Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative

Discover the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative!

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s mission is to inspire a deep connection with the natural world through immersive outdoor learning experiences with an emphasis on equity of access for all students. MOLI is committed to fostering curiosity, resilience, environmental stewardship and career exploration by creating opportunities for students to discover and learn in nature's classroom. Through partnerships between the Maine DOE, public schools, and community-based organizations, MOLI provides hands-on activities, collaborative challenges, and facilitated explorations, with an aim of cultivating a lifelong love of learning and a profound respect for the environment.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is a statewide effort to connect Maine’s young people to the outdoors through engaging, hands-on learning opportunities. 

Developed by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) at the direction of Governor Mills, the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is delivering on a promise made by the governor during her 2022 State of the State to provide children with more opportunities to learn about and explore Maine’s natural beauty and resources.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative (MOLI) is a statewide service to public schools and youth programs facilitated through DOE’s Office of Innovation.  MOLI serves Maine educators and students by:

• Supporting local schools’ outdoor learning programs with curriculum development, strategic planning, training, and professional development.      
• Providing outdoor education program design and consultation.
• Providing safety and risk management support to ensure proper guidelines, training, and safety protocols for outdoor exploration and adventure activities are developed locally.
• Supporting local schools’ place-based outdoor education by assisting schools with the development of outdoor learning spaces. Many Maine schools are located in areas where utilizing the local environment, ecosystems, and cultural history to enhance learning and relevance is available.
• Facilitating adventure and outdoor skills by providing opportunities for activities such hiking, kayaking, orienteering, and survival skills to build confidence and teamwork at the new outdoor learning space on Mackworth Island in Falmouth, Maine.

American Rescue Plan Act GEER, Reverted EANS Funding received from the USDOE support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $6.6 million dollars of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the USDOE or the U.S. Government.