Nature Bummin'
Stories by MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen • Sign up for notifications of new Nature Bummin’ stories.
Clocking Changes at Calderwood
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen has learned to love walking the same trails over and over again (it’s part of the gig). And Calderwood Island has been one of his favorite places to return to for all the changes that have occurred there over the past decade-plus.
Cute Don’t Cut It
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen thinks flowers are just fine. Even cooler are the critters they attract.
Plant Strategies for Survival
MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen shares information about the survival strategies of several plants found in June in Maine—the pink lady slipper, the bunchberry, and the one-flowered cancer root.
The Friends of Oophila Amblystomatis
In his ongoing salamander egg studies, MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen learns about the super special algae that turns salamander eggs green.
Staying Local
Rather than traveling far afield to spot wildlife this spring, Kirk is sticking to his hood for the greater good. But still, there’s plenty to see—from muskrats to woodpeckers to spotted salamander egg masses.
Spermatophores Ring in Spring
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen is on the lookout for the harbinger of mid-late early spring (yes that’s confusing) and finds it in spermatophores.
Early, Edible, Poisonous, Rare
Naturalist and land steward Kirk Gentalen reviews some of the questions he’s most commonly asked, including, “Is it early for [insert creature name]?”
Learning with Kids – On Ice!
Kirk takes local fifth and sixth graders on an adventure to his favorite place—the marsh behind his house in St. George.
Tracking Animals at Erickson Fields
Bloody adventures from a winter tracking walk at Erickson Fields Preserve in Rockport.
Marsh Revisited
MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen pays a visit to his local marsh in February and finds some pretty cool creatures, including a beaver and a water boatman (that’s an aquatic insect).
Ice-fishing Spiders
How’s this for a headscratcher: hundreds of Six-spotted Fishing Spiders making their way across the ice in January? Kirk has more.
Fighting Distraction During the Christmas Bird Count
MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen takes part in the Christmas Bird Count and, as always, resists the temptation to track mammals.
Nature Never Stops
Has anyone else noticed it’s been a winterberry fall? Not sure what that means? Kirk will tell you.
Corals, Tongues, and Jellies
Forever on the search for cool mushrooms, MCHT land steward Kirk Gentalen gives “fall colors” a whole new meaning.
Merlins, Monarchs, and More on Monhegan
MCHT Land Steward Kirk Gentalen takes a trip to Monhegan in search of songbirds, and find many other cool creatures instead.
Same Spot, New Eyes
After an overseas vacation, MCHT Land Steward is back on Maine soil, and seeing the wildlife all around him with new eyes.