Happy July, friends. Each year as we wrap up the busy month of June and gear up for the July 4th holiday, I find myself thinking about the notion of patriotism. Especially at this time of great political division, the meaning of that word seems especially important. More and more, I am hearing …
News
Thank you to Oxford Elementary School!
We were thrilled to learn recently that Oxford Elementary School (OES) students had voted to award a very generous check of $1,000 to Maine Audubon as part of a recent project they've been doing on citizen science. As part of their work, students invited author Loree Griffin Burns to talk with …
Sally’s Studies: Penobscot Pond Reflections
The pond was busy today. Tucked in a high knoll between Bald and Penobscot Mountains, surrounded by hillsides of grainy rock ledges and a waterfall of trees, the breeze skirted across the water and cooled my hot hiking body. The early afternoon sun was brilliant, so I sat in the shade to enjoy the …
“Grants for Teachers” Invests $10,000 to Engage Students in Habitat Stewardship
As part of the 2018 Maine Audubon Grants for Teachers Program, Maine Audubon has awarded 11 classroom grants totaling $10,000 to Portland teachers. The Spring 2018 grants program was administered by the Portland Education Foundation, with whom Maine Audubon has partnered to expand funding available …
The Maine Loon Count Turns 35!
It's nearly here! This year marks the 35th year that volunteers have been participating in annual Maine Loon Count. For three-and-a-half decades, dedicated volunteers have fanned out across the state to contribute to this important data-gathering event. This year, the loon project is proud to …
Nature Moments: Color and Communication in Turtles
Animals like painted turtles use different parts of their bodies to send distinct messages. Backs and bellies are designed to mislead predators, while faces, with their fine details, advertise a turtle's identity and quality to nearby competitors and …
Nature Moments: Benefits of Obesity in Woodchucks
Woodchucks are called groundhogs and whistle pigs for a good reason: they spend six months gorging themselves before going into hibernation. If they don't double their weight, they might not survive the winter. (Thanks to Chris Maher for sharing her expertise and Ariana van den Akker for her …
Hey Beachgoers, Watch out for Baby Piping Plovers
Headed to the beach to enjoy this wonderful weather? Be sure to be mindful of beach-nesting birds! This is a critical time for birds like the endangered Piping Plover. Coastal Birds Project director Laura Minich Zitske and her team have observed over 90 plover chicks on Maine beaches so far, with …
Honoring our friend and colleague Carroll Tiernan this weekend
Last summer, we lost Carroll Tiernan. Carroll managed the Maine Audubon Nature Store for over 30 years. Her kindness, dedication, and knowledge made her a Maine Audubon fixture, and she continues to be deeply missed. This coming weekend, there are two special events taking place in honor of …