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Andy’s Note: Spring Has Sprung — Statewide!

Happy May, friends. Can you feel it? The excitement is palpable!

May energizes me. Whether I head out the door at dawn, noon, or dusk, I can’t escape noticing the rising crescendo of nature. This is the season when careful attention to my surroundings is rewarded with delightful discoveries of new life.

Experience and curiosity has taught me to anticipate the mile markers along this journey between winter and summer. A walk just after dark has no purpose other than to listen for newly arriving Woodcocks. A scan over a lake that has barely transitioned from opaque ice to deep, clear water sends my eyes hunting for Common Loons. A morning run is a chance to brush aside leaf litter and see whether the Trout Lilies have emerged.

The overall effect of being outside in May is far more stimulating than a hike in solitary, reflective February. We’re surrounded by wildlife that is increasingly prevalent and boisterous. It’s impossible not to be buoyed by that energy.

At Maine Audubon, that also extends to our work life. This time of year, Maine Audubon’s staff doubles in size. Soon, the footprints of our staff and volunteers will be scattered all across Maine. Already, our Coastal Birds Project crew has hit the beaches to prepare for Piping Plover and Least Tern nesting season. Our Forestry for Maine Birds workshops kick off in May with sessions in Old Town and Belfast. Our Brook Trout Survey participants — who surveyed waters from Aroostook to York County last year — are signing up for another exciting season of finding and protecting new populations of Maine’s native Brook Trout. Beginning in May, you’ll also find our staff at birding festivals from Down East to Rangeley.

There are too many events and programs to list here — but I encourage you to explore our events website and join us all over Maine at any that appeal to you. Don’t forget to check the webpages for our Chapters, too — they offer many quality activities all across the state.

If you’re just looking to get outside and experience this energy for yourself, don’t forget that Maine Audubon has eight wildlife sanctuaries offering a wide variety of Maine experiences. (I have a special place in my heart for our spectacular 1,600 acre Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary near Greenville, where our staff is preparing for another great season.) Come see them for yourself! You can start by exploring them on our website, including a great aerial tour of each.

Come join us in the excitement of spring! Spend the summer with us — we’ll make it a season of learning and enjoying Maine’s iconic wildlife and habitat.