To join our volunteers, please contact us by:
– phone call 207-394-2171
– email web@hirundomaine.org
or
– postal mail P.O. Box 266 Orono, ME 04468

 

I am a zoology student at the University of Maine. I enjoy volunteering at Hirundo because it is a beautiful refuge close to the University that all students and members of the community can enjoy. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that provides education and outreach to the public and has something that everyone, children and adults alike, can enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

I very much enjoyed volunteering at Hirundo by giving a fungi walk in the fall.  The people who came out were very interested in fungi and Hirundo is a great place to see a wide variety of fungi.  I will definitely be doing walks at Hirundo again.

– Seanna Annis

Associate Professor of Mycology, School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine

 

I am a Wildlife Ecology student at the University of Maine and the President of the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society. I have been able to help the past 3 years lead classes and Wildlife Society canoe trips to maintain the Wood Duck boxes at Hirundo. For me, the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge embodies the three missions of the University of Maine: Education, Research, and Outreach. Being so close to campus, the ability to not only enjoy the natural preserve but to participate in active projects affords an unique experience that has really enhanced my education. I hope to do my part to help pass this sanctuary on to future generations.

-N. Parkhill

 

Invasive species with Lois Berg Stack

Interaction with the natural world is enjoyable, but it’s also critical for understanding connections between our culture and the world we are part of. Hirundo is a great example of the many sites in Maine where we can be close to nature. It’s a place people can enjoy alone or as part of a group or organized event. The activities hosted by Hirundo provide something for everyone … children’s activities, nature walks of all sorts, learning events, and so much more. Thank you for letting me be a small part of this wonderful place.

 

Dr. Lois Berg Stack works throughout the state on behalf of the University of Maine.  As Cooperative Extension’s Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, she works with Maine’s green industry:

• nurseries and greenhouses that grow landscape plants
• garden centers and florists that sell plants
• landscape designers and landscape architects who design plantings
• turf managers, arborists and landscape professionals who install and maintain plants
• and with home gardeners, public gardens and municipalities.

As a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, she teaches a plant science course in the Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences.

Since a sabbatical leave in 2008/09, she has focused much of her research and outreach programs on topics related to invasive plants. Her other current projects address production of aronia (a native fruit that has nutraceutical properties), and assessment of native and introduced plants as pollen/nectar sources for honeybees and native bees.

 

My name is Stephen Dunham and I am a graduate student in the Department of Wildlife Ecology at UMaine. I enjoy volunteering at Hirundo because it allows me to share my passion for both outdoor recreation and natural history with others while learning at the same time. If you have never been to Hirundo before, you are missing out on a local treasure.

 

 

 

Paul Markson: “I became a serious birder in the early 1980s. Although I am interested in all things natural history, I am partial to birds. Especially North American birds. Probably because I like to know as much about my immediate surroundings as possible.

“I currently lead a variety of trips for Hirundo, as well as Maine Audubon and the Orono and Bangor Land Trusts. I also run the local Christmas Bird Count, assist at a bird banding station, and teach a beginners birding class.

 

 

 

Ali R, and Cathy H. during an outdoor school program at Hirundo.

Hi, I am Cathy Herr, a Wildlife Ecology Major! I love volunteering because I am giving back to many people, learning through hands on experience, and uncovering so many adventures and connections! I love Hirundo because it is an amazing place that is inspiring and allows me to be active through volunteering and lets me learn about wildlife outside the classroom. In the future I hope to pursue a career at a refuge or as a researcher.

Hello, my name is Alison Romano; I am a third year Zoology major. I love Hirundo because it combines two of my favorite things, Volunteering and being Outdoors. In the future I hope to pursue a career studying Chiroptera, aka Bats.

 

 

Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority volunteering at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge.

Thanks to Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority from the University of Maine who showed great volunteer spirit on a rainy Sunday morning in March. The group cleaned out the bird boxes at HWR for the incoming swallows and bluebirds. From left to right are  Mandi Curtis, Sarah Kent, Ali Romano, Krystal Mudgett, Carly Jo Boal, Caroline Allen-Weldon, Caitlin Corbett, Kayla Blais, Cathy Herr, Crystal-Lynn Cloutier, Lydia Bolduc, Delaney Guerino, Cassandra Jandreau, and Elizabeth Holt.