If you are reading this blogpost on the Maine Audubon website, you likely: know about climate change and that we are already seeing its effects in the landscape all around us; realize that humans are the historical cause, the greatest ongoing contributors, and the source of all future threats around climate change; and share our […]
Maine Native Plants
Susannah Lerman talk to focus on the potential for yards to increase biodiversity
In a recent groundbreaking study titled “Humanity for Habitat: Residential Yards as an Opportunity for Biodiversity Conservation,” Dr. Susannah Lerman and her team of professional ecologists and conservationists have unveiled a paradigm-shifting perspective on urban biodiversity. Published in the esteemed journal BioScience, this research sheds light on the critical role that residential yards play in […]
Here’s how Swida Dogwoods provide nesting habitat for so many birds
Our 2024 Bringing Nature Home Plants of the Year, the Swida dogwoods, are an important group of plants for many reasons, but they are especially significant for a number of songbird species that nest in Maine. Red-osier, Silky, and Gray Dogwoods all form hedges and thickets in wetlands and field edges, which creates important habitats […]
Announcing the Bringing Nature Home plant genus of the year!
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 […]
Bringing Nature Home in February: Bird feeding, seed sowing, book reading, and more!
Bringing Value to your Winter Landscape with Native Plants: With the recent snowstorms across Maine, backyard birders may have noticed an increase in activity at their feeders. However, many concerned birders have reported decreased numbers at their feeders this winter. Fear not! The primary reason for less birds at the feeders is because there is […]
Want to grow your own native plants?
Did you miss out on our Native Plants Festival and Sale this season, or get so hooked that you want to learn more about growing native plants? We have many ways you can learn more about native plants at upcoming events this fall and winter! Collecting and sowing seeds from native plants is one of […]
Arborist Jeff Tarling joins Maine Audubon, introduces speaker series in October
When Jeff Tarling retired from his role as Portland�s Arborist in January, we were sad to see him go, but honored to have collaborated with him on many projects. Jeff worked for the city for 34 years and became well known for his passion for trees, his community engagement, and his commitment to the greening […]
Fall Planting Season is Here!
September is the new May for planting. In Maine, late summer into fall is the best time to get native plants in the ground. Benefits of fall planting include cooler temperatures, increased (continued) rainfall leading to reduced watering, and early spring growth. If you�re wondering what to add to your landscape, now is a great […]
Trees grow in Lewiston thanks to a community effort
On a blistering hot day this past July, if you were passing by 75 Lincoln Street in Lewiston, you would have been treated to quite a sight: about a dozen young women with shovels, rakes, and work gloves, working side by side with members of the Lewiston Public Works department, planting trees. The youth, members […]