October 2012 Newsletter - Town of Phippsburg

View from Robinson’s Rock, A.K.A., “The Bumper,” looking southwest (read more about this conservation
easement below)
“Phippsburg Is Wild!”
Phippsburg Conservation Commission
October 2012 Newsletter
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Mission Statement:
The mission of the Town of Phippsburg’s Conservation Commission is to preserve, protect and best utilize
the town’s natural resources and rural character. Our focus is the quality of air and water, open spaces for
community recreation, animal and plant habitat/diversity, shoreline protection and green sources of
energy. This mission involves education, advocacy, and collaborative action that reflect our
townspeople's views.
Who we are:
Ellen Winchester, Chair
Ronnie Kamphausen, Secretary
Bob Reyes
Dana McLean
Dot Kelly
Brian J. Murray
Robin R. Robinson
Contact email: ellen.e.winchester@gmail.com
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To find out more about the role of our conservation commission, visit the Maine
Association of Conservation Commissions web site here.
Conservation Commission - report to town of Phippsburg for the year 2011
Phippsburg Conservation Commission Survey UPDATE
If you have not already filled out our survey PLEASE take a few minutes to fill it out here:
Phippsburg Conservation Commission TOWN SURVEY
The following two respondents to the first incarnation of our survey
WON AN OFFICIAL “Phippsburg is WILD!” BASEBALL CAP ! ! ! ! !
Barbara M. Clark
Dan and Katherine HINCKLEY
To ARRANGE DELIVERY of your cap, please contact us here:
ellen.e.winchester@gmail.com
If anyone is interested in purchasing a baseball cap for $20, please contact us here:
Bob Reyes
For current projects and the minutes of The Phippsburg Conservation Commission
meetings, click HERE.
See our terrific bulletin board with great photos and information at the
Phippsburg Town Hall!
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WHAT’S A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?”
Robinson’s Rock, also known as “The Bumper,” shown in the October newsletter banner
photograph, is private land to which public access has been granted. It is a conservation
easement.
What is a conservation easement? We’re glad you asked! A conservation easement (also
known as a covenant or conservation restriction), is a legally enforceable land preservation
agreement between a landowner and our town. Sometimes these preservation
agreements are made with landowners and land protection organizations, such as The
Phippsburg Land Trust or The Nature Conservancy.
For the purpose of land conservation, easements restrict real estate, commercial and
industrial development. Once an easement is in place, it “runs with the land.” That is, even
after a property is sold, the terms of the easement stay in effect though ownership has
been transferred. Because easements are perpetual, they can decrease the resale value
of the property.
Landowners enter into easement agreements voluntarily and an easement may be
either sold or donated. Public access to the land is often part of the easement agreement.
Though there may be significant state and federal tax advantages, landowners are
contributing to the public good by preserving conservation values associated with their
land for future generations.
Phippsburg has about 800 acres of land with conservation easements! We are very
fortunate to have public access to these private lands. Parking, privacy and protection of
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the land should be respected by everyone who uses it. When you visit a conservation
easement area, please keep the noise down and take the trash out.
Robinson’s Rock, as one of the higher elevations in Phippsburg, was historically a military
lookout for spotting ships coming into Casco Bay from the east and the west. During the
War of 1812, Colonel Robinson signaled with a warning light to Munjoy Hill fourteen miles
west in Portland! On a clear day, Mount Washington can be seen and the Portland skyline
across Casco Bay. It is a great place to watch migrating hawks, witness stunning sunsets
and enjoy magnificent fall foliage. The wooded trail is lined with rich mosses and ferns and
the spruce wood habitat is classic for grouse and porcupines. Woodcocks have been
spotted near the West Point Road trail head.
Map to Robinson's Rock from the West Point Road and Sebasco Road click here and
access Google maps with directions. We've drawn a trail map for you!
The short trail to The Bumper: From Route 209, take the Sebasco Road about ½ mile to
the West Point Road. On the West Point Road, about ¼ mile on the right, is a small area
to park at the trail head across the road from the Totman Preserve sign. The trail leads
west up the hill. On the east end of the trail, it can be muddy. Wear good shoes. The walk
takes about 10 minutes. The trail can also be accessed by way of the Sebasco Road.
From Rt 209, about ½ mile - Parking is on the right side of the road. The trail head is on
the left. Don't forget your binoculars!
