Earth Day Every Day Resource Guide for Brunswick & Beyond

Reduce & Reuse

The most sustainable product is the one you don't buy. Before purchasing something new, consider whether you can borrow, repair, or find a used alternative.

Library of Things

Curtis Memorial Library and other area libraries lend far more than books. Borrow tools, kitchen equipment, games, and other items you only need occasionally.

Repair & Reuse

• Repair cafes and skill shares — Check local community calendars for repair events
• Thrift stores and consignment shops — Give items a second life
• Buy Nothing groups — Share and give freely within your community

Practical Tips

• Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers when shopping
• Choose products with minimal packaging
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
• Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible
• Donate items you no longer need instead of throwing them away

Recycle metal, clean cardboard, and glass; avoid plastic. Less than 10% of all plastic ever made has been recycled even once. The sustainable solution is to choose reusable and recyclable materials first.

Geological Foundations

The landscape of Brunswick, Maine, tells a story written in stone and ice over millions of years. The bedrock foundation consists primarily of granite and gneiss, ancient rocks formed deep within the Earth's crust. These metamorphic and igneous formations provide the geological backbone of the region.

Approximately 25,000 years ago, during the last glacial maximum, the Laurentide Ice Sheet covered all of New England, including the Brunswick area. This massive ice sheet, up to a mile thick in places, scoured the landscape, carving valleys and shaping the terrain. As the climate warmed, the ice sheet began its slow retreat, and by approximately 13,000 years ago, the region was ice-free.

The retreating glacier left behind a transformed landscape. Glacial meltwater carved deep river valleys, including the valley now occupied by the Androscoggin River. The river itself became a major feature of the region, flowing from the mountains of New Hampshire and western Maine toward the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the most significant geological features in Brunswick is Brunswick Falls, also known as Pejepscot Falls. These falls consist of granite and gneiss formations with three distinct tiers, created as the river cut through the resistant bedrock. The falls have been a focal point for human activity for thousands of years, serving as both a natural barrier and a source of power.

Meltwater from the retreating ice transported vast amounts of sand, creating a delta where the river met the sea. Wind later reshaped these deposits into the sand dunes and plains that distinctively mark the local topography. The combination of bedrock geology and glacial history has created the diverse landscape we see today—from the rocky riverbanks to the forested uplands and the coastal lowlands.

Ecological Communities

Brunswick's ecological communities reflect the complex interplay between geology, climate, and biological processes. The region supports diverse ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years since the retreat of the glaciers.

The forests of Brunswick are characterized by mixed-wood communities, combining both coniferous and deciduous species. Coniferous forests are dominated by Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), often found growing on the region's sandy soils. In cooler, moister microclimates, species such as red spruce (Picea rubens) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) also thrive, providing important winter habitat for wildlife.

Deciduous and mixed forests include widespread species such as Northern red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). These forests create a rich understory with ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs that support diverse animal communities.

Wetland ecosystems are scattered throughout the Brunswick area, including marshes, swamps, and vernal pools. These wetlands serve as critical habitat for amphibians, waterfowl, and many plant species adapted to saturated soils. They also play important roles in water filtration, flood control, and groundwater recharge.

Coastal ecosystems along the nearby shores of Casco Bay and the Androscoggin River estuary support salt marshes, tidal flats, and intertidal zones. These areas provide habitat for marine and estuarine species, including migratory birds that depend on these rich feeding grounds.

Plant communities in Brunswick follow patterns of ecological succession, with pioneer species colonizing disturbed areas and gradually giving way to more stable forest communities. This dynamic process continues to shape the landscape, influenced by natural disturbances such as storms, fires, and human activities.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

The greater Brunswick area supports a rich diversity of wildlife, reflecting the variety of habitats found in the region. From forest-dwelling mammals to riverine fish and migratory birds, the area's biodiversity has been shaped by both natural processes and human activities.

Mammal species native to the area include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which are commonly seen in forest edges and suburban areas. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) inhabit the woodlands, while smaller mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and porcupines are widespread. In recent years, the fisher (Pekania pennanti) has re-established itself as a notable forest predator. Moose (Alces alces) occasionally venture into the area from more northern habitats, and black bears (Ursus americanus) may pass through during their seasonal movements.

