publisher Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife