TheNatureConservancy

Buff Brook Clear Waters Run Deep uff Brook’s surface is transparency levels of diversity to Bin motion. It is revealed by the the preserve. dappling of sunlight, by a playful Along that eastern breeze, by the current skirting a side of the brook’s boulder or by the dizzying dance of steeply sloping banks, whirligig beetles. Beneath, the textures one finds less of the are of pale golden sand and ochre pitch pine and deep pebbles to depths of four or five feet. glacial sands which The view can be transfixing, even characterize so much exhilarating. of the preserve. In­ Buff Brook has etched the eastern stead, granite out­ boundary of the Waterboro Barrens crops with thin dry Preserve since the preserve’s dedi­ soils offer anchorage Buff Brook at Waterboro Barrens Preserve, cation in 1992. Now, a 240-acre for white oak and red a tributary of the Little Ossipee River purchase will secure the opposing pine while pocket shore as well. Running a mile along wetlands, formed in sions, provide habitat for Blanding’s turtles and other the brook, the new tract adds several basins and depres- amphibians. What may strike the hiker before these features, however, are the stone walls, remnants of agricultural and grazing fields. W olf trees, broad branched and hulking, still stand beside them, their shapes further evidence of the once open spaces in which they grew. Sheathed in lichens and bearded in moss, such walls pose inevitable questions: W ho hauled and fitted these stones and how

Continued on page two

The Buff Brook tract brings the Waterboro Barrens Preserve to 2,400 acres. Such acquisitions take on particular significance in a town like Waterboro, which is among Maine’s very fastest growing communities (only four other Maine towns grew as quickly in the last 30 years). » A t rie:i :q rlie habitation: stone wall and w olf tree. I j l h i tftW and healthy natural which begin at $1,000 annually, will resources. Included in be used to support the Conservancy’s the last section is an land conservation programs, promote ambitious goal to in ­ public awareness and leverage other ^ A crease M aine’s conser­ resources to achieve the 100,000 acre / 4 ° vation land base by ten goal. O 4 percent, approximately Over forty Maine companies have ^ Noc 100,000 acres, by the already joined the Council (see news­ y e a r 20 0 0 . paper reprint at right) and have Recognizing that this collectively donated over $100,000 to strategic vision will this effort. Governor Angus King everal years ago, the State only be achieved if its supporters lead hosted the Council’s first annual S Legislature chartered the Maine the way, The Nature Conservancy has luncheon at the Blaine House on June Economic Growth Council, a distin­ adopted the 100,000 acre conservation 10, at which he praised the The Nature guished group of business, civic and land benchmark, and has invited Conservancy, L. L. Bean and the other political leaders, to develop a vision Maine’s business community to join us business leaders in attendance for their for sustainable development in in making this shared vision a reality collaboration in support of this Maine. Administered by the Maine through our newly formed Corporate important public goal. The Governor Development Foundation, the Coun­ Conservation Council of Maine. also used the opportunity to reaffirm cil has not only developed a strategic Chaired by Chapter Trustee and his own commitment to renewed vision for the state, but has identified Portland Mayor George Campbell, and funding for the Land for Maine’s Future 57 specific benchmarks for achieving fueled by a $25,000 challenge grant program next year. that vision. from L. L. Bean (thanks to Chapter We are grateful to the founding The Council’s benchmarks fall into Trustee and L.L Bean President Leon members of our Corporate Conser­ six broad areas - innovative busi­ Gorman), the Corporate Conservation vation Council of Maine and look nesses, skilled and educated workers, Council is an opportunity for leading forward to working with them, and vital communities, efficient govern­ businesses to actively support land many others, in the years ahead to ment, state-of-the-art infrastructure conservation in Maine. Council dues, achieve our shared vision of a sus-

Buff Brook continued from page one A black wing sil- louette gives away long did they struggle to raise crops the p resen ce o f an and cattle on such poor soils? ebony jewelwing Buff Brook also shows signs of hu­ damselfly (Calop- man habitation. As the abandoned teryx maculata) fields above are reclaimed by hemlock as it rests on a leaf and white pine, the brook is under­ on the surface of going a rehabilitation of its own. Years Buff Brook. Also ago, a dam was built blocking the known as a dark stream’s progress, flooding its down­ wing damselfly, stream banks and changing its ecology. this common in­ Sedge meadows appeared and silt from habitant of swift the reservoir settled back along the moving streams stream bottom. was one of thou­ When storm waters breached the sands darting a- dam in the late 1970s, nature began bove the brook this its healing process. Today the sedge has summ er. begun its retreat while birches and poplars are retrieving their places. is often difficult to measure. Perhaps of Buff Brook. But then, one doesn’t W hat is lost and what is gained in we’ll learn something about the need such an ambitious reason to the process of disturbance and renewal equation by watching the clear waters spend time in so gentle a place.

2 - Maine Legacy, Summer 1997 tamable Maine — a place with good jobs, vital communities Transfer In Progress and plenty of land where Douglas Mountain we can all stretch our legs and renew boulder on the summit of Douglas Mountain is inscribed Non sibi sed our spirits. A omnibus - Not for one, but for all. T h is will continue to guide access to Douglas Mountain Preserve after the Town of Sebago takes title sometime this year. Sebago residents voted at town meeting this June to accept the preserve and the responsibility of maintaining it in its natural state. Over the years, the Conservancy has worked with the Town of Sebago on issues relating to visitor access to the mountain, chiefly concerns over too little parking for an extremely popular F u ll p a g e preserve. The town plans to close the display ads in small lot at the trailhead and open a the B a n g o r N ew s w e ek ­ larger parking area ju st down the road, end edition and the for which a parking fee will be charged. Maine Sunday Tele­ “W e’ve owned the preserve since gram announced the 1971, protecting its resources and support of founding welcoming visitors,” says executive members. The space was director Kent Wommack. “We are donated by the newspapers. pleased that local residents are taking on these duties and will share the preserve with others for whom visits to Douglas Mountain mean so much.” BRUCEKIDMAN

Douglas Mountain

The purchase of small inholdings to Conservancy preserves, such as a recent f ive-acre acquisition within our Back River Preserve, left, assure the integrity of a protected area, consolidate conservation ownership and allow the Conservancy to make long-range stewardship decisions with greater confidence.

Maine Legacy, Summer 1997- 3 L Isle des Monts-deserts Champlain called it in 1604, monument to the sculpting hand of Nature. Mount Desert impressed by the bold, bald peaks he saw from the sea. The Island has a timeless quality. Even Champlain was a late­ island, he wrote in his ship’s log, is “very high, and cleft comer. The Abenaki summered here, choosing Northeast into seven or eight mountains, all in a line.” Champlain Harbor at the mouth of Somes Sound for their encamp­ missed a handful of peaks when he described this 108 ments. Though we come amid the brilliant colors of Fall, square mile island, but not its breathtaking grandeur. we too will set up camp in Northeast Harbor for our Walk or bike the island’s famous carriage trails, canoe one Annual Meeting festivities - reception at the picturesque of a score of ponds and lakes, pick your way over cobble Tudor-style Neighborhood House at 5:00 p.m. and dinner at beach or granite coast, explore coves J_ W the Kimball Terrace Inn (with its view across the inner and harbors, hike over gently \ i M i harbor to the rounded hills beyond) at 6:00 p.m. This year rising mountain ledges, test V j™ M 4. William H. Krohn, who heads the Maine Cooperative Fish yourself on steeper trails - & Wildlife Research Unit for the U.S. Geological Service, or simply pause along the PS. You won’t will share findings from recent research that tell us where roads that weave aywant to miss our Maine’s greatest species richness, diversity their way along the 4.00 p.m. annual anda n a threats tm come together. The answer may shore. The island is business meeting at the surprise you. And our field trips will a magnificent Neighborhood House. That’s when take you to all the right places Executive Director Kent Wommack gives his with all the right people. slide show of recent and ongoing Conservancy projects.%

BILL SILLIKER, JR.