The bird populations of Brunswick are diverse, with both year-round residents and seasonal migrants. Common forest birds include chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and various songbirds. The region is particularly renowned for its raptors; the nearby Merrymeeting Bay ecosystem supports a high density of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), often seen hunting alongside ospreys and red-tailed hawks. The Androscoggin River and wetlands provide crucial habitat for waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and herons.

The Androscoggin River and its tributaries support diverse fish species. While historically a spawning ground for Atlantic salmon, the river is known today for the recovery of river herring (alewives), which migrate from the ocean to freshwater lakes via the fish ladder at Brunswick Falls. The lower river is also home to ancient species like the shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon, often seen leaping from the water in the estuary. Native freshwater fish, including brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and smallmouth bass, inhabit the river and its tributaries. The river's health has shown significant improvement in recent decades following dedicated environmental restoration efforts.

Amphibians and reptiles are well-represented in the area's wetlands and forests. Species such as spring peepers, wood frogs, and various salamanders depend on vernal pools and wetlands for breeding. Snakes, including garter snakes and milk snakes, are common in appropriate habitats.

Biodiversity in the Brunswick area has changed over time due to factors including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and the introduction of non-native species. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting critical habitats and restoring degraded ecosystems to support native species populations.

Indigenous Peoples & the Land

For thousands of years before European settlement, the Wabanaki people (People of the Dawnland) inhabited the lands that now include Brunswick and the greater Androscoggin River region. Specifically, this area was the home of the Pejepscot band of the Abenaki. The name "Pejepscot," still used today, derives from the Abenaki language and is often translated as "long, rocky rapids," referring to the turbulent waters of the Androscoggin falls.

The Wabanaki developed a deep relationship with the Androscoggin River and its resources. The falls at Pejepscot were not just a landmark but a critical economic engine; the natural barrier concentrated migrating fish, making it a prime location for harvesting salmon, shad, sturgeon, and alewives during their seasonal runs.

Critically, the Brunswick area served as a vital transportation hub. The Pejepscot Portage was a well-worn trail connecting the Androscoggin River (below the falls) to the salt water of Maquoit Bay. This overland route allowed the Wabanaki to bypass the long and treacherous journey to the river's mouth at Merrymeeting Bay, facilitating efficient trade and communication between inland and coastal communities.

The forests surrounding Brunswick provided essential resources for the Wabanaki way of life. Trees supplied materials for building shelters, making tools, and crafting the birch bark canoes essential for navigating the waterways. While fishing and hunting were primary, the river's floodplains also offered fertile soils where crops such as corn, beans, and squash could be cultivated to supplement their diet.

Seasonal patterns of movement allowed the Wabanaki to take advantage of different resources throughout the year, moving between coastal camps in the summer and inland hunting grounds in the winter. This pattern of land use reflected a deep understanding of the natural cycles and ecological relationships in the region.

The Wabanaki relationship with the land was based on principles of reciprocity and respect. They understood themselves as part of the natural world rather than separate from it. Today, the legacy of Wabanaki presence is increasingly recognized, from the preservation of the portage route to the continued stewardship efforts of the contemporary Wabanaki nations.

European Settlement & Industrialization

European exploration and settlement of the Brunswick area began in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1628 by Thomas Purchase, who set up a trading post near the falls to trade with the Wabanaki. These early settlers quickly recognized the potential of the Androscoggin River—particularly the falls at Pejepscot—as a massive source of water power.

The falls became the foundation for industrial development. Early mills harnessed the river's power for grinding grain and sawing lumber, but the 19th century brought massive scale. Brunswick became a significant industrial center, dominated by the Cabot Manufacturing Company, a cotton textile mill that defined the town's economy and skyline (now the Fort Andross building).

The Industrial Revolution brought profound changes to the landscape. Forests were cleared for agriculture and to supply wood for construction. The river's flow was modified with dams to maximize power generation. Most devastatingly, industrial waste was discharged directly into the Androscoggin River.

