Happy June, friends.
Did you know Maine has more total annual hours of daylight than Florida? This is the month where that little-known fact becomes a little easier to believe.
There is so much going on in the natural world. Many species are focused on raising their families — and we all have so many hours of great daylight in which to observe from a respectful distance. I’m trying to be mindful about optimizing that time, getting outside and making note of the new sounds, the new songs, and the buzz of new families that’s filling the air.
One great opportunity to do exactly this took place over Memorial Day weekend, when the Freeport Birding Festival brought a host of activities and events to southern Maine, including some very well-attended nature walks and trips led by our staff naturalist. The grand opening of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center — celebrating its 45th year — was another important milestone.
Have you had a chance to observe this spring’s migration? What are you seeing in your own yard? If you’d like to see even more, be sure to check out the feature article in our summer issue of Habitat, our magazine for members. In it, Doug Tallamy lays out a compelling, accessible roadmap for creating a sanctuary in your own yard, just by planting the native plants that species need to thrive. (Not a member? Join now so we can put your copy in the mail.)
You’ll be so inspired, you’ll want to visit our Native Plants Sale & Festival on June 16. There you’ll find not only a wide selection of wildlife-friendly plants, trees, and shrubs, but informational exhibits, activities for the whole family, and experts on site who can help you restore your local ecosystem, one plant at a time.
And it wouldn’t be June without Maine Audubon’s beloved Peony Bloom & Ice Cream Social, happening this year on June 20. Please join us as we gather around the lovely, fragrant blooms and toast our longstanding members with ice cream, music, and fun!
Finally, this month marks my one year anniversary as Maine Audubon’s Executive Director. It has been an incredible year. Each day fills me with more pride and inspiration about all we are doing — our staff, our Chapters, our members and friends — to support Maine’s wildlife. The road goes on, and there is much left to do. Still, it’s important to remember to stop and smell the peonies — and to say THANK YOU.
