Happy February, friends.
This is my first blog post as Acting Executive Director at Maine Audubon, but my relationship with this organization — and with its mission in particular — goes back a long way.
Growing up in Aroostook County, the natural landscape was more than the backdrop for all the exploring I did as a kid; it was a main character. Being outdoors is in my blood, and my love for exploring Maine’s iconic natural places and wildlife — by foot, by canoe, by kayak, you name it — continues today. It is a key part of what led me into a 34-year career at L.L. Bean, and to serve for 8 years on the Maine Audubon Board of Trustees.
The past month has been a wonderful whirlwind. There is always activity buzzing at Gilsland Farm and at our sanctuaries around the state. That’s one of my favorite things about Maine Audubon: the incredible range of programs our team is always working on, and the diversity of activities you can find here on any given day. It’s something I’m working hard to build on in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled for even more of the top-notch environmental programming you have come to expect from us.
This month is no exception: we have our fun-filled National Bird-feeding Month Celebration on February 4, followed by our Winter Family Day of Play on February 5 (part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend). We also have talks on birding with your smartphone, wildlife photography, and a live wildlife show. And don’t forget our February Vacation Camps in Falmouth and Bangor!
On top of all this, we continue to speak out on behalf of Maine’s wildlife and environmental interests. We are part of a coalition of organizations that is actively encouraging Sen. Susan Collins to oppose the confirmation of Scott Pruitt to lead the U.S. Environmental Agency, and we remain hopeful that she will do so — and, critically, that she will bring some of her colleagues along with her. Maine has a rich legacy of leading the nation to stronger, smarter environmental protections, and we are committed to doing our part to ensure that legacy is upheld.
I want to thank you for being a part of the Maine Audubon community. It’s your support that gives us the strength we need to provide our educational programming, conduct our conservation work, and advocate on behalf of Maine’s wildlife.
We hope to see you at one of our sanctuaries this month!
Sincerely,
Andy Beahm
