Winter Wildlife Sightings Abound
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Capturing the beauty of the Maine Coast and observing its many alluring critters can be a never ending endeavor. While most visitors only venture to the coast of Maine during the warmest months, MCHT's Regional Steward Kirk Gentalen is busy capturing images and tracking wildlife throughout the year.
As a Regional Steward, Kirk's job, among other things, is to oversee the management of MCHT's protected areas on Vinalhaven. Throughout the year, Kirk also leads dozens of tours for MCHT members and folks in the community to explore the island's amazing natural places and to provide insights into the area's native flora and fauna. 
In fact, this winter he has scheduled three snowshoe/winter walks for different regions surrounding the Basin.
The Basin is a spectacular natural area that has been jointly protected and is jointly managed by MCHT and the Vinalhaven Land Trust. A collection of preserves and land protected with conservation easements, the Basin is comprised of more than 1,000 acres of diverse coastal habitats and is blessed with many miles of hiking trails. In sum, it provides an ideal backdrop for snowshoe enthusiasts in search of resident wildlife and captivating coastal scenery.
This winter's first excursion is scheduled for Sunday, January 29, with two more to follow on Saturdays, February 11 and 25. 
Vinalhaven can be reached via a 75-minute ferry from Rockland. In addition to offering stunning views of the Camden Hills and the islands of Penobscot Bay, the ferry ride provides an excellent opportunity to view sea ducks and other marine animals. If you cannot make it to Vinalhaven this winter, stay tuned for future opportunities this spring and summer. The island is a great place to view returning songbirds and resident raptors.
Whether or not you are able to join Kirk on an upcoming walk and talk, one thing you definitely do not want to miss is the Vinalhaven Sightings Report. Jointly sponsored by MCHT and VLT, this engaging blog provides regular updates on what Kirk and others are encountering on their adventures throughout the wild places of Vinalhaven. The blog is updated roughly twice a month and includes captivating photography, short videos, informative insights, and even a bit of humor. The most recent post brings to life Maine's coastal environment in the heart of winter.
For more information on upcoming field trips on Vinalhaven or to learn more about the Vinalhaven Sightings Report, please contact Kirk Gentalen. If you are coming from the mainland and would like to participate in one of the field trips, please contact Kirk in advance so he can make sure ample transportation will be available on the island.
