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 …
native plants
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Record what you see and contribute to community science
Whether you are already a keen observer of nature, or are just starting to take notice of those plants and animals around you, consider getting involved in a community science project this summer. There are many ways that observations from individuals can help naturalists, planners, city parks …
A Plant Festival for the record books!
This year's native plants festival was a huge success thanks to the incredible support of the Maine Audubon community! Dressed in their finest rain slickers, bean boots, and umbrellas, , people came out in record numbers, embracing what could have easily been written off as a washout! The resilience …
“Bringing Nature Home” in Guilford
During the month of May, Maine Audubon worked with students at Piscataquis Community High School to restore habitat and landscape interest on a popular path along their namesake river. This culminated in students and staff planting 180 native wildflowers, each species chosen for specific ecological …
Spring Garden Thoughts and an Announcement!
Springtime, officially beginning on the vernal equinox, has arrived. Our days are now officially longer than nights, and the birds of Maine are letting us know with their songs. As the temperatures rise and the soils warm, germination and growth of our native plants begins. Historically, with …