Mission and Overview

Hall students ponding

Our mission: Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Our vision:

We envision a world where healthy ecosystems abound; where everyone can experience the diversity and wonder of nature; and where science-based education and advocacy ensure that Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat are deeply appreciated and protected.

Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The oldest and largest Maine-based conservation organization, Maine Audubon has eight public centers and sanctuaries across the state, seven chapters, and 30,000 members, volunteers, and supporters, and connects with more than 250,000 people annually.

Here are just a few examples of what we do:

• Provide hands-on, experiential nature programs especially designed to excite curiosity and introduce the concept of wildlife stewardship to over 8,000 students a year.

• Promote public awareness of lake ecology issues through our annual statewide Loon Count and involvement in state lake policy initiatives.

• Lead walks, programs, trips, and expeditions that bring people into nature and help instill in them an understanding of and appreciation for conserving our natural resources.

• Monitor and manage the breeding colonies of endangered Piping Plovers and Least Terns to set them on the road to recovery.

• Advocate for local, state, and federal public policies that benefit wildlife and protect critical habitat.

• Lead education projects in schools, towns, and for the public around the importance of Maine native plants; we also grow and sell native plants every summer.

• Develop and promote tools for policy-makers, municipalities, and individuals to embrace renewable energy with wildlife in mind.

We want to extend a sincere thank you for your generosity in 2025. Because of you and your incredible support, Maine Audubon was able to accomplish big things on behalf of wildilfe and wildlife habitat. Take a few minutes to watch our Year in Review video for just a few of the highlights! In our January 2026 newsletter, we look back on some good news and milestones from 2025, and take a look ahead to important education and advocacy updates for the coming months.

An independent organization, Maine Audubon is not a chapter of National Audubon. We have an independent, collaborative relationship, and share conservation goals.