Nature Lovers
Go with the Flow
A celebration of the first snow and the story of how Kirky (yep, he called himself Kirky) got his groove back.
Here Comes the Fall
Ever seen a cup mushroom forcibly remove spores? Want to? Check out this column all about mushrooms, written by MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen.
Long in the Tooth
The summer of 2021 was all about mushrooms, of all varieties. MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen focuses in on the extraordinary Hydnaceae mushrooms, also known as “toothed” mushrooms. Yeah, you’ll want to read more.
On the Hunt for Crowberry Blue
While working for Maine Coast Heritage Trust in conserved bog lands in Washington County in the summer of 2021, graduate student Laura Hatmaker finds, to her astonishment, a rare butterfly that hadn’t been seen in that location since the 1990s.
So That’s What Happens When It Rains in July
Lots of rain in July meant lots of mushrooms in the summer of 2021. And of course MCHT lands steward Kirk Gentalen couldn’t be happier about it.
June Backyard Birds—from Nestlings to Fledglings
MCHT land steward reflects on what he calls “baby bird time.” In late June, bird migration has waned somewhat but there’s still plenty to see in the backyard.
I Like to Bird Watch
Kirk Gentalen couldn’t host a spring bird walk at Erickson Fields this year, but he walked the preserve himself nonetheless and saw some cool birds!
Lights, Camera Phone, Action!
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen teases some of the fun nature videos he has in store for you.
A Tale of Ten Pellets
It’s early spring and MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen is all about woodfrog eggs and owl pellets.
Walking a Little Different Through the Woods
Questionable ice leads MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen to a Fisher discovery that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Once upon a Christmas Bird Count
MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen takes part in the annual Christmas Bird Count, yielding quality interactions and distractions and a surprisingly Owl-less day.
Midcoast Dusting and a Tracking Trifecta
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen loves winter, and so far the 2020 – 2021 hasn’t seen much snow and ice. But he’ll take what he can get and get out tracking when he can.
The Hunt for Woolly Alder Aphids
A hunt for woolly alder aphids leads MCHT land steward to find some rad mushrooms in alder wetlands.
The Transitive Property of Trifectas
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen ponders the prevalence of trifectas in nature observation.
Not Networking
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen does not appreciate being accused of networking. He does, however, love to hear about the cool stuff in nature you’ve been seeing.
A Jewel of a Distraction
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen tells us about one of his favorite fall flowers and the hummingbirds you’ll find taking in its nectar.