Community science is a fast-growing approach of engaging people in nature and getting big, important data to scientists and decision-makers. Rather than relying on a few scientists to collect data, which is a huge and time-consuming task, community science projects utilize an army of volunteers with varying level of familiarity with science – from kindergarteners Read More
Protecting Wildlife
Critter Chatter – An April Reminder
When visiting at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center a couple of weeks ago, I asked Don Cote if he had any thoughts about what we should submit for the April column. Without missing a beat, he said spring is the time we need to alert people that not all young animals that appear lost Read More
Critter Chatter – Preparing for Spring
While the recent signs of an early spring encourage most of us to anxiously look forward to warmer days and more outside activities, this time of year is one of mixed emotions for Don Cote and the volunteers at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center. These last weeks of winter still require shoveling, plowing, and sanding; Read More
From “Steller” Occasion to “Golden” Opportunity
Maine has always been a destination for celebrities, but perhaps none has attracted so much attention or been seen by as many fans as the Steller’s Sea-eagle. This rare bird has been all over the local, regional, even national news, attracting admirers—including Natural Resources Council of Maine staff and members!—from across Maine and far beyond. Read More
Maine Environment Fall/Winter 2021 Newsletter
Maine Environment Fall/Winter 2021: What’s Inside! In this issue of Maine Environment, we feature a story about our work to close a loophole in Maine law that allows toxic out-of-state waste to fill our State-owned landfills like Juniper Ridge in Old Town. We also update you on our work to restore the Kennebec River above Read More
Critter Chatter – Changing Seasons
As most of our readers are excitedly anticipating the holidays and time off from work and school, daily chores at Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab continue, no matter the weather, dropping temperatures or reduced daylight. Carleen described preparation for winter in portions of earlier columns: From 2008: “The babies that arrived in the spring and summer Read More
My Maine This Week: David Small
“An annual trip to checkout the migrating shorebirds at the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge resulted in my finding several flocks of semipalmated plovers and semipalmated sandpipers foraging on the incoming tide,” writes NRCM member and frequent My Maine This Week photographer David Small of Old Town, Maine. “They blend in so well with the Read More
Congratulations, You’re a Birder!
“I’m not a birder, but I do enjoy my bird feeders.” We hear this a lot when we’re out and about, birding at a preserve or at a coastal overlook or some other place where others are out enjoying the same place. The conversation usually starts by them asking what we’re seeing for birds, and Read More
Critter Chatter – Three Little Kittens, Part II
When I stopped by to talk to Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Center today about this month’s column, I was surprised to find all but one carrier empty of critters! Usually there are a variety of newly admitted chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, possums, and young porcupines or raccoons in small cages or carriers in Read More