Land Stewardship
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.
A Summer in the Woods
2021 Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Intern Katherine Sullivan shares her experience working for the Land and Garden Preserve.
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.
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.
Reflecting on Reflections
MCHT land steward doesn’t usually go to nature for a sense of calm… he’s all about the wildlife activity! But still, quiet days at his backyard marsh have proven fascinating of late.
Where the Land Meets the Sea
Essay by Megan Grumbling, part of the Voices from the Coast project to celebrate people’s deep connection to the Maine coast and MCHT’s 50 years of land conservation.
The Hunt for Woolly Alder Aphids
A hunt for woolly alder aphids leads MCHT land steward to find some rad mushrooms in alder wetlands.
In Memory of Les Hyde
Les Hyde was a passionate advocate for land conservation in the midcoast. We honor him and his lasting impact on the coast with a special granite bench at Clark Island Preserve.