DNR Outreach Program

The Penobscot Nation Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outreach Program supports the Nation’s mission of environmental stewardship, land return, ecosystem restoration, education, and community engagement throughout what is now known as Maine. The program works collaboratively with Tribal departments, partner organizations, schools, agencies, and community members to increase awareness and participation in natural resource initiatives that protect and restore lands, waters, fisheries, wildlife, and ecosystems important to the Penobscot Nation. Through communications, education, public engagement, and digital outreach, the Outreach Program helps connect people to the work being done across all DNR programs while strengthening relationships between communities and the natural world.
What We Do
Community Outreach & Education
The Outreach Program develops and delivers educational opportunities for Tribal citizens, schools, organizations, and the public through presentations, workshops, community meetings, youth engagement opportunities, outdoor learning experiences, and public information sessions. These efforts are designed to encourage meaningful connections to the environment while sharing the Penobscot Nation’s ongoing work in conservation, restoration, and stewardship. Outreach activities also help create opportunities for collaboration, volunteer engagement, and community participation in projects related to fisheries, forestry, water quality, wildlife studies, and ecosystem restoration.
Communications & Public Engagement

A major focus of the Outreach Program is communications and public engagement. The program works closely with DNR staff and leadership to design, manage, and maintain social media platforms, public announcements, press releases, photography, educational content, and outreach materials that highlight the department’s work and priorities. Through
digital outreach and community engagement efforts, the program helps ensure that Tribal citizens, partner organizations, and the public remain informed about ongoing projects, restoration initiatives, public events, and opportunities to become involved in environmental
stewardship efforts across Maine
Events & Community Presence
The Outreach Program also coordinates and supports public-facing events on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources. This includes organizing educational events, representing DNR at conferences and community gatherings, supporting outreach related to fisheries and ecosystem restoration projects, and building partnerships with organizations and communities throughout the region. By maintaining a strong public presence, the program helps foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and encourage broader support for restoration and conservation initiatives important to the Penobscot Nation.

Graphic Design & Media

Graphic design and visual communications are another important part of the Outreach Program. The program develops outreach materials, educational graphics, event flyers, presentations, signage, social media graphics, and visual storytelling content that support DNR initiatives and improve public understanding of environmental issues. Strong visual communication helps make scientific and environmental information more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for diverse audiences while supporting the overall mission and identity of the Department of Natural Resources.
Working Together
In addition to outreach and communications, the program supports the Penobscot Nation’s ongoing land return and ecosystem restoration efforts by assisting with partnership development, public engagement, grant research, and communications that advance long-term stewardship goals. The Outreach Program works alongside DNR leadership, Tribal departments, nonprofit organizations, agencies, and community partners to help build awareness around environmental restoration,
cultural preservation, and the importance of Tribal sovereignty and land stewardship for future generations.

For outreach opportunities, educational programming, partnerships, or event collaboration, please contact us!
Contact Us
Carter Cates
Dept. Outreach Coordinator
(207) 852-3717
[email protected]
Aramish Barker
Fisheries Outreach Coordinator
(207) 394-0146
[email protected]
DNR Outreach Program
Department of Natural Resources
- Air Quality
- Analysis Of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives
- Brownfields Program
- Conservation Law Enforcement
- DNR Outreach Program
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- French Island Grant Narative
- GIS Mapping
- Hunting Permits / Information
- Invasive Species of Concern
- Natural Resources: Staff & Contact
- Penobscot Tribal Farm
- Repellent
- Town Guidance for Arboviral Infections
- Wabanaki Sustainable Energy
- Water (nə̀pi) Resources
- West Nile Virus

