For those of you who don’t know Maine has a lot of islands and unlike many areas of the world there is a strong movement in Maine to protect and preserve their islands. Now one of Maine’s most famous island protectors is being honored with an award.  Robert Pawle, a volunteer skipper for the Maine Island Trail Association, was recently presented with the Margaret C. Emerson Award for his efforts to promote and protect the health and vitality of Maine’s coastal islands. A retired family practitioner from Falmouth, Pawle makes the rounds to islands in the Casco Bay region to pick up trash, debris and promote the association’s environmental education initiatives. Pawle said he got involved with the organization because he enjoyed boating and wanted to do something to protect the ecology of the islands. To read more about Mr. Pawle and his award visit the Portland Press Herald