Sharing Fields with Grassland Birds

During this program we will discuss the bird species which rely on agricultural fields in Central Maine and suggest ways for farmers and land managers to co-exist with nesting bird populations.  Learn how SRLT has repurposed fields which are contaminated with PFAS for grassland bird habitat. Presentation by Laura Suomi-Lecker, Ag Allies Program Manager - Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Tom Aversa, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust – Board Chair. After the presentation, Tom will lead an optional walk along Sandy Stream and through the Richardson Memorial Preserve to see the diverse habitat influenced by bird-friendly timber management.

Bobolinks and other grassland birds are true agricultural allies to farmers as they consume large quantities of insect pests.  Unfortunately, their populations are declining, partially due to changes in timing and frequency of forage harvesting.  Human impact on breeding populations is significant, resulting in widespread nesting failure across much of…