Business Spotlight: Rocky Roots Tree Care & Excavation

With a skilled team of experienced and reliable arborists, Rocky Roots Tree Care & Excavation delivers quality, safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship to every project it undertakes, large or small.

Tom and Mackenzie Nile own and operate
Rocky Roots Tree Care & Excavation
and offer quality workmanship and 
complete customer satisfaction while
handling each project safely with
expertise and precision.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Based in Otisfield, Rocky Roots Tree Care & Excavation is owned and operated by Tom and Mackenzie Nile and serves homes, businesses and properties throughout the Lakes Region of Maine. Tom is a licensed Maine arborist and master pesticide applicator and Department of Environmental Protection certified with more than 20 years of experience in tree work and excavation. Mackenzie's role includes office management and she is also a licensed Maine arborist and DEP certified.

They founded Rocky Roots two years ago to offer quality workmanship and complete satisfaction to customers while handling each project safely with precision and expertise.

“We love being able to capture people’s vision and turn their land enhancement dreams into reality,” Tom Nile said. “That’s the best part of this job. We appreciate all our customers and their support and without them, what we do would not be possible.”

Fully insured and carrying workers compensation insurance to protect both customers and employees, the Rocky Roots team is devoted to transforming landscapes through professional tree care and excavation solutions.

“Tree work happens all year long,” Tom Nile said. “It takes a lot of skill and experience to do this job safely. We explain each project thoroughly with each of our customers and build trust with them. We believe that is why we have so many repeat customers.”

Rocky Roots offers comprehensive tree care services by certified arborists to meet all your needs including removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, house lot clearing, and tree licensed pesticide injections to enhance the beauty and health of your landscape. It provides safe and efficient service for damaged, infested, diseased or hazardous trees. The company also is skilled in excavation work and can handle shorefront restoration projects including retaining walls, replanting trees, or redirecting drainage. It is skilled in the grading of home sites, creating or the repairing of driveways, stump removal, lawn and yard expansion, and revegetation plans.

The Rocky Roots team handles all permit requirements, does the grid work and ensures that the job site is thoroughly cleaned up afterward.

“We pride ourselves in being efficient, courteous and competitively priced,” Tom Nile said. “We offer free estimates, come up with a plan and follow through. Our skills set is on point.”

Reviews posted online about the Rocky Roots team are exceptional.

“Tom came to our property and helped us figure out the best plan for protecting our buildings from old or damaged trees. He also worked with us to stay within our budget. When his crew arrived, they had the equipment to get a lot done in a short amount of time, and when they left the yard was so neat that you never would’ve known what they’d done.” ~ L. Magiera

“We reached out to Tom and Rocky Roots to come out to our place and put together a grid of our shoreland and wooded area. After he did the grid, he walked our property with me and explained everything that he could do. We scheduled him and his crew to come and do the work, which was pretty extensive. They did an amazing job and did an amazing job cleaning up after. There is no doubt that we will use them for any future work at our place. Tom and his crew were very professional! I highly recommend Rocky Roots.” S. O’Teri

“We recently hired Tom and his team for a two-phase project. The first phase was a 5-day long tree work removal project near the shoreline, which is now complete. Tom and team did an incredible job from the upfront scoping and permitting/gridwork with Tom and Mackenzie, through the actual five days of tree removal which included crane work. Tom’s team is incredibly hardworking, polite and respectful, and true experts/professionals at what they do. He brought thoughtful ideas and did a tremendous job working within our budget. We’re extremely pleased and look forward to the upcoming excavating phase to round out the project.” ~ J. Soucy

To learn more about how Rocky Roots Tree Care & Excavation can help with your next project or to schedule a free estimate, visit www.rockyrootsllc.com or call 207-595-6751. <

Business Spotlight: Tinker Automotive Services

Everyone who brings their vehicle to Tinker Automotive Services leaves as a friend and the business values customer satisfaction, doing the job right the first time and delivering affordable repair costs above all.

