Community Science is your chance to join friends, neighbors, students, and teachers in collecting valuable scientific data on wildlife in Maine. Your sightings will help us better understand, protect, and conserve Maine native wildlife and habitat. From projects led by Maine Audubon to others spearheaded by the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, there’s something for everyone!
And I’m here to help you get involved. I’m Phil Keefe, Maine Audubon’s new Community Science Manager. I’m a wildlife biologist with experience surveying endangered seabirds in the mountains of Hawaii, searching for spotted owls in Oregon, and monitoring common loons in New Hampshire. If you’re interested in getting involved with any of the projects listed below, please reach out to me at pkeefe@maineaudubon.org to learn more or to sign up.
Maine Audubon Projects
Loon Count
The Annual Loon Count is the primary source of loon population data for the state of Maine, and we are always looking to expand the reach of the program into more remote and unsurveyed lakes. Whether you are looking for a fun single day activity on your local lake or to explore a new spot far from the beaten path, the Loon Count is a great opportunity! July 19 this year! Add it to your calendars!
Marsh and Stream Explorers
Marsh and Stream Explorers is the community-driven effort to help Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection gather important data about the water quality of local streams and wetlands through macroinvertebrate surveys. Have fun stirring up and identifying critters and make a difference in the protection of Maine’s watersheds. Required training will be conducted on Zoom on May 15 with an optional outside session offered at two different field sites, on May 28 and June 7.
Signs of the Season
Participants in this project help scientists document the local effects of global climate change in their backyards. Maine Sea Grant will offer in-person volunteer training for the Signs of the Seasons program, co-hosted by Maine Audubon, on Friday, April 4. Participants will learn about the goals of the program, learn how to make scientific observations of phenology (the study of cyclic and seasonal changes of plants and animals), practice on the grounds of Gilsland Farm, and leave with the tools and knowledge needed to observe and record changes in phenology in their own yard or community.
Vernal Pool Stewardship Award
Are you a landowner or steward of land with a vernal pool or possible vernal pool on it? People who commit to following specific practices and landscaping to protect vulnerable animals that depend on vernal pools such as the spotted salamander, wood frog, and fairy shrimp qualify for a Vernal Pool Stewardship Award.
Maine Audubon Backyard Bumble Bee Blitzes
Help expand the knowledge and database of pollinators in Maine! We’re still getting this project going, so stay tuned to attend one of Maine Audubon’s upcoming training sessions to learn how to catch, cold stun, and photograph bumble bees and how to conduct backyard bumble bee blitzes of your own! These photographs will contribute to critical data about the occurrence and distribution of North America’s native social bees.
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Projects
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife operates a suite of excellent community science projects, and they’re always looking for people to help.
Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlas
The Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlas is in its final year and is looking forward to rounding out a 36 year study with an outstanding final season! Learn more about what species occur in Maine and submit your reptile or amphibian observations here!
Maine Golden Eagle Study
Help understand the occurrence of the state endangered Golden Eagle! Place and monitor baited trail cams, report observations, provide bait, and take other actions to try to track sightings of this incredible and elusive raptor in Maine. Click here to learn more.
Rabbit Sightings
Maine’s native rabbit, the New England Cottontail is in sharp decline. Help MDIFW restore this species by reporting sightings of New England and Eastern cottontails. Learn more about how you can help the Rabbit Sightings Project.
Maine Owl Pellet Project
How much do you love owls? The Maine Owl Pellet Project is seeking to understand the diet of Maine’s owls and find populations of the state-threatened northern bog lemming they feed on! Search for, collect, and submit owl pellets. Perfect for community scientists of all levels and backgrounds, Learn how to find and submit owl pellets here!
