Borealis is a new multi-media outdoors series produced by Maine Public highlighting the nature of Maine. Borealis will take us all over this great state, introducing us to conservationists, citizen scientists, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and others dedicated to preserving Maine’s outdoor spaces and sharing them with everyone.

Follow along as we surf, fish, hike, bike and more with host and registered Maine Guide Aislinn Sarnacki!

Watch full Borealis episodes on PBS or YouTube!

And look out for bonus Borealis content only available on Maine Public’s YouTube Channel and over social media.

Borealis Podcast Episodes

Borealis: The Podcast, from Maine Public

Going Wild with adventure birder and YouTuber Bob Duchesne

Aislinn talks with Bob Duchesne about how he first got interested in birding and asks him for some tips for beginner birders.

Lynda Doughty, baby seal rehabilitator and Marine Mammals of Maine Founder

Lynda Doughty — Founder of Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoM) — speaks with Borealis Host Aislinn Sarnacki about the hard and hopeful work of rehabilitating and helping to conserve Maine's seals.

USM Professor and Author Rob Sanford

USM Professor emeritus – and author of the book Reading Rural Landscapes – meets Aislinn at Mill Brook Preserve in Westbrook to discuss the historic return of alewives to the Presumpscot River Watershed.

Athlete, Advocate, and Trail Blogger Enock Glidden

On this episode, we talk with extreme athlete, inspirational speaker, trail blogger, and advocate for those with disabilities, Enock Glidden.

Whitewater Kayak Racer Alex Horne

In our first episode, Borealis host Aislinn Sarnacki speaks with sponsored whitewater kayak racer Alex Horne.

Borealis Stories

How Moosehead became a mountain biking destination

https://youtu.be/5Z2uVoOE75MMaine has turned into a mountain biking destination, and the Moosehead Lake region is no exception. Progress has already been made on dozens of miles of trails in the Greenville area, and with more on the way, there's no doubt that the mountain biking scene will continue to grow.
Women Train to become Registered Maine Guides

A week of hands-on training at camp, a 100-question test, an interview, and a variety of outdoor demonstrations. These are a few of the elements of training required to become a registered Maine guide.
Surfers with special needs ride Kennebunk's waves

Since 2003, a growing number of people have gathered on Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk for a particularly joyful afternoon on the waves. Thanks to the annual Special Surfers event, people with special needs and severe mobility challenges have an opportunity to surf and enjoy the beach.
The Mysterious Universe of Maine's Mushrooms

Esta Pratt-Kielley

Did you know that there are over 2,000 different mushroom species within the state of Maine? As more species are being discovered, we are learning more about how these fungi play a role in our health and that of the ecosystems that support them.
Maine's whitewater kayakers carve their own path

Maine's whitewater kayak championships take place on the Kennebec and the Penobscot Rivers in August. But, inspired by iconic rapids and invigorated by chilly Maine waters, whitewater kayak race competitors brave streams and rivers across Maine as early as April for practice.

Meet Aislinn Sarnacki: The host of Borealis!

About Aislinn:

The host of Borealis is no stranger to the outdoors in Maine. Aislinn previously was an outdoors reporter at the Bangor Daily News for 10 years, has written three books centered around hiking in Maine, including Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine; and she’s well known for her series of videos called “One Minute Hikes.”

Aislinn also teaches journalism at the University of Maine as an adjunct professor.

Get in touch:
Email the Borealis team: borealis@mainepublic.org