The team at Tinker Automotive Services in Windham can
fix anything from classic to modern vehicles and everything
in between and you can rely on them for honest service
and affordable pricing. COURTESY PHOTO  

Owned and operated by Levi Tinker since 2017, the garage moved to a larger location at 51 Tandberg Trail just over a year ago. The Tinker Automotive Services team of technicians strive to perform the highest quality vehicle repairs with courtesy, respect and expertise. They are trusted to never upsell you on repairs you don't need and always have proof to back up their reasoning for work needed.

Tinker Automotive can maintain and service your light truck, car, and SUV and offer everything from brakes to engine diagnostics, air conditioning service, general repairs, maintenance and much more.

Featuring five bays, Tinker Automotive also conveniently handles wheel alignments and along with performing state inspections for four-wheeled vehicles, the business also offers state motorcycle inspections and a complete line of affordable repairs and maintenance services for all types of vehicles.

“We’re grateful to be able to serve this community and have made so many wonderful friends through the years.” Tinker said.

His skills in auto repair began at a young age and have helped him earn a legion of devoted customers who rely on Tinker’s expertise and honesty in diagnosing and resolving troublesome auto issues.

“Even as a kid, I would go to the town dump to see if I could find a bike to fix up,” Tinker said. “For me, it was so much fun to take a broken bike and get it up and running again. There was a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in that. And there still is.”

Having worked in the automotive repair business for his entire adult life, Tinker worked his way up to owning his own repair shop through hard work, honesty and delivering exceptional results on time while ensuring customer costs are as low as possible.

Tinker takes pride in being able to explain the extent of the repair work required in understandable terms to his customers.

“I will take time to show people what the problem is and do my best to explain in a way they can understand,” he said. “Unfortunately, in the automotive repair field, people are often taken advantage of, and we are adamant about not doing that. We never upsell anything and we are straightforward and honest.”

Not only have they been an Eagle Choice Award winner for the past five years, but the outstanding reviews posted online are confirmation that Tinker Automotive Services is a preferred local choice.

“A big thank you to Tinker’s Auto Service for taking the time to check my vehicle when I didn’t have an appointment to do so. It concerned my A/C, and I was told if I have any more problems with it to call and they will be able to put it up on the lift to check further as the lift was already being used. I would recommend Tinker’s to anyone that is having issues with a vehicle. They are wonderful to work with, and I appreciate the quick action they took to help me." ~ Janet Kimball Snow

“If I don’t have my truck, my business comes to a screeching halt. Not only did Tinker’s get my truck into their shop quickly, but they diagnosed and fixed the issue (front brakes, pads and rotors) that same day. Most shops would have done that over 2 days, but Tinker’s worked their magic and busted that sucker out in half that time! I’m truly appreciative of everything they do. From the great communication about what needs to be fixed, to the hard work that the mechanics do to make those repairs happen in a timely manner. Thank you all for being trustworthy, reliable, and honest, it’s truly appreciated.” ~ Michael Pressey

“We were referred to Tinker Automotive when our current mechanic retired. We were planning a long family road trip with our kiddos and wanted a thorough check of my vehicle before we hit the road. I immediately felt relieved by the fantastic customer service and great communication with everyone at the shop. When I needed to stop in with my kids, they had toys and treats to keep them busy and were all very kind. We had multiple issues with my vehicle that needed repair. The shop was thorough and very fair with their assessment and pricing. We feel that they went above and beyond to help us get on the road safely. It isn’t often that you find a kind and honest automotive shop that is this great at repairs. We are happy to have found them and highly recommend to anyone in need of a good mechanic.” ~ Lynnsey Flynn

Tinker Automotive Services assists its customers in maintaining safe and reliable vehicles, and offering the community honest, reliable, and exceptional service. FMI or to make an appointment, call or text 207-318-0342. Follow them on Facebook. <

Business Spotlight: Blush & Brow

Permanent makeup service offered at Blush & Brow is designed with a simple goal of making people feel comfortable and to truly love their new look.