Annual Meeting BILL SILLIKER, JR. Field Trips

A. Islands of Blue Hill Bay Join longtime Conservancy steward Peter Blanchard aboard The R u ddy Turnstone for a cruise around the islands of Blue Hill Bay. Peter will show us a variety of islands and talk about their history and the conservation efforts underway in this area. An experienced naturalist, he will be able to point out seabirds, seals and other marine life. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $20 Limit: 9

B . Three Wet Worlds: Marsh, Bog & Forest Bring your canoe to the Bass Harbor Marsh for a fascinating look at some of the wetlands of Mount Desert Island. An ecologist from the University of Maine, Aram Calhoun will lead us through three different types of wetland ecosystems. Beginning at this estuarine system, we will paddle through a freshwater marsh on our way to a raised bog and a forest wetland. Aram will explain how these systems function and give us an opportunity to see the creatures living in these environments. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $8 per person/$16 per family Limit: 14

C . Fire Ecology and Fire History of Mount Desert long term effects of fire. W e will learn about fires Over the centuries, many fires have dramatically influenced Mount from 10,000 years ago as well as recent fire Desert Island. Bill Patterson, a fire ecologist at the University of activity, and how these fires have influenced the Massachusetts, has done extensive research in this area and will lead environment. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $10 this trip to several different sites on the island to show us some of the per person Limit: 12

4 - Maine Legacy, Summer 1997 D. Hawk Watch on Beech Mountain a drama which has been running here for hundreds of thousands of years. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $10 per Hike up Beech Mountain for a hawk’s-eye view of Long person Limit: 12 As ^ a n C i Pond and the rest of Mount Desert Island. Experienced O' birder Tom Hayward will lead us up into hawk territory O < 0 ^?/neC MPfer and point out birds all along the way. W e can expect to see confusing fall warblers at this time of year in the forest. The open ledges at the top of Beech 0 > E Indian Point-Blagden Preserve Mountain will offer a good BRUCE KIDMAN ► Explore this extremely popular Nature Conser­ possibility to see hawks. This 2.2 vancy preserve with resident caretaker and naturalist mile roundtrip hike is moderately Doug Radziewicz. We will experience a range of strenuous. Bring your lunch for a habitat types supporting an abundance of birds (bring picnic at the top of the mountain. your binoculars), hares and other wildlife. Doug will Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: point out the plants and birds of the forest, and then $8 per person/$16 per family take us down to the rocky shore for the chance to see L im it: 15 seals and osprey. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $8 per person/$16 per family Limit: 15

4 ^ n C j . Gray and the Green: Lichens and Mosses * 0 ^ , K If, among the vast vistas of Acadia National Park, you S* obev Big Woods Trail, should chance to look down, you will discover a Indian Point-Blagden Preserve fascinating small-scale world. On our moderate hike E When Mountains Bend and Seas Rise through the forest, Jim and Patricia Hinds will share their enthusiasm and expertise in lichens while Any Mount Desert Island visitor must wonder about the dramatic Marilyn M ollicone of the University of Maine points geological processes which have shaped this spectacular out many types of mosses.Time: 10 a.m. landscape. University of Maine geologist, Alice Kelley, will lead to 2 p.m. Cost: $8 per person/ . this trip to several sites on the island to examine different aspects $16 per family Limit: 15 More Trips of its bedrock and surface geology. You’ll have a front row seat at &

ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION FORM IMPORTANT - To register for an Annual Meeting Field Trip, CALL 207-729-5181. We will confirm your field trip registration on the telephone so that we can reduce disappointments and eliminate the need to return checks. With telephone confirmation complete, we will hold your reservation for ten days while you complete and mail this form. ln d ia n p 0 jnt-Blagden Preserve Mount Desert Island October 4, 1997 Registration: $6.00* x Number of people = Indicate letter of confirmed field trip(s) ______Field Trip Fee(s) =

For Saturday's Annual Meeting Dinner Ginger Citrus Chicken ($16) Toronado Rossini: Tenderloin in Madeira Wine Sauce ($20) . Fresh Vegetable Stir Fry ($16)

After confirming field trip T O T A L $ by telephone, please clip and mail with check to: BRUCE KIDMAN Maine Chapter NAME(S). The Nature Conservancy Fort Andross, Suite 401 ADDRESS 14 Maine Street Brunswick, Maine 04011 TELEPHONE (Home). (W ork )_ *A one-time registration fee of $6.00 is required of participants in any of the day’s events. We ask for this contribution to help defray the costs of organizing the annual meeting. Please note that field trips require additional fees.

Maine Legacy, Sum m erl997 - 5 Mount Desert Island is a,popular destination,. Please, tnak&your room reservation today.

