#maineaudubon — Public Fediverse posts

#FalmouthME - #AllPersonsTrail Coming to #GilslandFarm

by #MaineAudubon Staff
September 22, 2026

"One of the hallmarks of Maine Audubon’s vision is to create #accessible, #inclusive, and welcoming #WildlifeSanctuaries that provide a haven for Maine wildlife and broaden access to nature and experiential learning for everyone. Stepping over tree roots, navigating an uneven path, and climbing up a grassy slope: these present unsurmountable obstacles for many people. With that in mind, we are thrilled to report that we have secured funding from the Recreational Trails Program, as well as Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, Fields Pond Foundation Inc., Athletic Brewing Company Two for the Trails, Martin’s Point Health Care, and other generous donors, which will enable us to construct an approximately 2265-foot-long All Persons Trail at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center this year. Opening week is scheduled for October 19 through 23; look for more details about the opening coming soon!

"Enormous thanks to the six wheelchair users who came in September to test the trail (still under construction) and offer feedback on the trail and signage, and many thanks to Alpha One for organizing this visit.

"The new trail will begin and end at the Visitor Center parking lot, go through forested areas, and along a boardwalk before emerging into edge habitat and open meadow, with three rest stops with benches. An additional 318-foot-long spur trail will reach a high vista point in the West #Meadow offering views of the #PresumpscotRiver #estuary, before looping back through a shaded mixed hardwood forest. Built to U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, the main trail will be five feet wide (six feet wide along the wooden boardwalk) with a wheelchair accessible hard packed stone dust surface. The average grade is 4%, with the steepest grade of 8% for 15 feet (on the spur trail). The average cross slope is 2%. The parking lot, which is 105 feet from the trailhead, will have two accessible parking spaces both of which are van accessible."

FMI:
https://maineaudubon.org/news/all-persons-trail-coming-to-gilsland-farm/?emci=d66ac962-abc1-f111-a6a9-000d3a56d2f7&emdi=66857edd-60c5-f111-bf5b-000d3a4fbe83&ceid=14973917

#SolarPunkSunday #AccessibleTrails
#MaineTrails #SpendTimeOutdoors #SpendTimeInNature #Accessbility

#FalmouthME - Volunteer Work Day – #InvasiveSpecies Removal and Mitigation

Oct 16 2026

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

"Help us manage invasive species at #GilslandFarm using mechanical techniques. Get some exercise and maybe learn a few identification and management techniques while helping preserve the #NativeHabitats present at Gilsland Farm. All are welcome; expect a quarter-mile walk on uneven terrain. Work will be outside, so please dress appropriately. Tools will be provided.

#MaineAudubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

FMI and to sign up:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/volunteer-work-day-october/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents
#SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Stewardship #CitizenScience #SpendTimeOutdoors #TreePlanting #Volunteers #InvasiveSpeciesRemoval #NatureCleanUps #PlantIdentification

Very cool! I was out hiking in this area a few weeks ago...

#PortlandME - Fall Community #TreeStewardship Day – #RivertonTrolleyPark, Portland

Oct 17 2026
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

"Join us at Riverton Trolley Park to help restore riparian and forest habitat near the #PresumpscotRiver, where dozens of large dead #AshTrees were recently removed [because of #EAB , unfortunately]. We will be planting small #shrubs and trees on the #riverbank and in the forest understory. We will meet in the parking lot and walk .25 miles to the river. We will be off trail in the woods to do this planting. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, and bring a full water bottle, garden gloves and your favorite small shovel if you have them. Otherwise, all tools and supplies will be provided.

This event is free and open to everyone aged 12+ (minors should be accompanied by a parent/guardian), but please register in advance to help us prepare adequate tasks, tools, and supplies.

#MaineAudubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

FMI and to sign up:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/fall-community-tree-stewardship-riverton/?emci=d66ac962-abc1-f111-a6a9-000d3a56d2f7&emdi=66857edd-60c5-f111-bf5b-000d3a4fbe83&ceid=14973917

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents
#SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Stewardship #CitizenScience #SpendTimeOutdoors #ForestHabitat #RiparianHabitat #TreePlanting

TODAY! #Meadows: Diversity in the Open Landscape – #Webinar via Zoom

October 13, 2026

Free program, donations encouraged [for some reason, they want payment information]

"Bursting with #wildflowers, #grasses, #pollinators, and #birds, meadows are among #Maine’s most vibrant and #wildlife-rich habitats. Join #MaineAudubon ’s #NativePlants Program for a closer look at the meadow communities that provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat for an extraordinary diversity of species.

This webinar will explore the ecology of Maine meadows and grasslands, from naturally occurring openings to landscapes shaped by human activity. Participants will learn about the native plants that define these communities, the pollinators and birds that depend upon them, and the ecological processes that maintain open habitat over time. We’ll also discuss the challenges facing meadow ecosystems and practical strategies for creating and managing meadow-inspired landscapes at home.

As autumn arrives and many meadow plants transition into seed production, we’ll examine how these habitats continue to support wildlife well beyond peak bloom. Through photographs, seasonal observations, and examples from around Maine, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and ecological value of the state’s open landscapes.

About the Natural Communities Series

Every landscape tells a story. Join Maine Audubon’s Native Plants Program for an exploration of Maine’s diverse natural communities and the seasonal changes that shape them throughout the year. Through engaging online presentations, participants will discover how native plants, wildlife, soils, and environmental conditions interact to create the habitats that define Maine’s landscapes.

In September, we’ll explore the ecology of Maine salt marshes, examining how these productive coastal ecosystems support wildlife, protect shorelines, and adapt to changing tides. October’s program focuses on meadows and grasslands, highlighting the plants, pollinators, and birds that depend upon these increasingly rare open habitats. In November, we’ll step back to examine how different natural communities transition into the colder months, exploring the oaks and other keystone species that provide beauty and ecological value throughout fall and winter.

Whether you’re a gardener, naturalist, land steward, or simply curious about Maine’s ecosystems, this series will deepen your understanding of the natural patterns that shape our landscapes and inspire new ways to observe the world around you.

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date.

This program will be recorded and made available to registrants."

FMi and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/meadows-diversity-in-the-open-landscape/

#MaineEvents #SpendTimeInNature
#Maine #Stewardship #SpendTimeOutdoors #Wildflowers #PlantIdentification
#WildflowerMeadows #BioDiversity

#FalmouthME - #SeedCollection & Processing #NativePlants Workshop

Oct 17 2026

#MaineAudubon, #GislandFarm

Morning Workshops: 9–10:30 am
Native Plant Nursery Open Shopping: 11 am–1 pm
Afternoon Nature Art Workshop: 1:30–4 pm

"This workshop introduces participants to responsible seed collection techniques, timing, and basic processing methods. We’ll explore how to identify when seeds are ready, how to collect without impacting wild populations, and how to clean and store seeds for future use.

Participants will gain foundational skills for growing native plants from seed and building their own seed sources.

$25 members, $30 nonmembers

Sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions on the same day and receive $10 off the total cost!

Morning workshops focus on practical seasonal skills such as seed collection, #PlantPropagation, garden maintenance, #EcologicalGardening techniques, and #HabitatStewardship. During midday open shopping hours, visitors can browse a curated selection of native plants and receive guidance from Maine Audubon staff.

Midday Native Plants Nursery Shopping Opportunity 11 am-1 pm Browse the nursery at Gilsland Farm and ask questions of our Native Plants team! It is the perfect time to purchase plants for the fall planting season!

Afternoon sessions feature nature-inspired art programming designed to foster observation, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Participants may register for individual workshops or make a day of it by attending multiple sessions. Programs are suitable for gardeners, artists, naturalists, and anyone interested in learning more about Maine native plants and habitats.

Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email [email protected]. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date."

FMI and to register:
https://maineaudubon.org/events/native-plants-workshop-oct/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents
#SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Stewardship #CitizenScience #SpendTimeOutdoors