MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • June 30, 2024
Natural grasslands in Maine have always been fairly limited in extent. These grasslands are home to a suite of species including upland sandpiper, grasshopper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, vesper sparrow and bobolink. Unfortunately, all these species are in serious decline. Over 60% of native grasslands in the country have been lost over the years to agricultural development and the encroachment of abutting forests. Native grasslands close to agricultural fields can be affected by pesticide application on the farms. There is a tension between farmers and birders because farmers need to cut their fields during the bird nesting season. ~ Herb Wilson