The Wonder of Nature's Stories - "Sense of Wonder in the Field" Blog Series

In the latest blog post in the “Sense of Wonder in the Field” series, Helen Manning relates the importance of sometimes just slowing down and allowing the story of how an individual or entire species survive tell its tale. In doing so, and combining this with the data collected, wildlife biologists can piece together the puzzle for safeguarding long-term survival of a species; in this example, the least tern. Find your favorite chair, relax and enjoy!

https://medium.com/usfishandwildlifeservicenortheast/sense-of-wonder-in-the-field-8c15405b407f

November Sense of Wonder Art Contest Photography and Poetry Winner!

We are pleased to announce the winning photograph and poem for the November “Refuge Landscapes” theme in the Sense of Wonder Art Contest. The winning photograph was taken by Carol Estes on the Carson Trail and is titled “Crossing Over.” The winning poem was also written by Carol Estes and is titled “Preserving Fortunes.” Carol’s photograph and poem will be published in a 2022 wall calendar commemorating the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Congratulations to Carol and all those who sent in beautiful submissions this month! The December theme is “People on the Refuge.” Poetry and photography submissions are now being accepted! Please see contest details here.

Winning photograph by Carol Estes, titled “Crossing Over,” for the November Sense of Wonder Art Contest theme of “Refuge Landscapes.”

Winning Poem by Carol Estes, titled “Preserving Fortunes,” for the November Sense of Wonder Art Contest theme of “Refuge Landscapes.”

October Sense of Wonder Art Contest Photography and Poetry Winners!

We are pleased to announce the winning photograph and poem for the October “Autumn on the Refuge” theme in the Sense of Wonder Art Contest. The winning photograph was taken by Jasmin Robinson on the Carson Trail and is titled “Leaf Magic.” The winning poem was written by Dave Pasake and is titled “Silent Spring to Autumn’s Palette.” Jasmin’s photograph and Dave’s poem will be published in a 2022 wall calendar commemorating the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Congratulations to Jasmin and Dave, and all of the others who sent terrific submissions this month! The November theme is “Refuge Landscapes.” Poetry and photography submissions are now being accepted! Please see contest details here.

Winning photograph by Jasmin Robinson, titled “Leaf Magic,” for the September Sense of Wonder Art Contest theme of “Autumn on the Refuge.”

Silent Spring to Autumn’s Palette
By Dave Pasake

October's glory when autumn's palette
and nature's art abounds,
with crimson reds, bright golden yellows,
oranges and browns.

We take to the woods and countryside
to see the awesome sight.
And climb to lofty vantage points
to see such colors bright.

Nestled near the coast of Maine
a traveler will find,
a most inviting place to walk
and exercise your mind.

Where ocean water meets tidal marsh,
a special place resides,
where resilient flora and fauna
exist among the tides.

So many acres to explore
its impact might be huge.
Come dwell in autumn's palette
at Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.

"Sense of Wonder in the Field" Blog Series - Poetic Inspiration on Timber Point in Autumn

As the evening temperatures begin to drop below freezing and the autumn days are filled with that crisp, crunchy sound of leaves beneath our feet, we can find artistic inspiration in the cyclical nature of the weather, creatures, plants, people and places around us. In this piece from the “Sense of Wonder in the Field” blog series by Anne Post Poole we are reminded of the strength in the scientific understanding of what is in front of us, as well as the infinite creativity and wonder that can parallel. Grab a warm tea, slide on some woolly socks and enjoy!

https://medium.com/usfishandwildlifeservicenortheast/sense-of-wonder-in-the-field-anne-post-poole-e4badc4a80f7

September Sense of Wonder Art Contest Photography and Poetry Winners!

We are pleased to announce the winning photograph and poem for the September “Wildlife of Southern Maine” theme in the Sense of Wonder Art Contest. The winning photograph was taken by Sharon Newell and is a beautiful shot of a doe and her fawn taken on her property on the edge of the Refuge. The winning poem was written by Rebekah Lowell and is titled “Winter Wings.” Sharon’s photograph and Rebekah’s poem will be published in a 2022 wall calendar commemorating the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Congratulations to Sharon and Rebekah, and all of the others who sent submissions this month! The October theme is “Autumn on the Refuge.” Poetry and photography submissions are now being accepted! Please see contest details here.

Winning photograph by Sharon Newell for the September Sense of Wonder Art Contest theme of “Wildlife in Southern Maine.”

Winter Wings
by Rebekah Lowell

Wrapped in the chill of sparkling white
the world waits beneath the cold. 

