Our sanctuaries tell our story best, demonstrating what Maine Audubon is all about – helping people engage with wildlife and wild places so they better understand and cherish Maine’s natural environment.
Greetings:
I have just finished my first two weeks at Maine Audubon and WOW – we have a committed staff that is serving the state of Maine in so many ways. From protecting Piping Plovers along Maine beaches to surveying remote ponds in the deep woods of Northern Maine in search of brook trout, Maine Audubon is out in the field across the state, doing important work.
Our education programs take many forms, from summer camps to guided nature walks to our wonderful speaker series that brings world class leaders such as Dr. Bernd Heinrich and Dr. Doug Tallamy to Maine Audubon to share their experiences and talk about substantive issues that connect people with their natural environment.
What is also striking is the depth of commitment of our many volunteers, who have been working in different capacities at Maine Audubon – in some cases for decades – on any number of crucial projects. In our fast paced world, this sense of belonging and purpose is unique. This speaks to the difference that Maine Audubon has made not just for wildlife but also in the lives of real people.
In the coming months I look forward to getting out in the field and touring Maine Audubon sanctuaries and meeting our committed members, conservation partners and supporters. Walking around Gilsland Farm in Falmouth you can’t help but be impressed by waterfront views, rolling fields and apple orchard – a stimulating mix of natural landscape and historic Maine farmland in a visual balance. The diversity of sanctuaries and facilities managed by Maine Audubon and open to the public is striking. Our sanctuaries tell our story best, demonstrating what Maine Audubon is all about – helping people engage with wildlife and wild places so they better understand and cherish Maine’s natural environment.
Of course our great staff, compelling programs and sanctuaries need financial support and I have been impressed with the range of ways people can help. Now, I don’t know about your dresser drawer, but I have a lot of T-shirts. Yet, the special T-shirt designed by Maine Unites, was so catchy, relevant and fun, I bought them for the whole family. That’s good design and good fundraising!
So this is what a few days at Maine Audubon have had to offer me. I hope to help you have as rich and meaningful experience with Maine Audubon soon.
-Ole
Ole Amundsen became Executive Director of Maine Audubon in March 2016. He brings more than 25 years of experience in conservation leadership, with a focus on landscape scale conservation, environmental education and finance. Amundsen most recently served as program manager for the national land trust, The Conservation Fund.
Of course our great staff, compelling programs and sanctuaries need financial support and I have been impressed with the range of ways people can help. Now, I don’t know about your dresser drawer, but I have a lot of T-shirts. Yet, the special T-shirt designed by Maine Unites, was so catchy, relevant and fun, I bought them for the whole family. That’s good design and good fundraising!