For many individuals in Maine, March means one factor: maple syrup. Throughout the state, sugarmakers are actually busy boiling maple sap into syrup. You may not see the connection to wildlife, however these exact same forests that make Maine one of many high three maple producing states additionally assist a number of the highest range of nesting birds within the nation.
In an effort to convey collectively Maine’s maple trade with hen conservation, Maine Audubon has partnered with Audubon Vermont, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and the Maine Maple Producers Association to convey the Bird-Friendly Maple program to the Pine Tree State. Developed in 2014 by Audubon Vermont, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation and the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s Association, Bird-Friendly Maple promotes forest administration that features consideration of hen habitat wants for species comparable to Scarlet Tanager, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Wood Thrush.
In recognition of those intentional efforts, collaborating maple producers are supplied with distinctive product labeling, signage, and different supplies to teach shoppers. Maine now has two maple producers formally collaborating in this system, with two extra poised to return on board.
Suzanne and Brian Dunham of Dunham Farm and Velvet Hollow Sugar Works, in Greenwood, had been the primary Maine maple producers formally acknowledged as managing their sugarbush with birds in thoughts by way of this system.
Jereme and Donna Frigon, house owners of Gray Jay Mapleworks, in Moose River, outdoors of Jackman, have additionally accomplished the evaluation and are signed up as official individuals. The Frigon’s focus is on creating scrumptious natural pure maple merchandise whereas defending the sustainability of the maple stand.
John Lee at Black Owl Maple at 21 Woodchuck Way, Jefferson and Bruce Pierce at A&B Maple Syrup, 1014 Sunday River Road, Newry, have additionally had hen habitat assessments accomplished and plan to participate in this system. Dunham Farm, Black Owl Maple Products, and A&B Maple Syrup will all be open for Maine Maple Sunday Weekend, March 23 and 24.
Steve Hagenbuch, Senior Conservation Biologist and Forester with Audubon Vermont and creator of the Bird-Friendly Maple program, and Consulting Forester Maren Granstrum visited Gray Jay Mapleworks and A&B Maple Syrup final fall to evaluate this system and provoke a hen habitat evaluation on their sugarbushes.
Sally Stockwell, Director of Conservation at Maine Audubon, says “We are excited to see the Bird-Friendly Maple program expanding in Maine. Bird-Friendly Maple aims to help both maple producers and birds that depend on sugarbushes for their livelihood. Maine forests are the ‘baby bird factory’ for over 90 species of birds, but they need high quality breeding habitat to successfully nest and raise their young. This program will help enhance breeding habitat for many bird species that are currently struggling and showing dramatic population declines across their ranges.”
Maine Audubon appears to be like ahead to partnering with different maple producers sooner or later. With the assistance of funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Maine Audubon hopes to enroll one other 15 to twenty producers in this system over the following two years. Jason Lilley, UMaine Cooperative Extension’s Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator, says “This is a terrific opportunity for maple producers to appeal to the public’s taste buds and concern for wildlife at the same time.”
Maple syrup lovers, search for the Produced in Bird-Friendly Habitat sticker when buying your syrup to assist each producers and birds!
For common data on Bird-Friendly Maple go to vt.audubon.org/maple. For questions on Bird-Friendly Maple in Maine contact [email protected].
