Our Conservation Crew has been busy, our summer projects are in full swing, and we are taking great advantage of this glorious weather!  And we have some information we’d like to share with you from the trail and beyond…

Community Work Party- this Saturday July 24th

Volunteers are needed at Mt. Agamenticus for a Community Workday this Saturday, July 24th from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM to help improve trails and grounds. 

If you have enjoyed summit views and the area’s 40 miles of forested trail, then please consider giving back to the natural treasure in your backyard by participating in a Community Workday.  You can expect beautiful surroundings and rewarding work that will repair and prevent further trail damage, widening, and erosion.  Volunteers may also be asked to help with painting trail signs, removing invasive plant species, maintaining native gardens, and performing various seasonal stewardship projects.

Everyone is invited to help. Work will begin at 9:00 am and continue until noon- rain or shine. Please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, and food for a picnic lunch at the summit of Mount Agamenticus.

Please contact me at robin@agamenticus.org or 207-361-1102 for more information and to confirm your attendance.

For a schedule of more volunteer work days please visit: http://www.agamenticus.org/pdfs/VOL-SIGN%202010.pdf

The Mount Agamenticus Learning Lodge is coming soon!  You and your family are welcome to come in for a “Sneak Peek” from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. 

You will be presented with a glimpse of what is to come when the Learning Lodge is established as a beacon of environmental education at the summit of Mount Agamenticus. 

The Learning Lodge is free and can be enjoyed by all ages.  All donations will go toward the development of this unique educational facility. 

As we expand, develop, move and transition the new Mt. Agamenticus conservation office, Learning Lodge, and meeting spaces we have found ourselves short a few items. 

We are seeking: A bookshelf; Paper cutter; Large conference tables; Portable display boards; Old style skiis, ski-boots, & poles (from 1960-1970’s); and Library books (esp. Children’s books and Nature themed books).

We are also hoping to upgrade some of our desks and chairs and are looking to outfit the new office kitchen. If anyone is replacing gently used pots, pans, bowls, baking sheets, cups/glasses, silverware, other utensils, etc. etc. - please do consider us!

Here is the latest on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100530-NEWS-5300330   

And as if HWA weren’t enough, there are a couple more insect threats to southern Maine…

The Maine Department of Agriculture and Maine Forest Service are hoping local citizens will help them in detecting two new and serious non-native invasive insects.  The Asian Longhorned Beetle has been detected in Massachusetts, with the latest ALB found recently in Boston.  The Emerald Ash Borer is also a great concern and has been found in Maryland.

Spread the word, not the beetles! Get all the latest news at: http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/pestsurvey/pestinfo/ALB/ALB.htm and

http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/whatsnew/eab_md.htm

Don’t forget to report wildlife crossings!  You can register here:

http://www.wildlifecrossing.net/maine/

Looking for something fun, active, and local to do?  For an updated listing of outdoor events and opportunities in the area check out http://www.gatewaytomaineoutside.org/

Thank you! Happy Trails! Robin

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund conserves wildlife and open spaces through the sale of instant Lottery tickets. With proceeds from ticket sales, grants are awarded twice a year, totaling approximately $700,000 annually. The seven-member Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board chooses projects in four categories that promote recreation as well as conservation of Maine's special places, endangered species and important fish and wildlife habitat.

If you are interested in other ways to support Mt. “A” please consider helping out on volunteer workdays, making a monetary contribution, or by supporting your local land trusts and their land conservation initiatives.

A Maine Haven September 28, 2008, Boston Globe