For directions to other conservation easement lands and great walking trails ,birds, flowers
and other natural wonders, click HERE on the Phippsburg Land Trust web site.
The Phippsburg Conservation Commission
welcomes your input and ideas. If you have
suggestions or photographs that you would
like to see in this newsletter, please contact
the editor, Robin R Robinson at 389-1609 or
rrrobinson@hotmail.com
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BUNDLES OF BUTTERFLIES!
Mourning Cloak butterfly photographed in Small Point, September 2012. Gorgeous
photograph courtesy of Dan Hinckley. Mourning Cloaks over-winter as butterflies in
Phippsburg. Most butterflies overwinter as pupa or cocoons.
You’re not seeing things - or maybe you are! The Monarchs are migrating and plentiful,
as are the White and Red Admirals, Mourning Cloaks, Painted and American Ladies and
many more. There have been much higher than usual numbers of butterflies reported in
the eastern half of the United States this year. And, species that are rare in the northeast
have been reported! Reasons for this remain unclear, but climate change is a suspected
cause.
There are approximately 20,000 species of butterflies in the world. About 725 species
have occurred in North America, with about 575 of these occurring regularly in the lower
48 states of the United States. Maine’s Butterfly Survey lists about 120 species.
Which butterfly species and how many are seen in a geographic area is information
gathered by ordinary people, such as you! The Maine Butterfly Survey is a statewide,
volunteer survey effort that tracks butterflies. Consider joining the project as a citizen
scientist. The butterflies you count count!
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Did you know that butterflies are playing a role in solar energy development? To stay
warm, butterflies are sophisticated collectors of solar energy. Scientists believe that the
shingle-like scales that form butterflies’ wings could provide important clues for developing
solar technology.
For more on climate change and the northerly movement of butterfly species read this:
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/downloads/BreedStichterCrone2012.pdf
To become a Maine butterfly science citizen click here: Maine Butterfly Survey
Links for identification and information about butterflies:
North American Butterfly Association
Butterflies And Moths Of North America
About Monarch butterflies
TO SEE A GALLERY OF BUTTERFLIES PHOTOGRAPHED IN PHIPPSBURG, CLICK
HERE
Luna moth close up, Photographed in West Point. Look for these in late June and early July
WHAT'S THAT BUG? is an excellent “web site” (oh! Bad pun, indeed!) for identifying
insects and spiders. It’s a great educational site for kids.
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The photograph on the left is a Woolly Bear caterpillar. The photo on the right is a
Polyphemus caterpillar. They are the caterpillar phase of the Isabella Tiger moth and
the Polyphemus silk moth, respectively.
Woolly Bear caterpillars are frequently seen at this time of the year. They are a
caterpillar that over winters rather than turning into a cocoon or moth. They are
scampering and lumbering around right now because they are looking for places to curl up
for the winter rather than spending their time eating. When disturbed, Woolly Bears curl
into a tight knot like a Cheese Curl. They are also one of the only caterpillars that will run
away! Folk lore says that the width of the Woolly Bear’s colored, middle band is a predictor
of how long the winter will be. Scientists believe that the band width is an indicator of how
old the caterpillar is and how much it has eaten; not how bad or long the upcoming winter
will be. The one in the above photo is pretty advanced in age and has eaten a lot.
The green caterpillar above is that of the Polyphemus moth. It is one of the largest silk
moths in Maine (Cecropia, Promethea and Luna are the others). These caterpillars are
also looking for places to overwinter. They curl up in dried leaves and make a cocoon
rather than stay like a caterpillar as the Woolly Bear does.
If you are interested in keeping a Woolly Bear caterpillar for the winter so you can see the
Isabella Tiger moth appear in the spring, visit this site:
Care of the Woolly Bear caterpillar -
Want to know about an insect you found in
Phippsburg? Visit the Maine Entomological Society web site.
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B
ittersweet makes fabulous,
orange berries with yellow husks.
It’s tempting to plant this for its
stunning fall display. Many people use
the berries in fall decorations, such as
wreaths for their doors. When they do,
the berries drop off, and then sprout
new growth the following spring.
Bittersweet is incredibly aggressive and
is on the invasive plant species list.
Please don’t propagate Bittersweet
either intentionally or by accident with
your fall decorations. The vines climb
everywhere - up, down forward and
backward. The twining vines choke out
what they are growing on by strangling
and suffocation. Nice, huh? Keep this
plant out of The Burg! It’s a monster.