H. Natural Communities on Champlain Mountain popular bay have been placed under protective status. On Botanist Jill Weber leads this moderate/strenuous hike up this boat trip around Frenchman Bay, Ben Emory of Maine Champlain Mountain and explains the interesting natural Coast Heritage Trust will show us some of these islands communities on the way. We pass through early suc- and the wildlife that is such an important reason to preserve cessional forest to a tarn with beaver activity, then through these island environments. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: pitch pine woodland and finally the bare rocky ledges at $30 Limit: 20 the summit of Champlain. The trail opens up for views along the way, and from the summit we have spectacular L . The Unrepeatable Peat Bog views over Mount Desert Island. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get your feet wet in a Maine coastal peat bog. Join botanist Cost: $8 per person/$16 per family Limit: 15 Sally Rooney for a bog walk and learn how peatlands came to be, why they are unique ecosystems and what plants I . Great Duck Island survive and thrive in these unusual conditions (hint: sphagnum mosses, sedges, ericaceous shrubs lead the list). Some of the best views of M ount Desert are from the waters Wear rubber boots or old sneakers - you will get your feet south of the island. This cruise out of Northeast Harbor w et. Peat bogs are very will take us through the Cran­ uneven terrain and may berry Islands and out to The pose difficulty for some. Nature Conservancy’s G rea t D uck Please remember to pack Island Preserve, Maine’s most a lunch. Time: 10 a.m. to important seabird nesting site. 2 p.m. Cost: $8 per per- The Conservancy’s Land Steward, son/$16 per family Limit: Kyle Stockwell, will tell us about 15 the history of the island and the many birds that nest here. Be­ About Annual cause Great Duck is quite ex­ Meeting Field Trips posed and may be difficult to ur trips are held rain reach in rough weather we will or shine - so please have an alternative plan to cruise O dress appropriately. Bring up protected Somes Sound for a a beverage, lunch, snacks look at this fascinating fjord, the depending on the time. only fjord on the Atlantic coast Field trips will leave Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $30 FRIENDS OF ACADIA sharply at times indicated. per person Limit: 20 The Beehive, Acadia National Park In most cases restroom facilities will not be avail­ J . Tour of MDI Biological Laboratory able. Because there are often waiting lists on these trips, and College of the Atlantic please notify us immediately if you will be unable to attend

Join us on this trip to two of M ount Desert Island’s foremost a trip for which you have registered. scientific research facilities. At MDI Biological Labs, Tom Koob will show us the sea water system on Frenchman Bay in which he raises skates, and tell us about his research with the material in the skate egg capsules. Through study Slate of Officers, New Trustees of this remarkable material he hopes to produce a synthetic Proposed For Membership’s Vote analog to be used in orthopedic surgery for children. We will then go to the College of the Atlantic and learn about 'he Board of Trustee’s Nominating Committee some of the research currently underway at this facility t proposes: the following slate of officers, board world famous for its studies of whales. Time: 10 a.m. to renominations-and new board members for con­ 2:30 p.m. Cost: $8 per person/$16 per family Limit: 15 sideration at the October 4, 1997 annual meeting: O fficers: Joe W ishcamper, President; Ala Reid, Vice K . Conserving the Islands of Frenchman Bay Chair; Roger M illiken, Jr., Vice Chair; George The islands of Frenchman Bay are both a glorious sample Campbell, Jr., Vice Chair; Madge Baker, Secretary; Wes of Maine’s island ecology, and a wonderful example of how Bonney, Treasurer. conservation efforts in Maine have worked to preserve this Renominations: George Campbell, Jr.; Charles natural beauty. Through the cooperative hard work of Duncan; John Lincoln; Richard Warren. several different organizations, many of the islands in this

6 - Maine Legacy, Summer 1997 Researcher David Brooks of Texas A&M a good deal of light on the Bay’s U n iversity ecosystem. Attending were local projected his fishermen, educators, aqua- animated com­ culturists, regulators, conser­ puter models of vationists, clammers and other the Bay’s tidal community leaders. The goal currents, fa r left. was to share the outcomes of Brian Beal, prof­ two years of marine ecosystem essor at Unive­ research and to solicit ideas - rsity of Maine and partners - for continued Machias, one of studies. The response was en­ many sharing thusiastic and the advice plent­ their ideas, left. iful and on point, a perfect blend of good science and good sense (a pairing featured in our recent and successful spring appeal on good part of the morning the Conservancy’s science-based conser­ A was spent in the dark - as re­ vation efforts). searchers shared slides and computer A Cobscook Bay Research Update is in generated images of their marine production. If you’d like a report on the research in Cobscook Bay. Still, a workshop, the research and our plans in Conservancy-sponsored community Cobscook Bay, please call or write Susan workshop this spring managed to shed Caldwell at the Maine Chapter office. Getting Their Say In Cobscook Bay BRUCE KIDMAN Paul Thompson of the Washington County Commissioners’ office poses a question, above. Below, researcher Peter Larsen of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences offers a response. Far left, Cobscook Bay Project Director Jim Dow records participant’s ideas fo r more progress.