Samantha Clark is an expert at permanent and
event makeup services and fine line tattoos. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Located at 100 Tandberg Trail in Windham and owned and operated by Samantha Clark, Blush & Brow features an array of services ranging from microblading, powder brows, saline removal services, eyeliner, lip blushing, wedding or event makeup, and fine line tattoos. 

Permanent makeup involves applying pigments into the skin’s dermal layer to enhance features such as eyebrows, eyes and lips and is popular with people seeking low-maintenance beauty services.

Clark is a Certified Makeup Artist, Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist, and a Licensed Fine Line body tattoo artist. She’s also certified as a Permanent Makeup Removal Specialist and Trainer.

What distinguishes Blush & Brow from other companies is the experience that Clark creates for her clients.

“I know my permanent makeup services can be very nerve wracking to someone who has never had it done before and as well as tattoos,” she said. “I get a lot of first- time tattoo clients. I like to try and make the process comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. There are so many great artists around who do what I do but my work is distinguished by how natural and customized it looks. I don’t believe in the ‘one-size-fits-all’ type thing. All faces and brows are different, so I customize everyone’s permanent makeup that best suits their natural features. Fine line tattooing is a niche style that not many tattoo artists focus on. Fine line work requires a very steady hand, precision, and an artistic eye – combining that with permanent makeup training allows me to create delicate, detailed results that stand out.”

According to Clark, a common misconception about permanent makeup is that it’s just about beauty.

“It’s also about confidence,” she said. “We’re not just applying pigment, we’re helping people feel like their best selves every day. And or if you want to just combine both into one a misconception would also be that fine line tattooing and permanent makeup are ‘quick or easy’ to do. But behind every thin line or natural brow is hours of practice, lots of training, a steady hand and an eye for balance and detail.”

In business for five years, Clark got started in the beauty field about 14 years ago as a certified makeup artist.

“I would constantly hear my clients say they wish they had their brows microbladed and wish they could be fixed,” she said. “I had no idea what microblading was back then. I looked into it and it was so fascinating to me. When COVID happened, I lost all my weddings that year, which was a huge financial strain. I was then approached by a microblading artist asking if I would have any interest in doing an apprenticeship. I was so excited to dive into this and learn more, so I did. A year later Maine changed the rules and regulations so that any microblading artist had to go on to get their micropigmentation license to be able to continue working.

Because Maine had no classes or schools for that at the time, she attended the Massachusetts Academy of Beautiology and graduated before going on to pass the American Academy of Micropigmentation Boards, earning a certificate so that she could become licensed in Maine.

“Learning micropigmentation opened the doors for learning tattooing,” Clark said. “After two years of being a licensed micropigmentation permanent makeup artist my creative brain wanted to learn more about fine line tattooing because I have always loved the look of dainty and delicate tattoos and Maine doesn’t have a ton of fine line tattoo specialists. I took a fine line tattoo class for micropigmentation artists and spent six to eight months learning and just practicing non-stop until I felt confident to work on real skin. I’ve now been licensed as a body tattoo artist for three years now and it was the best decision I’ve made to add this into my services.”

Blush & Brow clients tell Clark they love her attention to detail, how cozy and welcoming her studio is, and how comfortable they feel when they’re there.

“I really put my whole heart in everything I do and am so grateful for my amazing clients,” she said. “My business is built on artistry, safety and trust and specializing in creating work that feels personal and unique and not about trends and cookie cutter results.”

To learn more about Blush & Brow services or for a free consultation, visit blush-brow.com/ or send an email to Blushandbrowpc@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook and Instragram under Blush & Brow. <

Business Spotlight: Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

The Name You Know. The Excellence You Trust.

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine (OAM) has proudly returned to its original name in 2025 – a return that reaffirms its commitment to the people of Maine. As the state’s largest independent, physician-led orthopaedics practice, OAM continues to deliver advanced, patient-centered care with deep community roots.