Bittersweet is crowding out native plant
species. Pileated Woodpeckers will eat
the berries, but most birds don’t eat it unless they are really desperate for food. It’s
last on their preferred foods list.
For info on invasive plant species in Phippsburg, see this link: Invasive Species in
Phippsburg by Jo Schuman
For more on other invasive plant species in Maine, look here:
http://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2536e/
The University of Maine has a great site with a video on How To Get Rid Of Invasive
Plant Species. Click on this link for the video.
One of the reasons for a conservation commission is to track and record species.
This is one way that scientists know what flora and fauna live where. We need YOU
to contribute and tell us what you see. This is YOUR citizen science data. This
column will be devoted to reports of nature sightings in Phippsburg. The column will
include wildflowers (including mushrooms), trees, birds, insects amphibians, marine
and land mammals. Please let us know what you see, where and when you see it!
The creature doesn’t have to be rare. We would love to include your photograph of
the subject, too. We will give you credit for your image. General locations will be
noted, but not specific addresses, so as to preserve reporters' privacy and
conservation of the species. To notify the Conservation Commission of an interesting
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nature sighting, contact Robin R Robinson at rrrobinson2010@hotmail.com or 389-
1609.
Let’s start here:
BIRDS:
Northern Goshawk- Fiddler’s Reach
Road - reporter states that the
Goshawk has been in residence for
several years and remains current.
The reporter states that previously
seen grouse have been seen less
often since the appearance of the
Goshawk. Goshawks aren't rare, but
are uncommon. Goshawks occupy
large territories, so not many are seen
in any given area. Hermit Island and
Sprague River marsh are good places
to see them, too.
White-Winged Crossbills- Hidden
Ledges Road (Small Point) - May 23,
2012 flock of # 16. Not rare, but
uncommonly seen this far south.
Normally, a bird of the northern forest.
When seen here, usually in the winter,
not the summer. This is a "Canadian
Zone" bird.
Red Crossbills- Saint John Road
(Small Point) May 20, 2012 a small
flock. Not rare, but uncommonly seen
this far south - normally a bird of the
northern forest, like the White Winged
Crossbill.
White Faced Ibis- Sam Day Hill Rd
east end - June. Glossy Ibis are
commonly seen in Phippsburg, but to
date, only one White Faced Ibis has
ever been recorded here. They
normally do not come this far north or
east.
White Faced ibis- Sam Day Hill Rd
Glossy Ibis – Sebasco Harbor
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AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES:
SPOTTED TURTLE- Route 209 near
Pride Rock Road and Sprague Pond
Preserve (Ashdale)- June 10, 2011.
turtle was crossing the road. Status:
endangered
Spotted Turtle, June 10, 2011
MAMMALS:
COYOTES – numerous reports have
been made of coyotes on various
roads around Small Point and along
Route 209. Sightings have been
made mostly around dawn.
GRAY FOX- have been seen on
Fiddler’s Reach Road, Heron Cove
Road (Winnegance), Periwinkle Lane
(West Point), Newberry Point Road
(West Point) - a breeding pair with
kits! Though not rare, Gray foxes
were previously only a southern
United States mammal that has
inched its range northward.
MOOSE- moose have been reported
on Periwinkle Lane (West Point), Sam
Day Hill Road - east end, Popham
Road near Sprague River marsh
WHITE-TAILED DEER- A twelve
point buck was reported in the last
two weeks of September on the
Parker Head Road, south end.
BIRDING IN ‘THE BURG
Maine has 416 species of birds identified
as of July, 2012. Of those 416 species, 314
have been identified in Phippsburg. How
many birds have you seen in Phippsburg?
Can you name them?
The Phippsburg peninsula juts southward
into the Atlantic ocean about fifteen miles
from Bath at the most easterly part of
Casco Bay. This makes Phippsburg and
ideal stop over place for migrating birds that
need to land and rest after crossing
stretches of ocean. Migration is still
underway. Keep your eyes open - you could
see a rarity pass through!
For a list of birds seen in Sagadahoc
County, who reported them, when and
where with maps, visit Cornell’s ornithology
data base at
list of birds reported in Sagadahoc County,
Maine
Think about becoming a reporter to eBird,
the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s data base.
It’s free!
The birds that you see and report are
important to this citizen science initiative.