New nominees: Joyce Coleman of Addison, Maine and Dallas, Texas is a long time supporter of the Conservancy in both states (she and her husband are already very active advising the Texas Chapter). Joyce is currently a Trustee of Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. He is a Kalamazoo College and chairs the college’s Development retired professor of wildlife at the University of Maine Committee. Ed Kfoury, head of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Orono. Bob Steneck is Associate Professor of Trust, was recognized as one of two Environmentalists of Oceanography at the University of Maine Darling the Year by Down East Magazine last year. Recently retired Marine Center and a member of the Board of the from IBM, he is opening a restaurant in Oquossoc. Ray Mainewatch Istitute. Bob was Project Director of the “Bucky” Owen returns to the Maine Chapter Board Institute’s hour-long documentary video on fisheries following his tenure as Commissioner of the Maine issu es, Under Water and Out of Sight.

Maine Legacy, Su.nmer 1997 - 7 eg, r s f b r fo d n a ss gra sedge, r i, audy Se e r ; 3 1 er b tem ep S Saturday, sic, w rro A 30 am. o . . a.m 0 3 : 1 1 to . a.m 0 :3 8 an eay Sme 1997 Summer Legacy, Maine - 8 ea t g dance n a id gu ith w began ene rgt Bel w lo e B right. e, reen G l s on t ver wher re e h w r e iv R k c a B e th n o ts e fla d serv u re m p e d h n T a . c fine e b e g n iver, R n e fferin K o k c a d e B an th e e th n am n w o d m its fro s t in t iew o e v p fe the 0 0 g 1 in iv g rly a e n rise sic rrow A f o tip rn e th u o s e th t A BRUCE KIDMAN gr i r sop t fe Stwat efer, F art tew S . feed e r e to h w p sto h s s r ird a grow, b m sh g tin lru u ra lt b ig a d s m an f ay h o rsh a s m e r lt c sa a rass, 5 g 7 rd co s e d lu c in cliffs Steep ivers. R ck a B d an c e b e n n e K e th f o Islan d , Bald H ead P reserve divides the w aters ® ® aters w the divides reserve P ead H Bald , d Islan ed dipl d o a on ed y la isp d seeds g u id e u s an d ta lk a b o u t n ew p u b lic lan d p ro je c ts nearby. feet. nearby. et w ts for c je ro p prepared d be ; g lan lic b crossin u p rsh a m ew n es t olv u v o in b a lk erate: ta od M d an s u e id u g P ro je c t D ire cto r for th e U .S. F ish & W ild life S erv ice, w ill ill w ice, erv S life ild W & ish F .S. U e th for r cto ire D t c je ro P ev y oak cy n serva n o C e c lci n llectio co eed S r preserve p m fro twad ate N ard stew d He e v r e s e r P d ea H ld a B le a f banner. f a le

