Facts about Maine

State Capital:  Augusta
State Gemstone:  Tourmaline
State Insect:  Honeybee
State Bird:  Chickadee
State Fish:  Landlocked Salmon
State Tree:  White Pine
State Herb:  Wintergreen
State Soft Drink:  Moxie
State Animal:  Moose

Maine is recognized as one of the most healthful states in the nation with summer temps averaging 70 degrees.

It is about as big as the other five New England states combined with 16 counties, with one of them being so big (Aroostook) that it covers an area greater than the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

With 6,000 lakes and ponds, 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, 17 million acres of forestland, over 5,000 miles of coastline, and 2,000 islands.

It has one mountain which is approximately one mile high, Mount Katahdin where the Appalachian Trail has its northern end or start.

It has 65 lighthouses, including Portland Head Light commissioned by George Washington which is on the quarter for the state coin.

It is America's largest wild blueberry growing state, raising 98 % of the lowbush blueberries in the U.S.

Known for its shellfish, it averages nearly 40 million pounds of lobster harvested annually.

Next blog I will  be sharing with you will be about the little town of Calais, the closest town to the refuge.