January 18, 2017

7 Questions Island Students Have About High School

High school.  Think piles of homework, jammed lockers, running late into class because you got lost, super competitive athletics, and the ever-intimidating seniors strolling the halls.  While it’s certainly not all like this, these are some of the images that we associate with high school, thanks to movies and stories we may have seen and heard.  In reality, the transition from middle school to high school is a time of marked change, which can be scary and intimidating to navigate, but exciting at the same time.  High school brings new freedoms and responsibilities, as well
Caroline Moore
January 10, 2017

Commercial Currents: Getting online and direct marketing

It can be difficult for business owners to find time to think of creative ways to market their business, but taking advantage of existing online marketing and advertising resources can be a time-efficient and effective way to promote and grow your business.
Stephenie MacLagan
January 9, 2017

Finding a place on Swan's Island

Swan’s Island is quiet, but it is a quiet I have grown to cherish. The Maine coast is cold, but in that coldness there is so much beauty and emotion. And I have spent a lot of time alone, but have only a few times felt lonely.
Gideon Davidson
Amanda Moeser
December 27, 2016

Application Window Opens for Aquaculture Business Development

Have you ever thought about gaining a new source of income through growing mussels, oysters or seaweed? Now is a great time to launch your small-scale aquaculture business. Through our Aquaculture Business Development (ABD) program, the Island Institute is working to help fishermen and people from fishing communities diversify into shellfish or seaweed aquaculture.
Stephenie MacLagan|James Crimp
December 15, 2016

Maine explores solutions to ocean acidification

On November 15th, the Maine Ocean and Coastal Acidification Partnership (MOCA) – a volunteer partnership of non-profit organizations, academic scientists, and state agency representatives – met in Augusta to discuss what we know about remediation strategies for ocean and coastal acidification in our state.
Parker Gassett
December 15, 2016

Mapping the way for island high school students

A GPS will chart out a route for you, and direct you which way to go as you travel, but with a map, you can chart the route you want for yourself. A map is a powerful tool that puts you in the driver’s seat. At the Island Institute, we have created a “MAP” for high school students navigating the transition to post-secondary education.
Caroline Moore
December 13, 2016

Commercial Currents: Innovating to succeed in small markets

Along the coast of Maine, general stores host the hustle and bustle in these otherwise tranquil communities. While some are closing their doors permanently, there are many others that are finding ways to not only survive but really thrive!
Stephenie MacLagan
Downtown Madeline Island
December 12, 2016

Finding a little bit of Maine in Madeline Island, Wisconsin

I went to Wisconsin to learn about island communities in the Great Lakes. I didn’t expect to find so many reminders of Maine, but the connections sprang up in every conversation.
Kate Tagai
Boats at the Winter Harbor Lobster Coop
November 30, 2016

Being a Tourist in Winter Harbor…in November

On this sunny afternoon in November, we found ourselves driving into Winter Harbor with a map in one hand and pocket book in the other, ready to see the local sites and inject some of our own money into the local economy.
James Crimp|Stephenie MacLagan
Learning to use a compass
November 16, 2016

Island kids take to the hills!

For this year’s fall field trip, the Outer Islands TLC headed inland to the foothills of the White Mountains! This adventure brought us to the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School campus in Newry, Maine.