m Field Fa 997 s i he owe bec ve ra SwetMas i o e on is arsh M ett w S area, er iv R c e eb n n e K er w lo e th in lso A oreown, udy Sptmbe 00 . t 1 00 . . p.m 0 :0 12 to . a.m 0 :0 9 ; 1 2 er b tem Sep Sunday, , n w rgeto eo G BRUCE KIDMAN BRUCE n h k Ri r e iv R ck a B the on wetMarsh M ett Sw p lan ts w ere lu ck y if th ey escap ed d e stru c tio n at the the at se n o th tio c nd A stru e d il. ed so ever y escap ts d ey lan san th p if e y y th ck hard lu ic in f an ere o w org ld l o g ts fu th d o rin lan an a fo p h e y t-b ly an n g trie ed u scrag n ain a f g o ly n ed o riv ep il, D so il. so p to ery v a five acre forest o f n o t o n ly its v eg eta tio n , b u t its its t u b , n tio eta eg v its ed p ly n o strip t n o tio n f ra e o p o g in forest in m acre eat p a five en h a w rlier ea ears y H eath P reserv e to u n d o d e stru c tio n created tw enty enty tw created n tio c stru e d o d n u to e reserv P eath H t he de pr etd peta . d eatlan p tected oodland w ro e p in p a f ite o h w a e edge b e day e th n o at ill w at h w to in d lan in P ortlan d cam e to th e F la g P o n d tra ct o f th e Saco Saco e th f o ct tra d n o P g la F e th to e cam d ortlan P in ni s nd, he d c t baren waste­ w n rre a b a d rte e v n co ad h ey th , d en ’s g in rn o m A any SwetMarsh a M ett w S t a y n ta o B . - In late May, fifty stu d en ts from W ay n flete S ch oo l l oo ch S flete n ay W from ts en d stu fifty May, late In rm ed w ith sh o v els, ra k es, an d sh arp stick s they they s stick arp sh d an es, k ra els, v o sh ith w ed rm ja b b e d , s c ra tc h e d , an d p o k ed th e earth . By By . earth e th ed k o p d an , d e h tc ra c s , d e b b ja t nough se t fl a l rs trash n llo a g 0 3 a fill to s seed h g u o en ith w her ems antd svea hundrd of the f o red d n u h fall, last eral sev d cte ted lle n o la c p s s seed team e r th e th ed o sow ts en d stu a The se wee t e r he inter. w e th er v o red sto ere w s seed e h T . can and ge, sed grass, f o rch sea in bags er ap p ith w to co m p le te th e w o rk . W h ile o n e team o f f o team e n o ile h W . rk o w e th te le p m co to ob se They hd go ucces, eur ng g in rn retu ss, e c c su d area oo g e th had y ss e h T cro a . t seed u o forb read sp y e th , g tin c lle o c ember, l ng seeds fom pl s ts n la p flat. d m san fro e th s f d o e e s s in e arg th g m e in t t th e c s n o lle g To o in c . row e g , r rv e se b re m P te p e th S a e H o c a S e th ith w resto ratio n p ro je c t in m o tio n , they visited last last visited they , n tio o m in t c je ro p n ratio resto ie ofuni td ATVs. A ited v in n u f o tires F o llo w in g a cra sh co u rse in b o ta n y and seed seed and y n ta o b in rse u co sh cra a g in w llo o F Waynfeesude saewelac i e ted ain u cq a ell w are ts en d stu flete n y a W e h T s prng, eds nd sude s eur d ed rn retu ts en d stu d an s seed , g rin sp is h T P*

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What They Reap 500 white pine seedlings donated by International Paper. The sedges and other plants will serve as pioneers, enriching the soil with organic matter while the pines get their roots beneath them. Eventually, says Nancy Sferra, Southern Maine Preserves Manager, some of the plants will be shaded out of the way by the growing white pines. The planters were followed closely by a bucket brigade responsible for watering each tender pine. The seeds have since sprouted and the seedlings have each grown an inch or so apiece. Pretty good. We expect the students are doing as well. • 5

NANCY SFERRA Team Effort From The Ground Up T hef Waynflete students’ work was sup­ plementedt by a number of groups and individuals who deserve our thanks. Site prep was done by volunteer Jim Hamlin, who spent two days on his bulldozer spreading stockpiled topsoil left behind by the mining company. Under a

