Ecology & Wildlife
Why Rivers Matter in a Changing Climate
Protecting connected habitats is key to making the coast more resilient to climate change, and healthy, free-flowing rivers are among the most important types of connected habitats.
Large-scale Conservation Effort Makes Maine More Resilient
In September of this year, The Nature Conservancy acquired a 13,500-acre property west of Cherryfield to add to their Spring River Preserve, which now totals 23,500 acres. This is one in a string of conserved properties linking the Downeast coast to the northern forest.
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.
Invasive Plants and Why They Matter to MCHT
Our approach to managing invasive plants: know what invasive plants are present on a property, remove small to moderate infestations, respond immediately to new infestations, and monitor regularly.
On the Mission
MCHT President Tim Glidden reflects on our mission and how our organization has adapted to meet that mission in a changing world.
Bringing Back Alewives to Seal Cove Pond
MCHT is fundraising for a one-of-a-kind project to improve fish passage at Seal Cove Pond on Mount Desert Island.
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.