Spring at Mass Audubon
As much as I love winter and all the outdoor adventures it brings—from snowshoeing to brisk bird walks—by the end, I long for the arrival of spring. It’s a time of renewal and reawakening. Flowers emerge from their buds, birds that have returned from their wintering grounds sing sweet songs, and people head outdoors in even greater numbers to take full advantage of the longer, warmer days.
If you’re like me and you are always looking for somewhere new to explore, be sure to read “Go With the Flow”, which highlights many of the amazing water features at our wildlife sanctuaries. Snowmelt and rain create rushing waterfalls and brooks, making this an ideal time to witness these ecologically important features come to life.
While you explore one of our wildlife sanctuaries, think about all the work that is going on behind the scenes to steward the land for both people and wildlife. Over at Ashumet Holly in East Falmouth, one such project has been to create new vernal pools to bring back the threatened and elusive Eastern Spadefoot Toad. It’s projects like these that guide our work on creating more resilient landscapes.
Spring is also an opportunity to inspire people to take action on climate, especially around Earth Month. I am especially excited about our new Climate Champions program, an effort to provide resources and training to our members and supporters so that you can use your voice to advocate for nature-based climate solutions locally and at the state level.
Not sure you have what it takes to speak up? Then get inspired by Ollie, a high schooler and one of Mass Audubon’s Statewide Youth Climate Leaders. She shares what inspired her to get involved and how she is influencing her peers to fight the greatest challenge of our time.
I hope the stories motivate you to take full advantage of all that spring and Mass Audubon have to offer. Be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email!
David J. O’Neill