FROM THE PRESIDENT A Call to Action
For over 100 years Mass Audubon has looked for ways to safeguard our feathered friends. And while we have made tremendous progress, there's still work to be done.
This has never been more evident, thanks to the release of our comprehensive State of the Birds report. While there is positive news, we cannot afford to overlook the fact that 39% of our breeding birds are decreasing in population and many rare species remain at risk.
With your help, we will continue to make great strides, not only in protecting our birds, but also the land they rely on and we enjoy so much.
— Laura Johnson, Mass Audubon President
Get a summary, download the entire report, and find out what you can do to help at State of the Birds online.
PROGRAM NOTES Top 5 Uses for Fall Leaves
Oh, leaves. There’s so much we love about you. The
first sight of your flowers in the spring; the sound you make when you blow in the
breeze during summer; your brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange come
fall. And then in the blink of an eye, you drop to the ground and become another thing on our to-do
list.
If this sounds familiar, don’t fret—we can help.
Before you break out the rake, check out our top 5 uses for fall leaves.
Read our top 5 leaf ideas and share your own on Facebook.
SNAPSHOT Where in Mass Audubon Are We Now?
Congratulations to everyone who guessed that the last photo featured in Explorations was taken at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable. Of all of those with correct guesses, Christine of Marstons
Mills was chosen at random to be the lucky winner of a pocket field guide.
Ready to guess another Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary? This sanctuary was established more than 60 years ago and is among the earliest in our now extensive statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries. From here, you can climb a 2,000-foot mountain for a view of the valley below.
Email your guess by November 15 and you could win a pocket field guide.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE Curious about Coyotes?
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George McLean© |
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If you think coyotes can only be found in the country, think again. These resourceful creatures have adapted to urban living and can now be found in suburbs and cities.
That doesn't mean you need to worry. In fact, coyotes try to avoid people at all costs. On the other hand, a cat or small dog could be perceived as prey by coyotes (though it's rare). Interestingly enough, the eastern coyote was once thought to be a cross between a coyote and a dog. Given that, what do you think the eastern coyote was originally called?
Find the answer plus more on details about coyotes in Living with Wildlife.
GET INVOLVED Help Us Prepare for Winter
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Volunteers at the Boston Nature Center.
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It's hard enough work to get your backyard ready for winter, let alone hundreds of acres. Which is why the staff at our wildlife sanctuaries could use your help.
Among the tasks on their fall to-do list: tackling invasive species, putting gardens to bed, and trail maintainence—not to mention all the help they need for any upcoming fall festivals or celebrations.
Find ways you can make a difference, get community service hours, and have fun while doing it.
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