By the mid-20th century, the Androscoggin had become one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. The discharge of sulfite waste liquor from upstream paper mills, combined with untreated sewage, suffocated aquatic life. The water was frequently covered in toxic foam, and the smell was so potent it peeled paint off nearby houses.

This environmental crisis became a catalyst for national change. The river's degradation was the primary inspiration for Maine Senator Edmund Muskie to author and champion the Clean Water Act of 1972. This landmark legislation turned the tide, mandating wastewater treatment and setting the stage for the river's slow but steady recovery.

Industrialization also transformed the landscape through urban development and infrastructure, fragmenting natural habitats. However, it also created the foundation for the modern community of Brunswick. The legacy of this era is complex: the imposing brick mills have been repurposed into vibrant commercial centers, and the community's response to the river's pollution has shaped a modern culture of conservation and ecological restoration.

Conservation & Restoration

In recent decades, Brunswick and the surrounding region have seen sustained efforts to conserve natural areas and restore degraded ecosystems. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the value of natural systems and a deepening community commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Androscoggin River has undergone substantial recovery since the passage of the federal Clean Water Act. Water quality has improved markedly as industrial discharges were reduced and wastewater treatment systems modernized. Aquatic life has responded to these improvements: fish populations are more diverse and abundant than in the mid-twentieth century, with species such as smallmouth bass now common and brook trout persisting in colder tributaries. Improved water quality and the removal or modification of barriers have also allowed ancient migratory species, including Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon, to reappear in the lower river and in Merrymeeting Bay after long absences.

Land conservation in Brunswick has a long history, beginning with the Brunswick Town Commons. Set aside in 1719, this roughly 1,000-acre tract is among the oldest town commons in the United States. It preserves an unusually large example of sandplain forest—a rare ecosystem shaped by sandy soils, periodic fire, and drought—within the center of a growing town.

Modern conservation organizations have expanded on this legacy. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, established in 1985, has conserved more than 3,300 acres of forests, wetlands, farmland, and riverfront, including the widely used Crystal Spring Farm. Working alongside partners such as the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, these organizations help protect networks of conserved land that support wildlife movement, maintain water quality, and preserve ecological connections across the region.

Restoration efforts increasingly focus not only on protecting land, but on actively repairing damaged ecosystems. Projects in and around Brunswick include removing or improving obsolete dams to support fish migration, restoring coastal salt marshes to enhance natural flood protection and resilience to sea-level rise, and managing invasive species that threaten native habitats. A major regional concern is the spread of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive insect that endangers eastern hemlock forests, as well as invasive plants such as Asiatic bittersweet and glossy buckthorn, which can overwhelm native forest understories if left unmanaged.

Educational institutions play an important role in advancing conservation and restoration. Bowdoin College contributes through research and teaching at facilities such as the Schiller Coastal Studies Center on Orr's Island, where students and scientists study coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and the effects of climate change on Maine's marine and estuarine environments.

Community involvement remains central to the success of these efforts. Volunteer trail crews, conservation commissions, land trust members, and citizen scientists contribute time and expertise to stewardship projects throughout the town. Together, these collective actions continue to shape a landscape in which Brunswick's natural heritage is protected, restored, and better understood for future generations.

References & Resources

Historical and Academic Sources

Pejepscot History Center
The Pejepscot History Center, established in 1888, preserves and interprets the history of Brunswick, Topsham, and Harpswell. The center operates the Pejepscot Museum with rotating exhibits on local history, including natural history and environmental topics.
pejepscothistorical.org

Brunswick Falls (Pejepscot Falls)
Information about the geological formation and history of Brunswick Falls, including its significance to both indigenous peoples and European settlers.
Wikipedia - Brunswick Falls

Conservation Organizations

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
A nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and stewarding natural areas in the greater Brunswick region. Maintains over 3,000 acres of conserved land with trails and educational programs.
btlt.org

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust
Protects coastal and inland properties in the Harpswell area, including the Skolfield Shores Preserve, which conserves 182 acres of farm, forest, and shorefront.
hhltmaine.org

Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Works to conserve and steward Maine's coastal lands and islands, including properties in the Casco Bay region.
mcht.org

Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about the natural history of Brunswick and the Androscoggin River region, the following topics provide avenues for deeper exploration:

• Glacial geology and post-glacial landscape development in Maine
• Wabanaki history and culture in the Androscoggin River watershed
• Industrial history and environmental impacts in New England
• River restoration and water quality improvement efforts
• Forest ecology and wildlife conservation in Maine
• Coastal and estuarine ecosystems of Casco Bay

A visit to Curtis Memorial Library can provide additional resources and information about the natural history of the greater Brunswick area.

