Upcoming Public Events & Workshops
march 16
“Maine Hiking Tips and Stories” talk
Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show
University of Maine Field House, Orono
2:45 p.m. in Classroom A
Are you a seasoned hiker or just starting out? This presentation has a little bit for everyone. Sarnacki will share what she’s learned about hiking in Maine while documenting trails for over a decade. She’ll also share some of her most exciting and strange experiences while in the woods. You may have seen her writing, photography and videography in the Bangor Daily News or Maine Public Television. At the event, her three hiking guide books will be available for purchase and signing.
When Aislinn Sarnacki describes her career to people, she's often asked, "You get paid for hiking?" The simple answer is "yes," yet there's a lot more to being an outdoor journalist and registered Maine guide. In this presentation, Sarnacki will share some of her most exciting experiences as a professional writer and photographer. She'll also share some of the challenges and ethical issues she faces while navigating the wilderness and sharing it with the public.
May 18
Guided “small things” nature walk
Fields Pond Audubon Center, Holden
10 a.m. - noon
On this easy hike on Fields Pond trails, we’ll stop to discuss and admire the small wonders of nature that are often overlooked. Salamander eggs, caddisfly larvae (carrying around tiny, self-made homes) and early wildflowers such as trilliums are among the things we might see. I’ll share how I’ve explored this flora, fauna and fungi through my writing and photography.
On this moderate hike on Borestone Mountain trails, we’ll take a deep dive into all things nature. Native wildflowers and other plants, fungi, birds, mosses, lichens, rocks. Slowing down, we’ll take a close look at what makes the wilderness in this area so beautiful and diverse. We’ll also learn a bit about the fascinating history of the property. Bring your camera!
MAy 14
“The Wild Life of an Outdoor Journalist”
Presentation for GPMCT
Alamo Theatre, Bucksport, Maine
6 p.m. (doors open) 6:30 p.m. (starts) FREE
JuLY 5
Guided nature walk
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
10 a.m. - noon
Past events & workshops
Feb. 8, 2024
Host of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Gracie Theatre, Bangor
Jan. 11, 2024
WinterKids Assembly Speaker
Patricia A. Duran School
Hermon, Maine
Jan. 9, 2024
Guest Instructor for Outdoor Journalism
Monson Arts
Monson, Maine
Dec. 9, 2023
Keynote Speaker
Bangor Authors’ Book Fair & Literary Festival
Bangor, Maine
Nov. 27, 2023
Speaker “Sharing the Wilderness: Balancing Recreation With Conservation as An Outdoor Journalist and Guide”
UMaine’s Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
Orono, Maine
Jan. 26, 2023
Speaker to Girl Scouts troop
Surry, Maine
Oct. 17, 2021
Guided Nature Walk
Cathance River Education Alliance
Topsham, Maine
May 18, 2021
“Hidden Hiking Gems in Maine” presentation
Sierra Club, Maine Chapter
Virtual Program
July 21, 2023
Panelist “A Guide to Solo Wilderness Travel”
Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival
Greenville, Maine
June 1, 2022
Guest speaker about outdoor writing for fourth grade
Hermon Middle School
Hermon, Maine
Aug. 13, 2021
Guest speaker
Piscataquis Soil and Water District Family Camp Day
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
April 24, 2021
Panelist “Exploring Maine”
SAGE Symposium
Virtual Program
Feb. 8, 2023
Host/film announcer
Banff Film Festival World Tour, Husson University
Bangor, Maine
Feb. 28, 2022
Guest speaker about outdoor leadership
Leadership course, University of Maine
Orono, Maine
June 28, 2021
Panelist about outdoor recreation
FUSION: Bangor
Virtual Program