ANNA SYLVESTER cost share grant for wetland restoration, Team work, above, prepares the the U.S. Fish and W ildlife Service ground and spreads the seeds. At right provided funds to purchase fencing to Jim Hamlin did the heavy lifting. And deter ATVs from entering the restoration top right, a gentle hand plants small site. International Paper generously but tough white pine seedlings. Before arriving at Saco Heath, the donated 500 white pine seedlings. Eight seedlings had already managed a northern Maine winter under a blanket employees of Maine’s Department of Environ­ of snow at International Paper’s reforestation nursery in Carmel. W hile mental Protection spent a day at the preserve the company’s Trees fo r Kids program donates seedlings to schools, the planting trees and installing educational signs rest of the nursery’s stock is used in reforesting Maine woods. and symbolic fencing. Volunteers Nyla Gardner, Elizabeth Loewald, Rich and Lynn Hubbard, Jim Hamlin, and Faith Thibideau returned several Fall at Big Reed Forest days after planting to water the white pine Ashland, Saturday, October 11 ; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seed lin gs. Visit the 4,800-acre Big Reed Forest Reserve this autumn to see the old-growth forest in the fall colors of sugar maple And noarfbr something completely... jree- and American beech. Fred Kircheis, of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Tom Rumpf, the Maine Chapter’s Director of Science and Natural History at Fernald’s Neck Preserve Stewardship, will be pointing out the forest ecology and Camden, Saturday, July 26; Thursday, August 14; animal habitats of the preserve. Strenuous: this is a long Saturday, August 30: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon hike over uneven ground with no trails. Preserve Steward Delia Farris will again offer free guided Field Trip Reservation Guidelines walks at the preserve to explain the natural and human Reservations: A must. PLEASE CALL the Maine Chapter at history of Fernald’s Neck. The heavily wooded preserve (207) 729-5181 during business hours. Space is limited to 15 encompasses forests, shoreline cliffs, frontage on Lake persons per trip and phone reservations are accepted strictly Megunticook and a large wetland. Bring a lunch if you’d on a first come, first served basis. If space is available when care to stay later than 12:00. Moderately strenuous. Please you call, you will be asked to send in the fee. Fee: Non-re- note: July 26 and August 14 for general audience; August fundable $15 per person, adult or child. Weather, etc: Trips 30 particularly suitable for family groups; Delia will place will be held rain, shine or snow - so please dress appropri­ emphasis on involving children in the natural world. ately. Restroom facilities are not available. Bring a beverage, Please call Delia at 273-3767 to reserve place. lunch or snacks depending on the time. (Note: trips 1-12 listed in previous issues.) Maine Legacy, Summer 1997-9 Opportunities

Crockett Cove Woods Cti _ Stonington U Saturday, August 16, 1997 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spend the day at this beautiful preserve as we blaze a new loop trail and close the old one. S o m e get O If you would like to participate, please contact sustenance from Shane Gebauer at 729-5181. being on the land; others prefer a Prescribed Burn Workshop juice bottle. It all York County location TBA depends on where Saturday, September 27, 9 am to 4 pm. you are in life. If This is a workshop for those interested in joining y o u fin d y o u r s e lf The Nature Conservancy's prescribed burn crew. at the p o in t o f life The morning will be spent in a classroom setting when protecting discussing the why and how of prescribed burning. land is increas­ The afternoon will be spent in the field learning to ingly important to sustaining your spirit, consider becoming use the tools and conducting a small prescribed a Maine Chapter Conservator. Conservators contribute $100 burn (weather permitting). or more to our annual operating fund. Every penny of their F o r more information, contact Nancy Sferra contributions stay right here in Maine, working hard to at 490-4012. protect the State’s native habitats fo r today and fo r all the tomorrows to come. We’d be glad to tell you more. Please give us a call at 729-5181

Our Friends Thanks to Chuck Lakin for ^constructing a custom built beach cart for use by jh the Piping Plover-Least Tern Biologists on Seawall Conservancy volunteers Looking For *r“J Beach; Lysie Brinker for a 10 horsepower tackle a wide range of duties - some in the field outboard motor; Joan Acord for loaning a and some in the office. These are assignments q ^ dissecting scope for use by intern Ann Loyd in usually carried out by staff, thereby stretching >—i <—] identifying dragonflys and damselflys in her our dollars, reach and effectiveness. Currently C* H surveys on the Saco River; Cynthia Lodding for we’re looking for a Preserve Steward for Hersey digitizing conservation maps; Jean Lufburrow for Cove Preserve in Pembroke; Transfer Stewards CD updating conservation records; John Hammond for for Forbes Pond Marsh in Gouldsboro and CD putting in the dock this spring on Damariscove Island; Montsweag Preserve in Woolwich; Conservation ^ Jim Hamlin and Stan Goodnow for help with shrub Easement Stewards for Coombs Neck on control at Kennebunk Plains; employees at Thomas Vinalhaven and for Great Wass Island in Beals. and Bett who participated in the United Way Day of W e’re hoping to find outgoing individuals or couples Caring by hauling brush at Waterboro Barrens and willing to commit a couple of days a year for at least cutting shrubs at Kennebunk Plains; three years. You will Wallace and Connie Blanchard, Lois We put donations of equip- need to reside in the W inter, and Charlie Gruber for their CZ) ment to very good use in research, local community, or help with maintenance at Waterboro monitoring and stewardship. W e’re very close by. That Barrens; Bill Taylor, Ken Hutchins, and currently looking for these items: way you’ll be able to Stan Good-now for help with boundary . step ladder and extension ladder for Indian keep an eye on the marking at Waterboro Barrens and Saco Point BlagdenPreserve maintenance; preserve, be aware of Heath; Jim Hamlin for installing a new . chain saw in good condition for clearing local activities that priming pump on our pumper truck; trails; may affect the pre­ Nyla Gardner for help caretaking at . one-person kayak (or canoe) for field work serve, interact with Douglas Mountain Preserve; and to new on the Saco River. visitors and landown­ volunteer Musquash Pond Preserve ers, and let us know if stewards Susan Cottle and Peter Moulton. there is need for staff action. In-terested? Please call Kyle Stockwell for details (729-5181)