Falling and stable populations of birds are
monitored through your input.
CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY
Information about birding in Maine,
Sagadahoc County and Phippsburg with
checklists. Post your bird sightings to eBird and
have your data count! The birds you see,
common or rare, migrants or year round are
important!
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle -
Phippsburg is a recycling
community!
Phippsburg has a single stream recycling
program. There is no need for multiple
recycling containers and sorting confusion,
making it easy to recycle. For a list of
recyclable items click here: single stream
recyclables list
Additionally, Maine has a bottle and can
redemption program. Please don’t add your
bottles and cans to the trash stream. If you
don’t want to waste precious vacation time
returning your bottles and cans, the
Phippsburg Fire Department will take them.
You ‘can’ leave your bottles and cans in the
designated containers by the fire
department building between the recycling
hoppers (by the town hall) or at the transfer
station. The donation is always appreciated!
This plastic was left from flowers for
summer garden containers. It is recyclable.
Did you recycle your containers this
summer?
Do you know your carbon footprint?
Our carbon footprint is the amount of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
emitted as an end result of production and
disposal of the things we use and eat.
These emissions change our environment.
What we buy, eat and throw away create
our carbon footprint. One third of
everything we throw away is packaging
materials that we put into our landfills. Our
choices can ensure a stable environment.
Keep the ‘Burg beautiful for future
generations to enjoy!
How many tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases do your choices create?
calculate your carbon footprint here
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It’s Not Always What You See - Turn Off The Lights!
As a coastal community, Phippsburg has abundant and splendid natural resources. Our
town hosts rare birds, endangered turtles, rare and beautiful insects and stunning,
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panoramic vistas of sky and sea. But one of our largest natural resources at greatest risk
is one we don’t ‘see’ - the dark, night sky.
Compared to most places, Phippsburg has little light pollution. “Light pollution” is intrusion
of illumination into the night sky from street lamps, car head lights, municipal and
residential lighting and other sources. The more light that shoots into the sky from earth,
the harder it is to see stars, meteor showers, comets and the Aurora Borealis or Northern
Lights.
When we leave yard lights and house lights on at night or when we aren’t home, we are
eroding the blackness of the night sky. We are creating Light Pollution in addition to
wasting energy resources. So, be a star not a polluter! Turn off your lights when you're not
using them.
To see Maine's light pollution from space, click here.
Interactive map
The International Dark-Sky Association is a non-profit organization working to reduce light
pollution.
http://www.darksky.org/
Keep our forests green and standing! FOR CURRENT FOREST FIRE THREAT LEVELS IN
MAINE CLICK HERE
Visit the MAINE FOREST SERVICE HOME PAGE here
“Burn it where you buy it!”
Insects that can devastate Maine forests are being brought into Maine in campfire wood. Please do
not transport untreated wood into Maine! If you are camping here, buy your firewood here and
burn it here, or leave it behind.
Keep these bugs out of The Burg! Browntail moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Wooly
Adelgid and other invasive insect species
Information about invasive insect species in Maine can be found on the Maine Forest Service web
site
Join The Maine Bug Watch! sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture
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Friends of Casco Bay Phippsburg has more than 60 miles of tidal coastline!
Coastal habitats support unique ecologies for marine life, birds and mammals that feed, breed and
raise young there. Please protect our coastline. Everything you throw into the water - liquids or
solids, puts the coastal habitat and its occupants at risk. When you take your boat out of ocean or
fresh waters, clean the bottom before you put the craft back in. Don’t transport species on the
bottom of your boat and in your prop.
Red Alga, Heterosiphonia japonica, is invasive seaweed from Japan. It is very aggressive and may
over-whelm native seaweed species once it has taken hold. Our fisheries depend on native seaweeds
for food and breeding habitat. So far, the dreaded Red Algae have not been spotted further north or
east of Appledoor Island, Maine. Marine biologists fear that the invasive weed will be moving
northeast, however. It is believed that the weed was introduced on the bottoms of ocean crafts and
through aquaculture. Be on the lookout for this invader. For an interesting and informative article
on Red alga with a photo, see this link: Red Alga article
Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area Has a pristine sand beach and splendid views of a
significant salt bog.
For a comprehensive list of conservation related links, click HERE.
For links to current, Maine environmental news, click
HERE
Thank you for reading our newsletter and taking an interest in conserving the natural beauty that is Phippsburg.
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