Nothing Less than Success

November 23, 2009

Topics: Conservation | Annual Fund

Year-End Check-in

Along with 100 other enthusiastic participants, Maine Audubon’s executive director Ted Koffman recently motored up the sparkling Kennebec River on a sunlit fall day for the 40th annual Maine Audubon boat trip up to see the bald eagles of Merrymeeting Bay.

Trip guides reported that when the first eagle-watching trip headed out in 1969, fish populations, contaminated with deadly pesticides, had plummeted, as had the number of Maine’s bald eagles. Only two pair nested in the state, and just two eagles were seen on the inaugural trip.

Forty years later, delighted participants counted 23 eagles and many nests woven into the branches of ancient white pines. State biologists report that nearly 500 eagle pairs now nest in Maine.

Ted was so inspired by this day of joyful connection with nature that he wrote to Maine Audubon members: “What we saw on that trip was proof of the power of conservation.”

Persistence, optimism, and people—like you—who care enough to act are the keys to conservation success stories.

Maine’s Senator Ed Muskie championed the breakthrough Clean Water Act that gave the nation healthier rivers. Rachel Carson prompted a movement to reduce the deadly effects of chemicals on people and wildlife. Charlie Todd and other Maine biologists led the efforts that have restored bald eagle habitat in the state.

Today, Maine Audubon is working for conservation success that includes protection for Maine’s treasured and nationally unique North Woods, preparedness for climate-change impacts to people and wildlife, and a reversal in the trend of too many young people spending little to no time exploring and learning about nature.

We’re educating people—community residents and public officials, thousands of visitors to Maine Audubon nature centers and sanctuaries, children and families— about why and how to take action for conservation.

At year’s end, please do all you can to help Maine Audubon keep conservation a top priority statewide - visit our secure webpages to give online to our Annual Fund.

May your holidays and the winter ahead give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular nature of Maine.