DEA SUMMER ‘25 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
To register for field trips, email deaudubon@gmail.com.
No need to register for indoor programs.
A TALE OF TWO BEACHES—
Causeway Beach and Scott’s Landing Beach, Deer Isle
Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 PM
What marine life lives in the intertidal zone? Are the rocks and sediment the same or different? How do the wind and the waves roll in? Let’s check out the seaweed and beach vegetation too. We will compare and contrast these beaches that are within walking distance from one another. The walk will be through forest and fields of an old farmstead that happens to be a favorite spot for local birds. Come explore with naturalist Martha Bell and investigate on this low tide afternoon. Meet at Island Heritage Trust’s Scott’s Landing Preserve.
TREASURES OF UGANDA
Thursday, July 24, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
In May ’25 avid travelers Jeff and Kathy Klofft went to Uganda with Natural Habitat Adventures. They captured many photos and gathered stories from several areas in the country, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where they trekked to see Mountain Gorillas. Getting to sit with these endangered animals felt like visiting cousins in their living room! They also took a boat ride into the Mabamba Swamp to see the infamous Shoebill, a target bird for anyone traveling to the country. Get ready for a great adventure!
BIRDING FBC COMMUNITY FOREST
Saturday, August 9, 7:00 AM
Franklin Rd, Hancock
Bird the flat, easy trails and gravel road through forest, field, and wetland with leader Jon Sargent. Get views of warblers, thrushes, and other favorites before they start heading south!
SEARCHING FOR SHOREBIRDS
Saturday, August 16, 8:00 AM
Flye Point, Brooklin
Join Tim Skillin to observe migrating shorebirds as they feast on organisms in the mudflats, gaining fat to fuel them south. Some may also be roosting in protected spots along the shoreline of Black Cove on Herrick Bay. Meet at 341 Flye Point Rd, Brooklin.
COLLECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ASH TREE RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF EMERALD ASH BORER
Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
The Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik (APCAW) is a group of indigenous and non-indigenous researchers, tribal members, and forest caretakers working together to bring more awareness of the cultural and ecological significance of ash trees and efforts to conserve them. APCAW continues the initiative set forth by the EAB and Brown Ash Taskforce, which began in the early 2000s to facilitate the collaborative capacity of Wabanaki basketmakers, Tribal Nations, state and federal foresters, and others across the region of Wabanakik to prevent, detect, and respond to the EAB. We offer training and guidance in research-informed strategies, such as monitoring, inventory, and seed collection, to protect the future of ash in the Dawnland that align with Wabanaki priorities. This talk by Ella McDonald will focus on some key strategies for responding to emerald ash borer as it spreads through Hancock County and what can be done to maintain ash on the landscape.
YARDENING FOR BIRDS, BEES, AND BUTTERFLIES
Saturday, September 6, 8:30 AM
Blue Hill
This 2.5-hour workshop with Leslie Clapp will cover the basics of how to make your property more attractive to our winged neighbors using creative techniques. Her 10-acre oasis in the middle of town has extensive gardens and landscaping with special attention given to native plants. Explore meadows, woodland trails, a pond and stream, annual garden beds, perennial borders, and more while watching for birds and various insects that call the place home. Meet at the Blue Hill Baptist Church.
HIKING WITH ALL THE SENSES
Sunday, September 7, 9:00 AM
Patten Stream Preserve, Surry
Join Maine Master Naturalist, Merrie Eley, on a 1.5-mile hike to explore the forest along the scenic Patten Stream in Surry. Listen to the birds and rushing water, taste wintergreen and other surprises, smell sweet fern, touch various lichens, and see the magical natural world in this special place protected by Blue Hill Heritage Trust.
IN-HOUSE MUSHROOM FORAY
Tuesday, September 23, 1:00-3:00 PM
Blue Hill Library
Mycologist David Porter will lead an illustrated discussion about diverse mushrooms found around the Blue Hill Peninsula. We will consider those that are edible, those that are poisonous, and those that are just plain beautiful. The foray portion of the talk involves bringing fresh mushrooms that participants have collected that morning to the program for us to examine up close and in person. Bring only one or two collections per person. They should contain several individuals of the same species and at different stages of maturity if possible. Use a knife or trowel to dig up the base of the mushroom in the soil – do not just break off the stem. Place your collection in a small paper bag or wrapped in waxed paper—not in a plastic bag! Make a note of any associated tree species or substrate type (on wood—hardwood or conifer; on soil— lawn or forest). This will be a foray that will bring to the table specimens from all over our area, not just from one small site. It should prove to be an interesting and educational experience!