Whether you have a small backyard or several acres of forest, landowners of any amount of acreage can easily get involved in making a difference with climate change and improving habitats with native plants and climate resilient trees.
What you can do in Maine to combat climate change
Resources:
The Maine Fish and Wildlife Department’s Beginning with Habitat program defines what is a habitat, why they are important to cultivate and how you can help.
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/beginning-with-habitat/wildlife-legacy.html
The Maine Fish and Wildlife Department’s Beginning with Habitat program has incredible maps, experts and knowledge about ways to manage your backyard habitat for trees and wildlife. Take a look, there’s lots to learn!
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/beginning-with-habitat/landowners/index.html
The Maine Audubon Society has resources about improving your backyard for bird habitat.
https://maineaudubon.org/projects/forestry-for-maine-birds/
The Maine Audubon Native Plant Finder will help you find the best native plants for your property.
https://mainenativeplants.org/
The Wild Seed Project in Maine also has many resources about native plants which are ideal for improving habitat for wildlife.
https://wildseedproject.net/
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) can help you pick the right trees to plant for climate resilience on your property.
https://www.mofga.org/resources/forestry/adapting-your-woodlot-to-a-changing-climate-assisted-migration/
Find a forester!
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry will provide a forester to walk your land with you for free to plan for climate resilience. Hiring a private professional forester is another option.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/working_w_a_forester.html