Programs for 2008
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We are pleased to offer a variety or interesting topics, delivered by high quality presentors knowledgable in the topic. All are programs are free and open to the public. Pre-reservation is not needed except where indicated.
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Growing Shitake Mushrooms
Saturday, April 19, 9 am to 12 noon
Meet at the GLLT Office in Lovell Village (intersection of Routes 5 and 93)
A demonstration will be conducted throughout the morning on how to grow your own shitake mushrooms. Also known as oak-tree mushrooms, shitakes grow very well locally and are a great addition to the family forest garden and dining offerings. Tom Henderson, a grower for 10 years will demonstrate how to inoculate oak logs and care for the crop. The demonstration is an open house format for all ages. Participants can arrive at anytime throughout the morning. Dress appropriately as it is an outdoor activity.
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Natural History Talks Sponsored by the Greater Lovell Land Trust
Wednesday Evenings in July and August
7:30 PM Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
July 9: The Eastern Cougar: Fact or Fiction Kevin Harding, Amateur Naturalist
Several individuals have reported seeing a cougar in Lovell. Could it be that these fascinating predators are returning to New England, as did the coyote and fisher? Perhaps these sightings in Maine and neighboring states are just misidentifications or sightings of pet cougars that have been illegally released. We will look at all the evidence, learn how to identify cougar tracks and sign, and discuss the controversy surrounding this unique animal.
July 16: Tracking the Ghost Bear David Brown, Professional Naturalist and Tracker
Endowed by Native Americans with mythic qualities, the black bear slips through the forest in the gathering dusk like a ghost. But it leaves evidence of its passage behind that can be read by the careful observer. This slide program will present bear tracks and sign that can be interpreted to reconstruct much of the secret life of this fascinating wild animal.
July 23: Birdsong and Human Language: Same or Different
Moira Yip, Professor of Phonetics and Linguistics
In the animal kingdom it is the songs of birds, not the calls of primates, that most resemble human language. This talk looks at birdsong through the eyes of a linguist: how it is learned, the brain structures producing it, and the patterns of songs themselves.
July 30: Everything You Wanted to Know About Bats but Were Afraid to Ask
Sarah Blodgett, Naturalist and Environmental Educator
Bats have a bad reputation; however, they are actually very beneficial critters to encourage in your yard. Join bat lover Sarah Blodgett in exploring the lives of these mysterious creatures, and then step outside with Sarah and her secret bat detector to see what we can discover.
August 6: "Lovell Naturally" Dr. Robert C. Williams, Historian and Author
Explore the natural history of Lovell based on the author's research for his book, “Lovewell's Town, From Howling Wilderness to Vacationland in Trust” (2007). From the Ice Age to the present, Lovell and western Maine have been subject to natural forces - geology, geography, climate, water, the forest, wildlife, and ecology - unique to the region. The distinction between what is "natural" and "human" in our environment is not always as clear as it seems.
August 13: The Importance and Beauty of Mushrooms
Laurie Leonard, Past President of the Maine Mycological Association.
Laurie will discuss the importance of mushrooms and fungi in Mother Nature and, with the help of slides, will show their diversity and beauty. In addition, Laurie will discuss some of the characteristics to look for in trying to tell the difference between the deadly and the edible ones.
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For the Love of Lovell’s Loons
New Family Program
Where: The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
When: July 18, August 1 or August 8, 10 to 11 A M
What have you always wanted to know about Loons, but were afraid to ask? Please join us for a fun-filled and informative family event, specifically designed for parents and their children ages 6 to 10. Through the use of pictures, videos, props and a spirited discussion, everyone will be treated to a light-hearted look at the Loon. We hope that you and your children come away with a greater appreciation for this remarkable creature. We also hope to spark an interest that will last a lifetime.
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Natural History Mini-Course
Offered in July
The Greater Lovell Land Trust will be offering a free natural history mini-course this summer. The course will be held on two consecutive days, July 22 and 23, 2008, and is designed for anyone over the age of 18. Up to 8 people can be accommodated.
Many who participated in our programs have requested a more intensive experience to help them better enjoy their own forest walks. The goal of the program is quite simple—to enjoy safely the forest by getting to know it better. This program will cover:
Using Map, Compass and GPS
Safety in the Woods
Animal Tracking
Birding
Woodland creatures
Reading Historic Features
Basic Botany
In such a short amount of time, we will only scratch the surface, but we can certainly have fun in the process. This is not intended to be an athletic experience. It is hoped that many participants will also share their own knowledge on the topics. Most of the work will be field experience, complimented by suggested readings. Although you will be able to identify most of the common trees, plants and wildlife after the experience, the real focus is to understand how the forest works as a whole.
To register, please call the office at (207) 925-1056, or e-mail Tom Henderson at tomgllt@earthlink.net or Kevin Harding at kharding55@gmail.com. Details as to the time and place will be provided at the time of registration.
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A SLIDE SHOW AND WILDLIFE EXHIBITS
FEATURING SUE MORSE OF “KEEPING TRACK”
A nature photographer and nationally renowned tracker
AUGUST 16, 2008 6 TO 9 PM
AT LAKES REGION HIGH SCHOOL
BRIDGTON, MAINE
COFFEE AND DESERT TO FOLLOW THE PRESENTATION
The Greater Lovell Land Trust, along with the Lakes Environmental Association and Loon Echo Land Trust, is sponsoring an evening with Susan Morse. The program will showcase an extensive wildlife exhibit, including track molds, examples of wildlife sign, pelts, skulls and more. A slide show with stunning wildlife photography taken by Sue Morse herself will also be featured. This is a fun educational event for the entire family.
Susan Morse is a nationally recognized naturalist and habitat specialist with thirty years of experience tracking and interpreting wildlife uses of habitat. She has been an active participant in the Western Forest Carnivores Committee. She is also a founding member of the Northeast Carnivore Conservation Working Group. Her research focuses on cougar, bobcat, black bear, and Canada lynx.
In 2001 Susan was the recipient of the Franklin Fairbanks Award for her lifelong creative and dedicated service to enriching the awareness and understanding of the natural world among the residents of New England.
Susan founded "Keeping Track" in 1994 to train local trackers to locate and monitor wildlife in their communities to provide information to towns and regional land planners. Susan's work has been featured in many national publications including Smithsonian, Audubon, Vermont Life and “The Woods Scientist”, a book by Stephen R. Swinburne, published by Houghton Mifflin in 2002.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most talented naturalists in the country. Susan's presentation gives audiences the opportunity to enter the world of animals whose life and well being are essential to maintain healthy ecosystems and the quality of life that defines Maine.
Please contact Kevin Harding at kharding55@gmail.com if additional information is needed. We would appreciate a donation of $5.00 at the door.
