Following on last year�s popular introduction of a Plant of the Year, this year we have expanded our choice to name a Plant Genus of the Year: Swida, or shrubby dogwoods! The botanical name for shrubby dogwoods is Swida, recently changed from Cornus. They are part of the Cornaceae family, which also includes Benthamindia (Flowering […]
Media Release
Preparing for the April Eclipse: What Does Wildlife Do in the Dark?
Hopefully you’ve heard by now, but there’s a major astronomical event on the way. On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur over North America, and a big swath of Maine is in the “path of totality.” It’s going to be a big deal no matter where you are in Maine, so […]
Big News! Pickett Mountain Mine Proposal Rejected!
PICKETT MOUNTAIN MINING PROPOSAL REJECTED Decision comes after overwhelming opposition from Wabanaki Tribes, local businesses, and conservation groups February 14, 2024 (Augusta, ME) � The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has firmly rejected a mining proposal in Maine�s Katahdin region that was vehemently opposed by the Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, conservation groups, […]
Announcing the Fields Pond Winter Photo Contest Winner
Highlights and shadows cast by winter light captured water, snow, flora, and fauna in all the photographs submitted for the first ever Fields Pond Winter Photo Contest. Fifteen photographers submitted photos taken this winter at the center. Online voting took place between February 3 and February 10, and more than 375 votes were cast for […]
Fields Pond has a month of family fun this December
Embrace winter through wildlife this season at Maine Audubon�s Fields Pond Audubon Center. We�ve got a month full of activities that can help connect you and your family to wildlife and the outdoors, while still celebrating the holiday season. Fields Pond Audubon Center, just seven miles from Bangor, is a beautiful 229-acre wildlife sanctuary with […]
Numbers are in for Maine Audubon’s 40th Annual Loon Count
(Above photo: This striking photo was taken by Elizabeth Payne, an annual loon counter; used by permission) And just like that we have 40 years of loon count data for the state of Maine! On July 15, 1503 volunteer loon counters headed out to 374 lakes to gather important data, allowing Maine Audubon to calculate […]
Maine Audubon in Augusta: Important Final Updates
The Maine Legislature is nearing the end of an active and productive session. Though today is the last day on its formal calendar, there is still a lot of work to do and the Maine Audubon team expects that the Legislature will meet at least through the end of the week. Until then, we want […]
WIN! Gov. Mills Signs into law a bill that will help protect loons from lead poisoning
One of Maine’s most iconic wildlife species will benefit from a new law signed this week by Governor Mills that phases out the use and sale of small-sized painted lead fishing tackle. Common Loons can accidentally ingest lost or discarded lead tackle when it sinks to the bottom, causing illness and death. This new law […]
Join Maine Audubon’s 40th annual loon count on July 15
Early Saturday morning in mid July, on the shores of hundreds of Maine lakes, people are getting coffee and tea, studying maps, prepping their boats, dusting off binoculars, and meeting up with neighbors who they may only see this one time each year: They are getting ready for the Annual Loon Count. For four decades, […]