Past Events

<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…

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…

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…

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:…

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,…

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…

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…

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

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…