A chorus of birdsong, including those of Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Ovenbird, and Veery, greeted a group of us on May 24, 2025 on a tour of the Town-owned Mt Archer Woods in Lyme with Audubon Forester Rosa Goldman. She pointed out why the Sugarbush in the preserve, the part of the forest that Fat Stone Farm leases to carry out the traditional practice of harvesting organic maple sap, has been recognized by the Audubon Bird-Friendly Maple Program. The program acknowledges current management of the forest that supports birds and also provides guidance to maintain and enhance bird habitat. Bird-friendly maple forest management activities include: -Maintain a diversity of tree species (more than just maple) -Keep standing dead trees and live trees with cavities (the bigger the better) -Layers of vegetation, from small seedlings on the forest floor, to saplings and shrubs, to the canopy overhead. -Leave logs and branches on the forest floor Every year, millions of birds breed, feed and fledge in the same forests that are tapped for syrup. -Control of invasive species. (fb)

Another fun Family Time with Tori! Join her next time, June 22 at Pleasant Valley Preserve at 10 am. https://www.lymelandtrust.org/event/family-trail-time-with-tori-pleasant-valley/ (fb)