Down East Magazine, August 2026

Features Monumental Success? Carving Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument out of Maine's north woods was a big win for conservationists and other supporters. A decade later, questions about what the property could–and should–become are still up for debate. By Greg M. Peters Down to Bedrock Staff photographer Dave Waddell has made abandoned quarries his quarry in recent years, hunting for places where he could document the peculiar beauty of the old sites, as well as their significance as places to hike, swim, and connect with a big slab of Maine history. By Will Grunewald Keeping Maine Beautiful The highway crews, bottle redeemers, and altruists who clean up after everyone else. By Jaed Coffin Photographed by Cait Bourgault Where in Maine Dooryard North by East Flying High On Maine's southern coast, kiteboarding is on the rise. Maine Moment Souped Up A new cookbook dishes out fresh takes on local fare. Multipronged Approach The long and fruitful career of a blueberry-rake maker. Barn Charm A couple is happy to hit the hay in a former agricultural building. New Kids on the Dock Reimagining a waterfront institution. Different Camps A new exhibit juxtaposes the natural and the man-made. The Birds and the Bees And butterflies and bats have a home in this lush Scarborough yard. Maine Dispatches Daylilies for Days A Waldoboro couple goes all in on a hardy perennial. Room With a View Fly tying tightens its grip. My Favorite Place Equestrian Kelsy Stromski, on Eagle Lake. ON THE COVER Navigating the north woods. Photo by Giant Giants