Back to the Future: Union River Watershed Summit & Race
May 15 - 17, 2026, Moore Community Center, Zoom, & on the Union River
The Union River by Nikolai Fox
The Annual Union River Summit is an annual gathering focused on celebrating, learning about and enhancing the Union River Watershed, its environmental, cultural and economic significance in our region past and present, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and potential options for managing the river and the watershed for long term sustainability. This is a hybrid event (zoom, in-person indoor and outdoor) organized by Green Ellsworth’s Union River Watershed Action Team. Thanks to the generous support of Green Ellsworth’s non-profit partners, Downeast Salmon Federation, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, the summit is open to the public free of charge.
Back to the Future: Union River Watershed Summit & Race
Register, show up, and be part of shaping a healthy, sustainable future for the Union River.
We are proud to co-sponsor the Union River Watershed Summit & Race, an annual gathering right here in Ellsworth dedicated to celebrating, understanding, and strengthening the watershed that defines so much of our region's character.
Why this year is different
Yesterday, Maine's Department of Environmental Protection denied Black Bear Hydro's application for a water quality certificate for the second time, a significant development that gives this year's summit an added urgency. With the future of the river's management now more open than ever, the timing of this gathering could not be more important.
This year's theme, Back to the Future, focuses on both short and long-term river management goals and challenges, and on the leadership and partnership models that could guide the process ahead. The calibre of this year's speakers and the direct relevance of their expertise to this pivotal moment makes the May 15 and 16 programming especially significant.
Central to the summit is a deeply meaningful contribution from the Penobscot Nation, whose people have been stewards of this watershed for 12,000 years. Attendees will hear about the historic significance of the Union River to Wabanaki people, their enduring relationship with the land and water, and their active role today in river restoration on the Penobscot and beyond.
The summit is free and open to the public Free thanks to our non-profit partners:
The summit is free and open to the public Free thanks to our non-profit partners:
Union River Summit 2026: Schedule
Friday, May 15
4:00–6:00 PM · Zoom
4:00 PM Opening greetings & acknowledgements — Mary Blackstone, Green Ellsworth
4:15 PM Watershed Management Panel: Considerations, Approaches & Models— moderated by Nicole Grohoski, featuring speakers from Downeast Salmon Federation, Penobscot Nation, Orland Select Board, and Atlantic Salmon Federation
Register for the Zoom session at the link on the official schedule. This is a great way to join in even if you can't make it to Ellsworth in person.
Saturday, May 16
9:30 AM–4:00 PM · Moore Community Center, 125 State St, Ellsworth
9:30 AM Coffee, muffins & partner displays - Abbe Museum, Maine Audubon, Downeast Trout Unlimited, and more
10:15 AM Wechkotekuk and a Penobscot Sense of Place - James Francis, Director of Cultural & Historic Preservation, Penobscot Nation
11:30 AM The Watershed's Wabanaki History: Preservation & Education- Aaron Miller, Curator of Exhibits & Collections, Abbe Museum
12:30 PM Free lunch & visits to displays
1:15 PM Short video teasers: Cruisin' the Union River + announcement of 2026 Community Paddles
1:30 PM Environmental = Economic Management for the Union's Future - Austin Schuver, Land Protection Manager, Frenchman Bay Conservancy
2:30 PM Facilitated Wrap-Up Forum - Watershed Management Models Moving Forward
3:30 PM Nature walk - River Walk North: Birds, Fish, and a New Connection
Sunday, May 17
Race: Union River Paddle/Race - Graham Lake Dam to Ellsworth Harbor Park
9–10:30: AM Race registration at Graham Lake Dam, Rt 180 (Mariaville Rd) - $20 cash, proceeds benefit the homeless
11:00 AM: Race Starts - an American Canoe Association event. Helmets required. Come paddle or cheer from the shore!
After the race - Pot-luck mussel feed at Ellsworth Harbor Park
Questions about the race? Contact Angus Deighan at (207) 570-6695.