10 - Maine Legacy, Summer 1997 The State of U.S. Plants and Animals dams.and pollution of victim a is mussel wartyback the white out, and Down 1997 Species Report Card

he good news first: About two- All this, and much more, you learn T thirds of the nation’s species on page one of the handsome 26-page appear relatively secure at present. 1997 Species Report Card, published by This includes most birds and mam­ The Nature Conservancy and compiled port, please call Meredeth W inter at m als. through the Natural Heritage Network, 207-729-5181. We’ll be happy to send And the bad news? The remaining state agencies and cooperating scien­ you a compli-mentary copy and our one-third of U.S. plant and animal tific organizations. An assessment of compliments on your concern for en­ species are in danger, with over 100 some 20,500 plant and animal species, dangered species. confirmed as extinct and another 400 unconfirmed but likely to have dis­ appeared forever. A salamander new to Those that depend on science, ancient on earth freshwater habitats - and critically imperilled. crayfish, mussels, fishes it is the most com­ -and amphibians - are suffering the prehensive appraisal Canon USA and The Nature Conservancy most. And well over 5,000 flowering available on the con­ h e Species Report Card is one of many plant species are in trouble. servation status of T Conservancy projects made possible by Canon species within U.S. USA. Recently, Canon Products at W ork contributed bord ers. some highly sophisticated camera equipment to the I f yo u ’d lik e a co py Maine Chapter, specifically for use in research and of this special re- stewardship at southern Maine preserves. Canon’s exceptional long term commitment to the Con­ servancy makes it our highest-level corporate supporter for unrestricted giving of all time. Between 1990 and 1997, Canon has given $5.5 million to TNC Last sighted (and killed) in New Mexico in 1906, the through their Clean Earth Campaigns. Since 1995, 1996 discovery of a jaguar in the corporation has supported the Conservancy’s the Peloncillo Mountains is a NatureServe: Science fo r Conservation rare piece of good news on program, which North America’s largest and is designed to promote biodiversity conservation by critcally imperilled wild cat. raising public awareness and advancing scientific knowledge. Canon support also makes possible the Conservancy’s new Wings of the Americas initiative, Memorials Robert Tinkham family which helps protect habitat for birds throughout the Sumner Waring, III A m ericas. Waldemar Argow Ralph Erskine John & Edmar Hoppe James Tower Muriel Babb Marion Nutting In Honor Other Organizational Support L.J. Feick Betsy Roberts Wedding of Carie Horwitch University of New England Sally Burbee Lester Roberts & Michael de Haan Richard Stuby Foundation Support Betsy Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Martin Haase Ruth Delvecchio The Abramson Family Jane Grammer Fo un datio n John & Lucinda Gross Clements Family Charitable David & Lucinda Lagasse We are grateful for... Trust Olivia Lyon James Schoener Corporate Support Roy Dowley Fund Jacqueline Martin Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Nichols David Rockefeller Fund Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Nelson Community Service Beatrice Stone S & G Foundation Grace Robertson Communications Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Beyna Peter & Gail Welch Penobscot County Conser­ David & Maureen Blades Priscilla Doran vation Association, Inc. Huntington Freedom Center Ethelyn MacVicar Rufus Deering Co. A nn e Pezan Helen Patasini &r Sebago Eneregy Conservation Bridge Club Members Corporation

Maine Legacy, Summer 1997 - 11 ^Excellence M T h e Nature, ■ 1 I ’ xecutive Director Kent Wommack and Cobscook Bay Project 0 , J—

Printed on recycled paper ® 12 - Maine Legacy, Summer 1997