After autumn’s long sigh,
winter exhales
and earth welcomes rest, 
slows her heartbeat,
rhythm, low. 

This season of waiting
is not a season of nothing.

Sap builds in the maple veins,
green gathers in oak buds,
critters nest in earthy comfort,
seeds store secrets for later, 

while

the sun shines down on this resting wild
keeping it alive,
lighting it up, 
letting it know to hold on—
warmth will return again.

A brave feathered few triumph over winter—
spreading their wings
taking flight
despite
the cold snap,
the sharp winds,
the dark nights, 

embracing winter
and all that is offers —
a quiet land
all their own, 
a kingdom 
wrapped in the chill of sparkling white. 

They fly
while the rest of world
waits beneath the cold.

Searching for Wonder Among the Sparrows - “Sense of Wonder in the Field” Blog Series

Find a seat with a view and take in the latest blog post for the “Sense of Wonder in the Field” series. Written by Bri Benvenuti, a biological technician at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, this post takes you through memories and moments in time that reinvigorate those working hard in the conservation field.

Female Saltmarsh Sparrow #1601–69613. Photo by Bri Benvenuti/USFWS

https://medium.com/usfishandwildlifeservicenortheast/sense-of-wonder-in-the-field-bb0b7317720b

New "Sense of Wonder in the Field" Blog Post

Here is your invitation to slow down, make a cup of tea, and enjoy the next blog post in the “Sense of Wonder in the Field” series celebrating 50 years of conservation at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The author of this most recent post, Anavi Curtiss, was a Youth Conservation Corps crew member for the Refuge this summer. Read about the invaluable lessons she learned and encourage the youth in your life to get involved! For more information on the Youth Conservation Corps program at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, please visit here.

https://medium.com/usfishandwildlifeservicenortheast/my-sense-of-wonder-in-the-field-96a86c393e77

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Rachel_Carson/what_we_do/ycc.html

Signing of the Great American Outdoors Act on August 4, 2020!

“It’s a wonderful day for wildlife and public lands! On August 4, President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act. The Act provides millions of dollars each year for improving America’s national wildlife refuges and other public lands and waters.

The administration's conservation legacy is an historic investment in deferred maintenance at refuges and our public lands, and mandatory funding being established for the Great American Outdoors Act.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has rarely been fully funded since it was created in 1964. By signing the Great American Outdoors Act, President Trump has now made that a reality, permanently allocating $900 million a year for conservation projects. Now, more people can experience America's public lands!

Additionally, billions of dollars over the next 5 years via the Great American Outdoors Act will fund important maintenance investments on public lands to improve and enhance visitor experience while birding, fishing, hunting, and connecting with nature and wildlife on refuges.”

- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Facebook post on August 4, 2020 at 2:10 pm

The Friends want to voice a special thank you to Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Jared Golden for their championing of this historic legislation.

Carson Trail Open Again!

In case you missed it, the Carson Trail reopened on Friday, June 20, 2020 with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith and Senator Susan Collins on hand for a ribbon cutting! Please be safe and considerate of fellow trail-goers and follow all CDC COVID-19 precautions when out and about on the Refuge. Check out some of the great coverage of the reopening:

https://www.fosters.com/news/20200626/carson-trail-reopens-with-celebration-of-wildlife-refuge

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/tech/science/environment/reopened-carson-trail-lets-bottled-up-mainers-escape-into-nature/97-3acb1ad5-b45f-42cf-9365-ce84b3f51660

https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/23/a-rachel-carson-tour-for-u-s-fish-and-wildlife-director/

Left to Right: Senator Susan Collins, Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge President Bill Durkin, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Manager Karl Stromayer, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith on the Carson Trail. Photo Credit: USFWS

"Sense of Wonder in the Field" Blog Series

"It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility."

-Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

As part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Refuge staff has started a year-long blog series with a focus on the concept of finding a balance between the Sense of Wonder that people interested in conservation have about the natural world and how that meshes with the science, research and conservation actions taken. The Friends are happy to spread the word about this wonderful blog series where you can get an inside look at where science and wonder converge in the world of conservation! Refuge staff will be sharing their personal experience in balancing their Sense of Wonder for nature and the Refuge with their research and fieldwork.

Please take a few minutes to read and enjoy the debut blog entry by Rachel Stearns, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Biological Technician!

https://medium.com/usfishandwildlifeservicenortheast/sense-of-wonder-953e8a620bf1