The first substantial snowfall of the season has given us a good 6 inches of fresh powder and Dave Simard, our ski trail maintenance volunteer, has already been out packing the outer loop trail.  It's been a long time since we've had a good winter for skiing, maybe this is the one.

One bird you are almost guaranteed to encounter if you ski any of our woodland trails this winter is ruffed grouse.  They are plentiful this year and I've managed to flush quite a few on recent inspections of our trails and plant collections.  On my most recent walk, I found one who had had an unfortunate encounter with a cooper's hawk.  The cooper's, a good sized female, was unable to fly off with so large a meal and had opted for plucking the grouse right on the ground.  Though disturbed by my presence, the hawk was reluctant to leave its prey and flew off only a short distance.  I retreated hastily to leave her in peace with her hard earned prize.

Though our outdoor school programs have ended for the year, Darcy is working on a few winter programs for small groups.  Snowshoes are available if your class, scout troop or homeschool group is interested in a winter program.  We'll also be kicking off the winter lecture series soon.  This year's topic is protection of the northern forest and our first speaker will be noted Maine author and historian, Neil Rolde.  His lecture is on February 22 at 7 p.m. and will focus on the farsighted vision of Percival Baxter, whose namesake park now protects more than 200,000 acres of mountain wilderness.

Enjoy the holidays - and when they are over, stop by to ski or snowshoe then stay for one of our evening programs.  Call 207-621-0031 for more information.

Love the outdoors?  Looking for a project? Volunteers are needed for school tours and work on the plant collection.   Call 207-621-0031 or e-mail ptsaso@mint.net. 


Want to help the Arboretum? To become a member call 621-0031 or e-mail ptsaso@mint.net.