CurtisLibrary.com

Getting Involved

Many towns in the greater Brunswick area have sustainability committees, conservation commissions, and other volunteer boards where citizens can directly influence environmental policy.

Check the Government Resources section of this guide to find your town's specific government contacts, including sustainability offices, conservation commissions, and public works departments.

Ways to Get Involved

• Attend town meetings — Most are open to the public and listed on town websites
• Join a committee — Conservation commissions and sustainability committees welcome volunteers
• Contact elected officials — Share your environmental priorities with selectboard members and state legislators
• Volunteer — Local organizations always need help with trail maintenance, cleanups, and events

Most town meetings are open to the public. Attending a meeting is one of the most direct ways to advocate for environmental priorities in your community.

Twenty Earth-Care Practices

Of the many practical actions you could take to help save our planet, twenty matter most. Some you can start doing today, others require planning. But if you work on these practices step by step, and help other people do the same, you'll be caring for our Earth in meaningful ways.

1. Grow a community that practices environmental sustainability.
2. Compost solid waste that can rot and turn into soil.
3. Walk, cycle, or take public transit for local errands.
4. Eat more plants and little or no domesticated red meat.
5. Plant a food garden or buy from local organic farmers.
6. Drink more water and fewer bottled beverages.
7. Clean with safe products that come in minimal packaging.
8. Recycle metal, clean cardboard, and glass; avoid plastic.
9. Seal and insulate attics, basements, and exterior walls.
10. Use LED lighting with motion sensors and daylight dimming.
11. Landscape with native plants using organic methods.
12. Wash clothes in cold water in an efficient machine.
13. Heat domestic water using electric heat pumps.
14. Dry clothes in a condensing dryer, on racks, or on lines.
15. Keep food cold in energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers.
16. Cook with induction electric ranges and convection electric ovens.
17. Drive an electric car when you can't walk, cycle, or go by bus or train.
18. Use electric heat pumps for space heating and cooling.
19. Generate solar electricity on-site or subscribe to a solar farm.
20. Flush water-efficient toilets.

Read Your Earth Share: Seven Pathways to Sustainable Living or visit www.suspra.com for detailed guidance on each of these practices—and many more, all based on sustainability science.

Taking Sustainable Steps

Attempting too many changes at once makes it harder to follow through. A better approach is to build momentum through many small successes: introduce one change at a time in a sequence that makes sense for your family.

Month 1-3: Start Good Habits

Pick three practices you can implement immediately with minimal cost or effort:

• Switch to cold water washing (saves energy instantly)
• Install LED bulbs in lights you use a lot (immediate energy reduction)
• Start composting food scraps (diverts waste, builds awareness)

Month 4-6: Upgrade Systems

With habits established, tackle one significant upgrade:

• Install water-efficient fixtures throughout your home
• Prepare a plant-based meal once a week
• Find and seal air leaks in your attic and basement

Month 7-12: Plan Investments

Research and plan for major improvements:

• Get quotes for solar panels or heat pumps
• Test drive electric vehicles
• Design native landscaping

Choosing Your Priorities

How do you choose what to do first? Consider four factors:

1. Environmental Impact — How much will this improve your sustainability?
2. Dollar Value — What's the return on investment?
3. Difficulty — How much expertise and effort is required?
4. Readiness — What is your household prepared to embrace?

Wisdom Worth Sharing: Start where you are. Do what you can. No one has to do everything if everyone does something. None of us are perfect, but we can each do a little better, with a little help and encouragement.

Calculate your Suspra Score at www.suspra.com/score to track your sustainability journey.