Meadows: Diversity in the Open Landscape – Webinar

Bursting with wildflowers, grasses, pollinators, and birds, meadows are among Maine’s most vibrant and wildlife-rich habitats. Join Maine Audubon’s Native Plants Program for a closer look at the meadow communities that provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat for an extraordinary diversity of species.

This webinar will explore the ecology of Maine meadows and grasslands, from naturally occurring openings to landscapes shaped by human activity. Participants will learn about the native plants that define these communities, the pollinators and birds that depend upon them, and the ecological processes that maintain open habitat over time. We’ll also discuss the challenges facing meadow ecosystems and practical strategies for creating and managing meadow-inspired landscapes at home.

As autumn arrives and many meadow plants transition into seed production, we’ll examine how these habitats continue to support wildlife well beyond peak bloom. Through photographs, seasonal observations, and examples from around Maine, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and ecological value of the state’s open landscapes.

About the Natural Communities Series

Every landscape tells a story. Join Maine Audubon’s Native Plants Program for an exploration of Maine’s diverse natural communities and the seasonal changes that shape them throughout the year. Through engaging online presentations, participants will discover how native plants, wildlife, soils, and environmental conditions interact to create the habitats that define Maine’s landscapes.

In September, we’ll explore the ecology of Maine salt marshes, examining how these productive coastal ecosystems support wildlife, protect shorelines, and adapt to changing tides. October’s program focuses on meadows and grasslands, highlighting the plants, pollinators, and birds that depend upon these increasingly rare open habitats. In November, we’ll step back to examine how different natural communities transition into the colder months, exploring the oaks and other keystone species that provide beauty and ecological value throughout fall and winter.

Whether you’re a gardener, naturalist, land steward, or simply curious about Maine’s ecosystems, this series will deepen your understanding of the natural patterns that shape our landscapes and inspire new ways to observe the world around you.

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email events@maineaudubon.org. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date.

This program will be recorded and made available to registrants.