In This Issue

♦ Hummingbird Moths
♦ Optics Sale
♦ Bottle Bill
♦ Where Are We Now?
♦ Land Accreditation

Monitoring Monarchs

For the second year in a row, observers are noting very few of these beloved bright orange fixtures of summer.

Learn more about the situation and enjoy our Quick Guide to Monarchs.

Optics & Feeder Sale!

If you've been thinking of upgrading your binoculars or purchasing a bird feeder, now's the time. Many of the top optics manufacturers are offering incredible discounts and the Audubon Shop staff can help you find the best fit. Plus, Mass Audubon members get a double discount on all bird feeders through August 31.

Get the details!

Backyard Invasives

Invasive plants are among the greatest threats to the nature of Massachusetts because they out-compete, displace, or kill native species.

Read about four common backyard invasive plants.

Last Call for Photos

The deadline for the Mass Audubon Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest is quickly approaching. We are already in awe of the photos submitted!

Enter by September 30 and check out some of the entries on Facebook.

Check Your Trees

August has been designated Tree Check Month in an effort to identify and eradicate the destructive Asian longhorned beetle.

Find out more about the beetle and what to look for.

Workplace Giving

Mass Audubon is a member of EarthShare, a nationwide federation of the country's most respected environmental and conservation charities. Find out how you and your workplace can support Mass Audubon through an EarthShare New England charitable giving campaign.

Get the details.

About  Hummingbird Moths

	© Pauliina Swartz

At first sight, it’s easy to mistake a hummingbird moth for a very small hummingbird. The moth feeds on the nectar of flowers, its transparent wings beating so fast as to be nearly invisible.

Yet, this creature, also known as a clearwing moth, is part of the Sphinx moth family.

Take a closer look at hummingbird moths.

The Bottle Bill Needs Your Help!

Mass Audubon is supporting this November’s ballot campaign to update the Bottle Bill, the nickel deposit on beverage containers.

The updated bill would expand our container deposit system to include drinks such as water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. This won’t be easy since we’re up against well-funded opposition. We need your help to spread the word about Voting Yes on Question 2!

Register for an August 23 Leadership Trainings across the state, sign up to be a volunteer, and learn about the bill.

Where in Mass Audubon Are We Now?

Congratulations to everyone who guessed that the last photo featured in Explorations was taken at Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton. Of those with correct guesses, Jen of Milton was chosen at random to be the lucky winner of a pocket field guide.

Ready to guess another Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary?

This quiet wildlife sanctuary is located off the beaten path in central Massachusetts. A cozy, furnished cottage, available for Mass Audubon members to rent May through October, sits near a large pond and comes with a canoe.

Email your guess by September 15 and you could win a pocket field guide.

Land Trust Accreditation

Mass Audubon is currently applying for accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This national program, launched in 2007, encourages nonprofit land trusts to employ national quality standards in their work to preserve important natural areas, farms, and forests.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Mass Audubon complies with national quality standards on the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

The public comment period on Mass Audubon's application is open through November 23. 

Connect With Us

Keep up-to-date, share photos and wildlife sightings, and more!