Welcome to the August 2025 edition of “A Month @ MOB,” a roundup of news and events in Maine’s outdoor industry each month:
$3M Golf Learning Center Breaks Ground in Freeport to Expand Youth Access
Maine Golf has launched construction of the Alexa Re Rancourt Golf Learning Center, a new Freeport facility that will offer junior golf programs and indoor simulators.
WinterKids Launches Statewide “25 Days of Movement” Challenge
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, WinterKids is inviting Maine families to get outside daily this August with a free guide of 100+ screen-free activities and a chance to win prizes from Maine Outdoor Brands like L.L.Bean, Marin Skincare, and more.
Scarborough Breaks Ground on Key Eastern Trail Connection
After two decades of planning and delays, construction has begun on a 1.6-mile segment of the Eastern Trail that will finally link Saco to South Portland, opening up 16 miles of uninterrupted, off-road access for both commuters and outdoor enthusiasts.
L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith to Step Down After a Decade of Leadership
Stephen Smith, the first non-family CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave in spring 2026, capping a transformative 10-year tenure.
New Sabre & Back Cove Yachts Scholarship Launches at The Landing School
The Landing School has introduced a new scholarship with Sabre and Back Cove Yachts, offering financial aid and hands-on experience in Maine’s premier boatbuilding shops.
New Deer Hunting Rule in Maine Lets Some Hunters Tag Both a Buck and a Doe
In a bid to manage high deer populations, Maine will allow hunters in six key districts to harvest both a buck and a doe without a separate antlerless permit, potentially bringing more hunters back into the woods this fall.
Opolis Launches Kickstarter for Ocean Plastic Sunglasses
Sustainable eyewear brand Opolis has gone live on Kickstarter with its latest collection of sunglasses made from ocean-bound plastic, already surpassing its funding goal and offering backers early access to their most innovative designs yet.
UMaine’s Entsminger Honored for Leadership in Outdoor Economy Strategy
Jason Entsminger received a national award for his role in shaping Maine’s 10-year outdoor recreation roadmap, developed with input from 450+ community voices across the state.