Physician-led Orthopaedic Associates of Maine offers 
full-service orthopaedic care including imaging, physical
and occupational therapy, and ambulatory surgery.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

OA of Maine is home to a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians whose specialties include sports medicine, joint replacement, hand and upper extremity surgery, foot and ankle care, and physiatry. This depth of expertise allows the practice to treat even the most complex injuries and conditions. Because the practice is physician-led, the focus remains squarely on quality, patient experience, and clinical innovation. Patients can expect care that is both highly specialized and deeply personal.

In 2025, OA of Maine welcomed Dr. Zachary Abbott, a board-certified physiatrist specializing in non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Abbott develops personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to help patients manage pain, recover from injury, and return to the activities that matter most. With expertise in advanced, non-invasive treatments such as spine injections, radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided procedures, and regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Dr. Abbott offers patients more options for relief without surgery. He is now seeing patients in OAM’s Portland and Brunswick offices.

What truly sets OA of Maine apart, however, is its surgical team. The practice’s orthopaedic surgeons are among the top in their fields – fellowship-trained experts who bring world-class skill and innovation directly to Maine. Patients no longer need to travel to Boston for expert orthopaedic care; the highest level of surgical and non-surgical treatment is available right here, close to home.

The physical therapy program at OA goes far beyond standard rehabilitation. Many therapists hold advanced certifications in dry needling, concussion management, and sport-specific assessments, including golf swing, throwing, and running mechanics. Therapists and physicians work hand in hand under one roof, ensuring seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. This team-based model minimizes handoffs, strengthens communication, and helps patients return to activity with confidence.

For patients needing immediate care, OA of Maine offers the OrthoAccess Walk-In Clinic in Portland. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the clinic provides same-day treatment for sprains, strains, minor fractures, dislocations, and other activity-related injuries. Unlike a traditional emergency room visit, patients at OrthoAccess are seen directly by orthopaedic specialists. The clinic also provides onsite casting and bracing, faster turnaround times, and lower costs, with follow-up care seamlessly arranged within OA of Maine if needed.

OA of Maine’s commitment extends far beyond the walls of its clinics. This summer, the team proudly sponsored and supported several community events across Maine, combining medical expertise with meaningful engagement. At Tri for a Cure, Maine’s largest all-women’s triathlon, OA of Maine staffed the on-site medical tent, ensuring athletes had expert support throughout the event. More than 1,000 women participated, raising $2.2 million for the Maine Cancer Foundation. During the Yarmouth Clam Festival Bike Race, OA of Maine served as the official medical sponsor. Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon Dr. Thomas Murray was on site as event doctor, ensuring riders had immediate access to medical support. The practice also participated in the Westbrook Strong 5K, an event honoring the memory of Matthew Rairdon. Laurie and Gary Rairdon founded the road race in 2013 after their son, Matthew, was killed by his ex-partner in what investigators determined was domestic violence. Employees ran and walked in support of the scholarship fund established in his name, which benefits future healthcare professionals.

For OA of Maine, these events are about more than sponsorship – they are about showing up, supporting neighbors, and reinforcing the belief that health and community go hand in hand. With offices in Portland, Brunswick, and Windham, OA of Maine offers full-service orthopaedic care, including imaging, physical and occupational therapy, and ambulatory surgery. The practice also provides 24/7 emergency coverage at local hospitals, ensuring patients have access to expert care whenever it’s needed. From diagnosis to recovery, OA of Maine is built to help patients move forward with confidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine: Helping you get back to what you love.

For more information or to make an appointment visit orthoassociates.com or call 207-828-2100. <

Business Spotlight: J. Priest Insurance

With much of our daily lives connected by electronic devices and gadgets these days, the sudden loss of one often unleashes a desperate search to replace it and restore lost data found on it. Your homeowners or personal property insurance coverage may cover these items if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen in an event covered by your policy, however personal property coverage often doesn’t cover the sort of losses covered by a new type of electronic device protection offered by Farmers Insurance through J. Priest Insurance of Windham.

