Now that the temperature outdoors is moving up, it's starting to feel like spring has really sprung! One of the things that I look forward to each spring is the blooming of flowers. As I sit on my front porch writing this, I can see dandelions, violets, and wild strawberries in bloom on my lawn just …
News
How can I help baby birds?
It's nesting season for many birds now, and you may come across an abandoned nest, an egg that has fallen out of the nest, or baby animals that--to you--are just crying for help. What should you do? The same question will come up in mid- to late-summer, prime time for hatching and fledgling …
Sign our Petition to the Maine Climate Council
The Maine Climate Council is forging ahead in its important mission to develop a plan to help the state achieve its bold climate targets. In order for the Council to adopt a strong and effective plan with concrete steps that will grow Maine's economy, reduce air pollution, and build healthy, …
Connections: Observation Conversation 2
At the beginning of April, Early Childhood Education Program Manager Molly Woodring and Youth Programs Manager Catherine Griset had an Observation Conservation, where they shared tips on close observation of wildlife, making a “sit spot,” tools they use, surprises they have seen looking out their …
2020 World Series of Birding
We're taking part in a COVID-safe version of this famous birding competition, run by NJ Audubon, on May 9, 2020. A team representing Maine Audubon will spend 24 hours finding as many different bird species we can, trying to beat teams from all over the Eastern Seaboard. The event will be a …
Family Fun Connections: Exploring Texture
If you've ever been in a store, public bathroom, or museum with a young child, you know their urge to touch everything is strong. The good news is that, barring exceptions like poison ivy, nature is full of opportunities for truly hands-on exploration! Touching and manipulating the natural world …
Hooray! Hooray! It’s Endangered Species Day!
There once was a land that was teeming with Brown Bar-ba-loots, Humming-Fish, and luscious, beautiful Truffula Trees, or so goes Dr. Suess' iconic fable, The Lorax. Those Bar-ba-loots, Humming-Fish, and Truffula Trees were vital members of the fictional ecosystem that Dr. Suess created. However, …
Elementary Connections: Nest Building Season
What do birds use nests for? How do they build them? What can we observe in our own yards and neighborhoods as birds enter nesting season? It's that time of year! Many birds are gathering materials, starting construction, and even starting to care for their young around the state of Maine. Even …
Connections: Great Migrations, Part 2
Something's Fishy! Last week we looked at the current migration of millions of birds through the air, all making their way to seasonal feeding and nesting areas in our part of the world. This week, we'll be exploring another one of Maine's great migrations. This one is a bit more hidden from our …