York County Soil & Water Conservation District

11/05/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: Maine is home to the largest population of Moose in the lower 48, with current population estimates between 50,000 and 60,000. While more common in northern Maine, they occasionally wander into York County forests. The largest member of the deer family, Bull moose average 1,106 pounds, with the largest bull ever harvested in Maine having a dressed weight of 1,330 pounds, meaning it would have weighed approximately 1,767 pounds! Like other members of the deer family, Moose are considered crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn.

Have you ever seen a Moose here in York County?

11/05/2025

Urban trees provide $4.89 million in total benefits per year. This includes energy savings, increase in property value, carbon dioxide reduction, improved air quality and reduced stormwater runoff. Help protect our urban trees from invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. https://www.wildlifehc.org/the-many-benefits-of-urban-trees/

10/29/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: A drake (male) Wood Duck is one of the most stunning sights you can find on Maine’s ponds, marshes, and lakes. Their iridescent green crests, red eyes, and intricate markings make them a favorite among bird watchers.

In addition to their show-stopping plumage, Wood Ducks have a unique call—a thin, rising whistle, unlike the “quack” we usually associate with ducks.

Where They Nest:
Wood Ducks are cavity nesters, often laying eggs in hollow trees or specially made Wood Duck boxes—oversized “birdhouses” designed to mimic natural cavities. These boxes are especially important in areas affected by deforestation, providing safe nesting spots for hens and their broods.

Want to help?
Interested in building your own Wood Duck box? Check out the step-by-step guide below to create safe nesting sites right here in York County!

Fun Fact:
Wood Ducks are considered early migrators, but thanks to this year’s warm fall, many are still lingering around our local wetlands.


Have you seen or heard any Wood Ducks this fall? Share your photos or sightings in the comments!



https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/build-a-wood-duck-box

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck/overview

10/29/2025

Did you know?

Firewood isn’t dead – a NH study found an average of 35 insects per piece of confiscated out-of-state firewood. Help stop the spread of invasive pests by getting firewood at your destination. Find local sources of firewood at https://firewoodscout.org/resources/ME

10/23/2025

The Sid Emery Demo Forest got a little “hair cut” today as staff and Board brushed the sides of the road increasing visibility turning into the Forest entrance and prepping for our renovated sign installation.

10/22/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: Once endangered, bald eagles are now thriving in Maine thanks to conservation efforts. Not only a national symbol but a symbol of conservation success, there were as few as 21 nesting pairs in the State in 1966, with the latest monitoring in 2018 showing 734 nesting pairs within Maine!
Rivers and estuaries in York County are some of the best places to see them soaring.

Have you spotted an eagle lately? Tell us where!

10/15/2025

Why is certified heat-treated firewood safe against invasive pests? It has been heated to 160 degrees for 75 minutes to kill any potential diseases or insects hiding in the wood. Properly treated firewood will have a state agency certification on the packaging. Find local sources of firewood at https://firewoodscout.org/resources/ME

10/15/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: Monarch butterflies migrate up to 3,000 miles to Mexico each fall! In York County, planting native milkweed helps give them the fuel they need.

Have monarchs visited your garden this year? Show us your pollinator plants!

10/14/2025

🌳✨J𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 f𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐬𝐚f𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠!✨🌳
This class is a great opportunity for beginners looking to get more comfortable with their saw and those with more experience looking to brush up on their skills!
📆Saturday, November 8th
🕙9am-3pm
📍Otisfield, ME
F𝐞𝐞: 25.00 per person, which can be paid by cash or check when you arrive.
𝐓𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞:
oxfordcountyswcd.org/workshops
This workshop is offered in partnership with Maine Woodland Owners.

10/08/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: Beavers are true ecosystem engineers! Their dams create wetlands that filter water, reduce flooding, and provide homes for countless species—from ducks to frogs. Beaver's iconic orange teeth result from iron within their enamel, making them exceptionally strong.

Have you spotted a beaver lodge in York County? Drop a photo in the comments!

10/08/2025

Protect the trees you love! Research shows it is best to move firewood less than 10 miles from where it was harvested to prevent the spread of invasive forest pests.

10/07/2025