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FROM THE PRESIDENT
A Time For Transition
 When I arrived at Mass Audubon in 1999, I was proud to be named the seventh president of this great organization. And now, after 13 action-packed years, I have decided to step down later this year.
I'm happy to report that Mass Audubon is stronger than ever, thanks to people like you—our members, program participants, partners, and other supporters.
While I give you this news now, it will be many months before I officially step down. In the meantime, we have a lot to do! And I promise you, we will continue to move ahead together to accomplish our ambitious agenda of conservation, education, and advocacy.
— Laura Johnson, Mass Audubon President
Read a more detailed message from Laura, as well as a letter from Jonathan Panek, Chairman of Mass Audubon's Board of Directors..
GET INVOLVED
Greener Acres: Saving Sibley Farm
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| © Nathan Goshgarian |
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The economic
slowdown has created the most favorable setting in decades to advance land
conservation. Lower land costs and reduced competition from developers have created windows of opportunity that we hope to seize
before they’re lost.
One such opportunity is the extraordinary 352-acre Sibley Farm in Spencer, a
favorite of wildlife and hikers alike. We've teamed up with several conservation partners to save this land from development. But to succeed, we need your help!
This project needs your support. Help us protect one of the most spectacular undeveloped properties in central
Massachusetts.
PROGRAM NOTES
Top 5 Birds You Didn't Expect to See (Until Spring)
 Northern Cardinals. American Goldfinches. You expect to see these birds during the winter.
But Eastern Bluebirds? These harbingers of
spring catch many New England birdwatchers off guard. After
all, shouldn’t they be sunning themselves down south?
Not necessarily. Many birds
that have traditionally migrated are sticking around due to rising temperatures and more readily available food—a
trend that’s been increasing over the last 40 years.
Learn about five birds you may be surprised to see this winter.
SNAPSHOT
Where in Mass Audubon Are We Now?
Congratulations to everyone who guessed that the last photo featured in Explorations was taken at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
in Sharon. Of all of those with correct guesses, Merry from Amherst was
chosen at random to be the lucky winner of a pocket field guide.
Ready to guess another Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary?
The nature center at this sanctuary overlooks extensive wetlands, which attract many different types of birds including eagles like the one shown above. It also features innovative green technologies, including a 60 panel photovoltaic array, toilets flushed with rainwater, and a brand new electric-car charging station.
Email your guess by March 15th and you could win a pocket field guide.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
Facts About Fishers
 There
are a lot of misconceptions about the elusive fisher (known to some as the
fisher cat). For one, it's not a cat, but a relative of the weasel.
And, contrary to popular belief, it rarely screams (the sounds you may have heard are most likely made by red foxes).
Scream or no scream, its carnivorous (and solitary) ways have
kept most people at a distance. Curious about what one looks like up close?
You can now see one at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.
Question: Fishers are the only species to
deliberately target what animal as prey? Find the answer plus learn more
about fishers. |
