University & Town Initiatives

Local Cooperation

Orono and the University of Maine cooperate in providing a variety of local services, including fire protection and wastewater collection and treatment. The University's and Town's recreational trails intersect, creating an extensive network for local and area residents and visitors. The Town and University jointly plan and fund the Black Bear Orono Express, the shuttle bus operated by Community Connector that runs between Downtown Orono and the University campus.

Orono is also a live learning laboratory for students. Students learn while providing valuable services to the Town. Recent examples:

• Two-year study to identify and field verify vernal pools (Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology)
• On-board survey of shuttle bus riders (Business School)
• Civil engineering design of specific pieces of Town infrastructure (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
• GIS analysis of rider potential for the Black Bear Orono Express (School of Economics)
• Assistance in preparing a marketing plan for Downtown Orono, in cooperation with the Orono Village Association (Business School)

If you are a student or faculty member at the University and have an idea that will help meet a Town need while providing a learning or research opportunity, contact the Town Manager or the Town department in your area of interest.