Happy July, friends. Each year as we wrap up the busy month of June and gear up for the July 4th holiday, I find myself thinking about the notion of patriotism. Especially at this time of great political division, the meaning of that word seems especially important. More and more, I am hearing …
News & Notes
Thank you to Oxford Elementary School!
We were thrilled to learn recently that Oxford Elementary School (OES) students had voted to award a very generous check of $1,000 to Maine Audubon as part of a recent project they've been doing on citizen science. As part of their work, students invited author Loree Griffin Burns to talk with …
Sally’s Studies: Penobscot Pond Reflections
The pond was busy today. Tucked in a high knoll between Bald and Penobscot Mountains, surrounded by hillsides of grainy rock ledges and a waterfall of trees, the breeze skirted across the water and cooled my hot hiking body. The early afternoon sun was brilliant, so I sat in the shade to enjoy the …
The Maine Loon Count Turns 35!
It's nearly here! This year marks the 35th year that volunteers have been participating in annual Maine Loon Count. For three-and-a-half decades, dedicated volunteers have fanned out across the state to contribute to this important data-gathering event. This year, the loon project is proud to …
Sally’s Studies: Garden Delights
The soil is powder dry on top, but a few inches below I find damp dark brown dirt. So different from the sandy clay at my own home. Hopefully perfect for growing the vegetable seeds and seedlings I so carefully planted today. A friend has loaned me her garden spot this year as my yard is too …
Andy’s Note: Stop and Smell the Peonies
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 …
Sally’s Studies: Flocking Chickadees and a Prospecting Pileated
Flocking Chickadees Suddenly I was surrounded. I stopped, stood still. A flock of chickadees moved around me in waves like the sea gently moving towards shore. Several dropped down to the ground, others flew into the center of a small fir, others arched high into the trees -- each one searching for …
Funding available for western Maine landowners to manage woodlands
Do you own forestland in western Maine? Are you interested in improving fish and wildlife habitat on your land? If so, you may be eligible for funding through the Maine Mountain Collaboration for Fish and Wildlife project to improve fish and wildlife habitat and biodiversity in Western …
Pollinator Parade & Festival: Join the Fun!
As you read this, Monarch butterflies are making their way north from their overwintering grounds in Mexico -- according to Journey North, they've reached the mid-Atlantic states right now. By the time we see any in late summer here in Maine, these butterflies will have traveled almost three …