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Maine

Horned lark
Horned lark
©Lynda Richardson
Event: Grassland Birds Arriving
Where: Kennebunk Plains Preserve
When: April through May
Arrival of grassland birds at this fire-dependent sandplain. Grassland birds, such as the uncommon grasshopper sparrow, thought to be declining throughout its range, return to this coastal sandplain grassland to nest. At more than 1,000 acres, Kennebunk Plains is one of the largest sandplain grasslands to survive development pressures in New England. Horned larks return around April 15; upland sandpipers, around April 20; vesper sparrows, around April 30; and grasshopper sparrows, around May 20.

Open to the public. Facilities available: interpretive signs, parking.
Rhodora
Rhodora
©Jerry and Marcy Monkman
Event: Heathland Plants Blooming
Where: Saco Heath Preserve
When: Mid-May
The annual flowering of the heathland plants (rhodora, leatherleaf, bog laurel) takes place.

Open to the public. Facilities available: boardwalk, parking area, interpretive signs.
Blazing star
Blazing star
©Harold E. Malde
Event: Northern Blazing Star Blooming
Where: Kennebunk Plains Preserve
When: Late August through early September
Globally endangered northern blazing star blooms. Hundreds of thousands of 2- to 3-foot-high stalks, each covered with as many as 50 flower heads bloom, blanketing the rare grassland sandplain in a haze of color. The abundance of the northern blazing star at this southern Maine site is in stark contrast to the small and declining communities found at the plant's 67 other known sites.

Open to the public. Facilities available: interpretive signs, parking.
Piping plover
Piping plover
©Betty Cottrille
Event: Piping Plovers Returning and Nesting
Where: Seawall Beach
When: Early May through August
Federally threatened piping plovers return in April to coastal beach to lay eggs in 'scrapes,' shallow indentations made in the sand above the high-tide line. Nesting activities continue through the beginning of August. The plovers are declining through their range largely because of their need to nest on beaches attractive to humans. Maine Audubon plaver/tern warden maintains daily watch to prevent human (and canine) disturbance of these vulnerable birds.

For additional information on a particular location, click on the name of the preserve associated with the event or visit the Maine site.