TechnoTourist Visits Maine Part 2

In Part 1 of TechnoTourist Vistis Maine the TechnoTourist had a chance to check out some cool hydrogen cars. Later during the vacation the TechnoTourist decided to connect with nature at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Preserve.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. The refuge consists of ten divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth, along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties. When land acquisition is complete, it will contain approximately 7,600 acres.

The proximity of the refuge to the coast, and its location between the eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest, creates a composition of plants and animals unlike any other in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach and dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast for which Maine is so well known.

The primary objective of the refuge is managing land to provide waterfowl and other migratory birds with high quality feeding, nesting, and resting habitat. A great diversity of wildlife benefits from the variety of habitats that are maintained in the refuge. The refuge and adjacent lands provide food and essential habitat for over 250 species of birds including black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, common eiders, warblers, and thrushes. In addition to the birds, the refuge supports many species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Each month provides different viewing opportunities for visitors to the refuge. The month of August features the terns leaving their nesting colonies to begin their southern migration. Blue-winged teal and seabirds migrate south along the coast. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge features a 1 mile walking trail that allows access to the unique salt marsh habitat contained in the refuge. The walking trail has 11 marked stops to point out the various features of this ecosystem including the edge of the salt marsh, the tidal flux, salt panes, and the critical edge of the upland border of the marsh.

The photos included point out some of these unique habitat features.