A new type of electronic device protection is now available
at an affordable cost through J. Priest Insurance of Windham.
It covers laptops, smart phones, gaming systems, smart
televisions, Roombas, tablets, routers, computers and more and
goes beyond the standard electronics warranty for damage,
loss or theft.  COURTESY  PHOTO  

No matter if it’s a laptop, smart phone, smart television, a computer printer, or a Roomba vacuum, this new coverage goes above and beyond the standard electronics warranty for damage, loss or theft. It covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers; DVD/Blu-ray players; Printers/scanners; External hard drives; Gaming consoles; Handheld gaming devices; Home theater systems; Personal computers (Windows 8 or newer, Apple OS X 10 or newer); Pro/elite gaming controllers; Robot vacuums; Smart home devices; Standalone routers; Streaming devices; Tablets (Android 1.6 or newer, Apple OS X 10 or newer); Televisions (LED and LCD only); and Virtual reality headsets.

Three types of protection are available including Total Device Protection for both mobile and home devices and adds coverage for loss and theft of eligible home devices; Mobile Device Protection covering up to four mobile phones in your household with phones covered for accidental damage, mechanical/electrical malfunctions, screen breakage and loss/theft; and Home Device Protection for most smart home devices covering accidental damage, mechanical/electrical malfunctions and screen breakage.

“The cost for this protection is very reasonable,” said Jonathan Priest of J. Priest Insurance. “It provides complete smart device protection for everything from tablets to Roombas to up to four smart phones for $35 a month. It even covers comprehensive screen replacements or lightning strikes, all for a small deductible and much more cost effective than through your homeowner’s policy. There’s a lot of upside to this and not a lot of downside.”

Located at 57 Tandberg Trail R2, across the parking lot from Rustler's Steakhouse in the former Spectrum location, J. Priest Insurance provides all insurance services except health insurance.

“We offer auto, home, umbrella, life (individual and group), business, pet, disability, final expense, professional liability, financial planning, retirement planning and estate and wealth management insurance,” Priest said. “What sets me apart is my desire to educate clients and potential clients about the coverages afforded by their policies and how not all policies are the same. I'd rather be up-front about having a more expensive policy and tell someone they have a great policy and a competitive rate with their current company than try to hard-sell them on my product. Folks really appreciate that.”

He says Farmers, where he places most of his customers, is extremely competitive for people with multiple cars, accident-free records and few violations.

“The auto policies I can offer through Farmers are very comprehensive and can include pet coverage if they're injured in an accident; coverage for bikes and bike racks; skis and ski racks; electronic key replacement and more,” Priest said. “The home policies can offer ‘comprehensive; loss coverage, protecting against almost all types of losses except Flood, Earth Movement or things that happen over a longer period of time, like rotting or insect infestation.”

Priest started with MetLife Auto & Home in March 2018, and it was acquired by Farmers in 2021. He was previously a licensed sales and service "producer" with State Farm for about eight years, and then with Allstate for almost four years before being offered the MetLife agency opportunity.

“I was working as the Head Teller in a Key Bank when I was asked to come apply for a position at a State Farm agency,” he said. “My first day on the job, I was the only one in the office and my agent forgot to tell me about the alarm. I looked out the window and there were several police cars in the parking lot with their blue lights on. From the squad car speakers I heard, ‘Do you have keys to that office?’ I held them up to show them, and they drove away. The rest is history.”

For Priest, educating his clients is why he’s in business.

“It’s why my logo has a lighthouse, which is a symbol of enlightenment,” he said. “If someone doesn't have all the information they need to choose the right insurance coverage, they are being done a disservice. This could lead to a claim not being covered, and no one wants that.”

