Nature Lovers
A whisker of shrewlets
When MCHT steward and nature bum Kirk Gentalen stumbled upon a whisker of shrews (as they say), he was in for a treat! These youngsters were far too busy feeding and playing to pay Kirk any attention.
Parasites are selfish, and so am I
For a nature bum like Kirk Gentalen, deciding what to write about can sometimes be challenging. Kirk sees cool things every day and there’s so much to choose from! In the latest Nature Bummin’ article, Kirks explores something that’s been hidden in plain sight!
Blood in the Tracks
The mother Fisher delivers a litter with one to six (average two – three) youngsters called “Kits”, born blind, helpless, and are partially covered with fine hair.
Writing the Land: Maine
“Writing the Land is an attempt to honor nature and our relationship with it in a way that is as equitable and transparent as it is deep and entangled. We intend to be as inclusive—to humans and places—as we hope the mantle of protection that land trusts offer can be.”
Late Season Peeping
We know why Peepers peep in spring, it’s to mate. At that time, their common name makes perfect sense. But why do Spring Peepers peep in the fall? In this Nature Bummin’ column, MCHT steward Kirk Gentalen sets out to solve the mystery of the Fall Peeper.
Saving Maine Marshes
Over the past six years, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has worked with partners to complete 36 marsh protection projects from York to Washington counties, conserving a total of about 1,800 acres of marsh and upland buffers.
Cherished Land Becomes an Open Classroom
MCHT collaborates with The Community School to protect important habitat and create permanent outdoor education space on Mount Desert Island.
Remaking Old Pond Marsh
MCHT is working with marsh scientists and restoration specialists to improve water flow at a marsh formerly manipulated for salt hay farming. Learnings from this experience will be shared across the land trust community.
Mornings Are For Otters
When is the best time to see an otter? Nature Bum, Kirk Gentalen gets this question a lot and has thought long and hard about when and where you’re most likely to find an otter. Read on to learn more!
The Curious Case of the Red Crossbill
Did you know it was the summer of the Red Crossbills? Well neither did most people, but MCHT Nature Bum Kirk Gentalen was well aware and eager to spread the word.
I Miss Dendroica…
After Nature Bum Kirk Gentalen’s favorite genus of warbler becomes absorbed by another genus, he begins to ponder the idea of change and how “we” (the royal “we”) adapt to it.
Favorite Tree – The Trail, The Blood, and The Fisher
A story about Kirk’s new favorite tree and the lessons it taught him.
A Calendar of My Own
If you live in Maine (or New England for that matter) you’ve probably experienced the turbulent transition from winter to spring. MCHT steward Kirk Gentalen has a solution and it involves using a calendar of his own creation.
What’s Your Favorite (Porcu)sign?
Tracking wildlife isn’t always about finding wildlife. More often than not, it’s about what you can learn from the clues that have been left behind. But sometimes, you might just be pleasantly surprised!
Friendly Neighborhood Thissells
“Neighborhood.” When you think about your neighborhood, you might be thinking about the people that live down the street or across the road. For Nature Bum, Kirk Gentalen, the word “neighborhood” extends beyond people. But, every once in a while, Kirk finds himself enjoying time with his human-neighbors. And even considers them friends!
You Had Me at Snow Fleas…
A story about love… Kirk’s love for tracking and snow fleas specifically.