As we reach peak summer in southern Maine, it is hard not to think about climate change with every day that hits 90+ degrees. In addition to the heat, there are other extreme conditions that are being exacerbated by climate change. Although our native plants are adapted to a range of regional conditions, hitting those […]
Bringing Nature Home
June Phenology Report: Ecological Traps
June Phenology Report: Ecological Traps By Jocelyn LaClair, Seasonal Horticulture & Sales Assistant In the modern horticultural world, native species often take a backseat to non-native species selected for aesthetics and fast growth. But these choices can have devastating impacts on wildlife that often go unnoticed. Insects rely on specific host plants to develop due […]
Maine Audubon Celebrates Passage of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Legislation
Maine Audubon is pleased to announce the passage of LD 1323, Resolve: Directing the Board of Pesticides Control to Evaluate the Impacts of Neonicotinoids on Pollinators, Humans and the Environment in the Maine Legislature. The bill requires the state to further evaluate impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”) on pollinators and people. LD 1323 secured bipartisan […]
Bangor Fifth Graders Leave Living Legacy with Art and Plants
This year, students in Mrs. Grunder’s 5th grade class at Mary Snow School in Bangor embarked on a journey of environmental learning, creative expression, and community action. In January 2025, the class joined a Maine Audubon “Curious by Nature” online education session, where they met Annette Dodds and Greg Edwards, co-founders of Bangor Beautiful. The […]
PreK Planting Parties!
“I’ve never held a plant before!” “I don’t like it . . . I love it!” “I’m going to tell my mom we don’t have to go to the grocery store anymore.” This spring, all Portland PreK classrooms of more than 250 children and 60 staff were able to get their hands dirty with some […]
Learning that Sticks: Bangor Students Explore Watershed Health
This spring, fifth graders in Ms. Estes’ class at Mary Snow School wrapped up a yearlong investigation into watershed health with an inspiring environmental action project, thanks to support from the NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program. Their learning journey brought them from the top of Copeland Hill in Holden to the […]
May Phenology Report: Early and False Springs
Spring is alive and well in southern coastal Maine! The landscape is filled with all kinds of beautiful colors: white and pink petals everywhere, and the deep reds and bright yellow-greens of baby leaves. As the days get warmer, our insect friends emerge—so far I have seen American Lady (pictured above) and Cabbage White butterflies, […]
Native Plants Festival Special Guest Speakers Address Meadows, Bees, Rain Gardens, and More
Maine Audubon is pleased to announce its annual Native Plants Festival and Sale will take place this year on Saturday, June 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. The popular festival, designed to showcase and provide information about the importance of native plants, will take place at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Road, Falmouth. […]
Pollinator Spotlight: Solitary Bees
We’re using the time leading up to the 10th anniversary Pollinator Parade, hosted at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center on May 10, to highlight a few of our favorite pollinator species! If you have tickets to the parade, consider this some extra costume inspiration. And even if you can’t attend, we hope these posts will help […]