To learn more about electronic device protection or other insurance options through J. Priest Insurance, call or text 207-893-8184 or visit www.jonathanpriest.com. Find them on Facebook under J Priest Insurance Inc. <

Business Spotlight: Songo River Queen Bus

In the small towns of Maine, there are few things more exciting than a night out with friends. Whether it’s a concert in Portland, a casino excursion in Oxford, a hockey game at the Cross Insurance Arena, or a bachelor or bachelorette party that’s planned to last until the early hours, getting everyone to and from the event can be the trickiest part. That’s where the Songo River Queen Bus comes in. This new option gives groups a way to travel together, leave the cars behind, and turn the ride itself into part of the celebration.

Ryan and Kellyann Calvalho own the Songo River Queen
Bus, giving groups a convenient way to travel to events
together leaving the cars behind.  COURTESY PHOTO

The Songo River Queen Bus is owned by Ryan Calvalho and his wife, Kellyann. They also operate the Songo River Queen II and Songo River Princess, offering scenic and entertainment cruises on Long Lake, the Chute River, and Brandy Pond. They started the Songo River Queen Bus to bring a much-needed service to Naples. Their goal: where transportation meets camaraderie. Rather than organizing carpools, choosing designated drivers, or juggling parking at busy venues, small parties can book the bus and travel as a unit. Everyone boards together, arrives together, and heads home together. The stress of driving melts away, replaced with conversation, laughter, and anticipation for the night ahead.

One of the best parts of the experience is the sense of community it creates. For concerts, the atmosphere on the bus starts to feel like a pre-show warm-up, with friends sharing playlists, talking about the band, and getting into the spirit long before the music starts. At sporting events, the ride itself can feel like the beginning of the tailgate, with cheers and predictions bouncing back and forth across the seats. For bachelor and bachelorette parties, it provides a safe and stylish way to move between dinner, bars, and late-night stops without ever breaking up the group.

Safety, of course, is another major benefit. No one has to worry about who’s driving home, who is navigating unfamiliar streets, or where to find the car after a late night. By keeping everyone together and out of individual vehicles, the Songo River Queen Bus ensures that the fun doesn’t come at the cost of responsibility. Parents sending their kids to a game, friends planning a night in the city, or bridal parties celebrating their last fling before the ring can all relax knowing the ride is covered.

The bus is also practical. Parking at large events has become a challenge, especially when multiple cars are involved. Fees add up quickly, and finding spots near the entrance often means arriving hours early. By taking the bus, groups bypass the headache. Drop-offs and pick-ups happen closer to the action, and the night flows seamlessly from start to finish. It’s an especially welcome convenience for those who want to enjoy a party but don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving back at the end of the evening.

Beyond the logistics, the bus adds a sense of occasion. Stepping onto a private ride reserved just for your group transforms a regular outing into something special. The journey becomes an extension of the celebration itself. For birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions, it offers a chance to reminisce and share stories before the main event. For bachelor or bachelorette parties, it creates a festive, moving headquarters where the laughter never stops. Even a simple trip to a game can feel elevated when everyone is traveling together with the energy building along the way.

The Songo River Queen Bus is more than a ride; it’s an opportunity to reimagine how small groups experience local events. The bus can accommodate up to 50 people and is affordable, at only $100 per hour for a 4-hour minimum. As more people look for ways to spend time with friends and family without the stress of driving, this bus fills an important gap. It’s not just about getting from one place to another, but about making every part of the night, even the ride, memorable.

So, the next time you and your friends are planning a trip to a show, a game, or a night on the town, consider leaving the cars at home. Step aboard the Songo River Queen Bus, settle into your seat, and enjoy the ride. The destination will be worth it, but chances are, you’ll find that the journey is just as much fun.

The bus operates year-round. To reserve your date call 207-693-6861 or send a message on Facebook through the Songo River Queen II page.<

Business Spotlight: Renoster

Maine has long been defined by its forests. Stretching across millions of acres, these woodlands not only fuel the state’s economy but also shape its culture, wildlife, and sense of place. Today, however, Maine’s forests are being called upon for another critical role: fighting climate change through carbon offsetting.

