Maine Audubon Perspective

A Culture of Conservation

Have you ever wanted to explore the subtle varieties of goldenrods and asters in Maine? Do you have a passion for bald eagles, or lichens? Have you ever witnessed the spectacle of hawk migration, canoed the Allagash or sketched wildlife? From spring migration on Monhegan to watching moose in the Upper Carrabassett Valley, Maine Audubon’s wide array of field trips offers something for everyone. But a Maine Audubon field trip isn’t just an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, or weekend, or week and a half. It’s also an outstanding conservation opportunity.

At Maine Audubon, we see environmental education and nature-based activities as powerful tools for fostering conservation. Getting outdoors and into nature stimulates a passion for the protection of the natural world and leads to a “culture of conservation.” In short, people protect what they care about. Maine Audubon strives to foster that stewardship by getting people of all ages into the woods, on rivers and lakes, up mountains and onto islands to experience the real thing.

Watching wildlife is a growth industry. Here in Maine, as well as in other parts of the country and beyond, nature-based excursions can create employment and bring money to remote areas. The more revenue generated by the appreciation and preservation of nature, rather than its destruction, the more incentive local communities have to protect their natural resources. Across the globe, wildlife watchers are stepping into the role of conservationists, and we are happy to lead the charge.

We recognize, also, that more frequent adventures into nature, especially into environmentally sensitive areas, could lead to an ecological nightmare – doing damage to the places nature watchers seek to preserve. That’s why Maine Audubon takes measures to ensure the integrity of the places we visit. On a Maine Audubon trip, every effort is made to minimize our impact on the environment; is led by experienced, responsible naturalists and guides; and strengthens our conservation efforts. We, like many other environmental organizations, believe in “leaving only footprints” as evidence of our visit.

We’re practicing this philosophy in the trips and world tours that fill this issue’s pages. So, get outside during these warmer months. See a moose. Relax on the rocky summit of Borestone Mountain. Check some names off your life list. Experience the riches nature has to offer; it will invigorate your spirit and renew your inspiration to protect our forests, rivers and lakes and the wildlife that inhabit them.

See you in the field!

Kevin P. Carley, executive director