FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2010

 

FALMOUTH LAND TRUST CELEBRATES

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

 

9AM, River Point and Adam Property, Meet at the wooden bridge on the south side of the Hannaford parking lot, West Falmouth Crossing

 

CONTACT: Jessica Burton, 699-2989

                  Caleb Hemphill, FLT Board Member and Walk Guide, 878-9351

 

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            On May 8^th, the Falmouth Land Trust will host a Spring walk in honor of International Migratory Bird Day at the River Point and Adam properties. Caleb Hemphill, Falmouth resident, Board member of the Falmouth Land Trust, and birder extraordinaire will kick off the event at 9am with a short bird walk; binoculars are recommended. At 10am expert naturalist Josh Royte, from The Nature Conservancy, will lead a longer trail walk. The two properties are connected by a beautiful and innovative bridge, installed by the Falmouth Conservation Corps. This is a family-friendly event and leashed dogs are welcome. At the end of the trail walk, door prizes and complimentary refreshments will be provided.

            River Point, known historically as Three Rivers Farm, was used for thousands of years as a campsite by Native Americans as they traveled seasonally from Sebago Lake to the ocean. Both properties are also remarkable in the diversity of wildlife to be seen. Birds seen include red-tailed hawks, blue-winged warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and American woodcock. Deer, fox, mink, squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, voles, fishers, porcupines, New England cottontail rabbits and varying (snowshoe) hares are some of the mammals you might encounter. Wood, snapping and painted turtles; tree frogs and toads; and a variety of snakes also live there.

            International Migratory Bird Day celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas - bird migration.  It is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds, informed about threats, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats, can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations. The work of land conservation organizations like the Falmouth Land Trust is essential in the effort to conserve these birds.

            This event is the first in a series of events hosted by the land trust members of the Portland North Land Trust Collaborative. The events will all be focused on the theme of land stewardship and are funded by the Maine Community Foundation’s Fund for Maine Land Conservation and the Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund. Oceanside Conservation Trust and Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust will be hosting events this summer.