Renoster is a company that has just launched a forest carbon
program and specializes in guiding landowners and
organizations through the complex but vital process
of forest carbon engagement. COURTESY PHOTO
 

At the center of this effort is Renoster, a company that has just launched a forest carbon program called Apollo. They specialize in guiding landowners and organizations through the complex but vital process of forest carbon engagement. By pairing Maine’s natural assets with innovative carbon market tools, Renoster is helping to ensure that the state’s trees remain one of the most powerful defenses against rising greenhouse gases.

Forests naturally absorb carbon dioxide, locking it away in tree trunks, roots, soil, and long-lasting wood products. This process makes them one of the most effective “carbon sinks” on the planet. In Maine, where forests cover roughly 90 percent of the landscape, the scale of this carbon capture is immense. Without them, Maine’s contribution to global emissions would be far higher.

Renoster emphasizes that keeping forests healthy and standing is just as important as planting new ones. Through carefully managed harvests, selective cutting, and conservation strategies, existing forests can continue to grow, absorb more carbon, and provide lasting climate benefits.

Carbon offsetting in forestry works by quantifying the amount of carbon stored and ensuring it is maintained or increased over time. Landowners who commit to climate-friendly management practices can generate carbon credits. These credits are then sold to companies or institutions seeking to balance out their emissions.

For many forest owners, particularly in rural parts of Maine, this provides a new revenue stream. Instead of relying solely on timber harvests, landowners can be financially rewarded for long-term stewardship. According to Renoster, this approach not only strengthens local economies but also aligns economic health with environmental health.

One of the challenges in the carbon market has been accessibility. Large timber companies have the resources to navigate the complicated process of carbon verification, monitoring, and reporting. Smaller landowners, who collectively own a significant share of Maine’s forests, often find the cost and technical demands overwhelming. Thanks to Renoster’s use of AI, LiDAR, and satellite data, they can generate high-quality credits at scale, with zero upfront cost and a minimum land size of just 25 acres – bringing small landowners into the carbon market for the first time.

While the primary goal is to offset emissions, the benefits of forest carbon projects extend far beyond climate. Carbon-focused forest management often improves habitat for wildlife, enhances water quality, prevents soil erosion, and sustains the scenic beauty that draws visitors to Maine.

“For generations, landowners in Maine have had two main ways to bring monetary value to their land—timber harvests or development. The Apollo program introduces a third option: forest carbon. It allows landowners to extend harvest timelines, grow larger and more valuable wood, and still generate income through stewardship. Growing big trees takes time, and the returns aren’t immediate—but it’s better for the earth, better for the industry, and better for Maine’s forests. Apollo gives landowners a way to invest in long-term forest health while contributing to climate solutions. That’s a powerful shift.” —Ted Wright, Outreach Forester, Renoster

Renoster highlights these “co-benefits” as a crucial part of the story. Protecting a stand of mixed hardwoods, for example, may store significant carbon, but it also ensures that songbirds, moose, and countless other species retain the habitat they need. Likewise, healthy forests protect watersheds that communities depend on.

Maine’s forests may feel far removed from global climate negotiations, but the reality is different. Every acre that stores more carbon contributes to worldwide climate goals. With companies like Renoster helping landowners navigate the carbon market, Maine is positioned to lead by example showing how rural economies, working forests, and climate solutions can coexist.

As demand for carbon offsets grows, the opportunity for Maine is clear. Forests that once primarily supported mills and lumberyards now carry a second role in stabilizing the climate. By aligning economic incentives with ecological stewardship, Renoster is helping Maine seize this moment.

For residents, the message is simple: Protecting forests is about more than preserving beauty. It’s about ensuring that the state’s greatest natural resource plays its full role in securing a livable future. And for the nation watching Maine’s example, it’s proof that solutions to climate change can be rooted in the very ground beneath our feet.

For more information and to see if your land is eligible call 207-358-9150, email: outreach@renoster.co or to learn more visit www.renoster.co <