Happy February, friends.
Last month, I described the challenge of emerging from a warm bed on a January morning and rallying myself to thrust my body into the cold and darkness that accompany a January morning run. I noted that my indisposition quickly evaporates as it’s displaced by the delights of waking in harmony with nature.
During most of my outdoor adventures, my mind flips from a focus on making my Fitbit happy, to finding delight in observing my surroundings. I like being distracted by nature because it greatly increases the quality of my outdoor experiences…and helps me forget the fact that I’m expending energy.
I also like observing nature because it keeps me centered on what’s truly important. Noticing events and patterns in the natural world around me strengthens my relationship with the state I call home. Seeing a sturgeon jump just beyond the mouth of the Presumpscot River, or spying a school of Striped Bass chasing baitfish across the bay, reminds me that this is not simply a human world to be conquered and manipulated. There is so, so much more going on under the surface.
By virtue of our existence, we all have an impact on our environment. The challenge we face is to determine the nature of that impact — to diminish it, to mitigate it, to find ways to make it a net positive for all involved. Observing and comprehending nature helps inform those decisions, and reinforces the value of making the right ones.
Which leads to some important questions we should all be asking ourselves: “Am I spending enough time outside?” “Am I making the most of that time?” “How does my time in nature influence my day-to-day decisions?”
At Maine Audubon, we can help you make the most of your time in Maine’s magnificent outdoors. From exploring new ecosystems, to hearing from inspiring wildlife experts, to taking direct action as a citizen scientist, we always have something for everyone. Our digital and print communications are designed to complement those human experiences, providing high-quality information and storytelling about Maine’s iconic wildlife and habitat.
This month, you can join us to celebrate Groundhog Day, with events at both Falmouth’s Gilsland Farm and Holden’s Fields Pond. Renowned writer and naturalist Bernd Heinrich will be here on February 7 telling his favorite bird stories. And our awesome February Vacation Camp will be running as usual — bookended by the beloved Winter Carnival on February 16 and a Live Animal Show on February 22.
Come join us! When you become a member of Maine Audubon, you receive discounts on our wide range of programs, events, and products. Most importantly, you’re part of a thriving community of people committed to doing right by Maine’s wildlife and habitat.
