Act Out Videos
Good Birding
Forestry for Maine Birds is a collaborative approach that integrates bird conservation with forest management. Many Maine bird species are in serious decline, and many landowners wish to manage their forests without contributing further to that decline. Read More
All woodpeckers drum, and there are distinct differences between them. Hairy and downy woodpeckers are the species most likely to be in your backyard. Read More
I speak woodpecker. It’s not a particularly useful skill, but it’s a fairly easy skill to acquire. Read More
Acadia on My Mind
Were you among the more than 640,000 riders of the Island Explorer in 2019, the Acadia bus shuttle's 20th anniversary year?
Well, you were part of the record setting year of ridership on the propane-powered bus line, which has transported more than 8 million passengers in and around Acadia National Park since its start in 1999.
Find out what's in store for 2020 and beyond, in this Q&A with Paul Murphy, executive director of Downeast Transportation, Inc., which operates the Island Explorer, with funding from Friends of Acadia, L.L.Bean, Acadia National Park and other sources. Read More
Eleven important Acadia National Park events shaped the decade at the Maine national park and left some lasting changes including new records in visits, the park’s 100th anniversary, a new superintendent, a presidential visit and a heightened awareness of climate change. Here are some… Read More
Social distancing — it’s not just for people anymore. Birds are migrating back into Maine. Their numbers will swell over the next several weeks. We humans could use a good outdoor distraction right now, and many Mainers have been looking forward to spring migration. Read More
In addition to keeping their preserves open to the public for recreation, several land trusts are finding ways to engage with the public and offer fun activities while encouraging social distancing. Read More
In response to a growing concern that COVID-19 could be transmitted from humans to wildlife, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has decided to take extra precautions while handling wild animals and will temporarily cease handling any bats for research. Read More
As the pandemic grows, hikers face the difficult decision to postpone their dreams or ignore warnings and forge ahead. Read More
Outdoor educators throughout Maine are stepping outside their comfort zones and producing videos for the first time, using whatever tools they have, even if it’s just a smartphone. Read More
Several Maine schools and organizations that specialize in outdoor education create videos and post them online as free lessons — and entertainment. Read More
Maine Woodland Owners announced the completion of the largest land donation in the group’s history on March 30, a gift of more than 2,000 acres in New Gloucester by the Chandler family. Read More
Still, it's important for outdoors enthusiasts to be reasonable in their recreational adventures during the next several weeks, and to observe appropriate safety precautions aimed at avoiding contact with others. Read More
Also known as mayflower or Plymouth mayflower, trailing arbutuses are low to the ground and slow growing. They are easy to miss because of their petite size, often three inches or less in height. Read More
In the new book “White Feathers: The Nesting Lives of Tree Swallows,” celebrated Maine author and scientist Bernd Heinrich again unveils just how surprising and complex nature can be. Read More
As people stay at home and practice social distancing during this stressful time, fairy house building may be just the thing to take people’s minds off the pandemic — even if it’s just for a few minutes. Read More
Are you looking for a fun, creative activity to do in your backyard? If so, the BDN challenges you to build a fairy house. Read More
Parks across Maine have closed due to overcrowding amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read More
Many people in Maine are turning to the outdoors to boost their morale and health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This, state officials say, is a good idea — as long as it’s done with social distancing in mind. Read More
Things are rapidly changing, but for now, the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state officials are saying it’s OK to visit trails, parks and other shared outdoor spaces — as long as you avoid crowds. Read More
