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November 2020
Centuries of Change in Maine’s Forests by Andrew Barton
Register Andrew Barton will describe how Maine forests have changed over the past several centuries in terms of tree species, forest structure, and the replacement of old growth with younger forests. He’ll highlight the ecological importance of older forests and some of the exciting strategies for conservation and restoration of these important habitats. Andrew Barton is a forest ecologist, science writer, and professor of biology at the University of Maine at Farmington. His research focuses on how forests are responding…
Find out more »March 2021
“Predators: The Balance of Nature” – a program by Chewonki
<strong><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TXggChZwSFinhZAiI0VsOA">Register</a></strong> Scary, disgusting, wicked, vicious: predators have a rough reputation in our society. Chewonki’s program, “Predators: The Balance of Nature,” explores the many commonly held myths about predators and works to dispel them. Highlighting the remarkable adaptations that help predators find and consume their prey, the presentation will engage participants with a vivid slideshow and lively discussion. Chewonki’s presenter will use the lens of food webs and natural cycles to explore problems faced by predators in our world, including…
Find out more »April 2021
Saving Seabirds: New Lessons From Puffins Speaker: Dr. Stephen W. Kress
Register Worldwide, about one third of all seabird species are now globally threatened because of effects of invasive predatory mammals, marine pollution, coastal development and effects of climate change. Against this grim background, Dr. Kress’s presentation about the restoration of Maine seabirds offers hope and inspiration that people also have the capacity to bring seabirds back to some of their historic nesting places and to be better stewards of nesting islands and the essential forage fish which seabirds require. The…
Find out more »May 2021
Peregrine Falcon restoration in Acadia National Park and Highlights of the Cadillac Mountain Hawk Watch Speaker: Ranger Patrick Kark
Register As one of the first locations chosen to recover peregrine falcons, Acadia National Park has a storied history in the recovery of peregrine falcons. Join Ranger Patrick Kark as he discusses the success of the recovery project within the park and the reach Acadia’s falcons have had far outside Acadia’s borders. Acadia also hosts the Cadillac Mountain Hawkwatch which will be entering its 27th counting season in 2021. Learn more about the experience of hawkwatch on the highest mountain…
Find out more »September 2021
What You Should Know About the Threat of Aquatic Invaders in Maine – Speaker: Roberta Hill
What makes an organism invasive? What threats do invasive organisms pose to Maine’s native ecosystems? How do invasive aquatic species impact humans? What are the drivers behind introduction of invaders to Maine and the vectors exacerbating their spread within the state? What are some of the invasive species we are most concerned about here in Maine? What is Maine doing to address these concerns? Importantly, what can WE all do to help? In her talk, Roberta Hill, Invasive Species Program…
Find out more »October 2021
Ethical Questions for the Outdoor Naturalist – Speaker: Doug Hitchcox
Birding, and other wildlife observing, provides an intimate connection to nature that makes us better stewards of the environment and even provides us with wellness and mental health benefits, but through our pursuits, are we doing more harm than good? In this program, Maine Audubon’s Staff Naturalist, Doug Hitchcox, will talk about many of the ethical issues that we confront as bird watchers, and dispel some of the myths that exist in our relationship with nature. Topics will range from:…
Find out more »November 2021
Unique Characteristics of Trees – Speaker: Patty Cormier
Why do trees have individual characteristics? Why is some bark smooth and some rough? Some light colored and some dark? Why are some leaves lobed and some smooth along the edges? Patty Cormier will answer many of these questions and more. This is, she says, one of her favorite topics. Patty Cormier was appointed as Maine State Forester in 2019. For the previous 20 years, she was a District Forester for the Maine Forest Service first in the mid coast,…
Find out more »March 2022
Invasive Plants in Maine by Hunter Manley
Hunter will be discussing invasive plants in Maine with a focus on their impact on wildlife and forestry. The growing prevalence of any of these species threatens the health of their host ecosystem, so identifying them early and planning for treatment is essential for maintaining productive habitat and forests. For the most common invasive plants in Western Maine photo examples of infestations and treatment will assist attendees in learning to identify and prevent the spread of these species. Hunter is…
Find out more »April 2022
Gardening to Please the Birds and the Bees by Gary Fish
If you have read Dr. Doug Tallamy’s books Nature’s Best Hope, Bringing Nature home and The Living Landscape you understand the importance of incorporating native plants into our landscapes. Many of our gardens are filled with plants from Asian and Europe which our native insects do not recognize as food sources. The lack of these insect resources impacts the ability of our birds to raise their young. Gary will give an overview of these concerns and provide resources and ideas…
Find out more »May 2022
Annual Warbler Bird Walk
Whistle Stop Trail, 7 AM, May 7th, rain or shine. Meet in the parking lot at the trail head across the street from the West Farmington Post Office. Drive in a short distance to find the parking area. This year lead by Nick Leadley, wild life photographer and accomplished birder
Find out more »Maine’s Damselflies and Dragonflies by Ron Butler
This presentation will begin with a general overview of the evolution, ecology, and behavior of damselflies and dragonflies (Order Odonata). This will be followed by a brief survey of some of Maine’s 161 known odonate species. Finally, conservation concerns for this important group of insects will be discussed, and resources to facilitate contributions by community members interested in furthering our understanding of Maine’s odonate fauna will be explored. Dr. Ron Butler retired in 2021 as Emeritus Professor at the University…
Find out more »New – Bird Walk on Perham Stream Birding Trail
Perham Stream Birding Trail, 8:00am, May14th. This walk will be led by Nick Ledley and is cosponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. For further information and directions
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