Connect with us

Maine

Unraveling the Mystery: The Disappearance of Fireflies in Maine

Published

on

Unraveling the Mystery: The Disappearance of Fireflies in Maine


My son recently asked a thought-provoking question, “Mom, where have all the fireflies gone?” It struck me as wicked true, as this summer, I’ve barely caught a glimpse of these enchanting bugs. Thinking back, even last summer seemed to have fewer fireflies than usual.

Now, I can’t help but wonder, where have all of the fireflies gone?

Fireflies to our family are light stars just above the grass. It’s magic and whimsy and all the signs of summer at once.

Seeing them essentially disappearing is so sad for all of us.

Advertisement

Apparently, the decline in firefly in Maine as well as other places in the nation has peeked the curiosity of many researchers. Apparently, their are several reasons why the firefly population is going down.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, 

1. Light Pollution

  • Artificial light from buildings, streetlights, and cars can interrupt with the flashing patterns of the firefly because they use bioluminescence to communicate and to mate. This makes it hard for them to reproduce.

2. Pesticide/Chemical Use

  • The use of pesticides and chemicals for landscaping is directly harming the firefly and is also impacting their sources of food because their essentially poisoned.

3. Loss of Habitat from Development

  • Fireflies need specific spots to complete their life cycles but urbanization, development expansion, and deforestation have prevented them from settling into their natural habitats.

In addition to those factors, climate change, invasive species, and overcollection can all lead to the decline of the firefly.

There are efforts underway at trying tp prevent the total extinction of these magical flies like researchers trying to restore their habitats, reduce the light pollution, and raise awareness about the importance of the firefly to our ecosystem.

According to the American Museum of Natural History, fireflies play a vital role in pollinating and helping the ecosystem stay balanced.

Advertisement

They aren’t just a beautiful lightening bug to marvel at with your kids but also to protect for the sake of our natural environment.

Pass it along and try to reduce your chemical use and educate yourself on the importance of these magical creatures. Because one day soon, they could be gone.

I don’t want to wake up and say to my grandchildren, I remember when fireflies delighted us all.

Think about it.

Mainer Shows Us How To Live ‘Back in Nature’ With Barefoot North

Take a peak into Barefoot North a new way of living and business that connects us all to nature and our roots.

Advertisement

These New Hampshire and Maine Hiking Spots Are Perfect for Beginners





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Maine

Unlock Your Best Self at Maine’s 'Medical Wellness Center'

Published

on

Unlock Your Best Self at Maine’s 'Medical Wellness Center'


Hey babes, it’s Lizzy! Time for a little health update because, let’s be real, a ton of you have slid into my DMs asking about my experience with Dr. Gillis at The Wellness Center. It’s been over a year, and honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful to have found him.

Sure, you can get Semaglutide just about anywhere these days, what a time to be alive, right? But having a legit, caring doctor and team who actually know what they’re doing? That’s the game-changer.

Dr. Gillis and his crew don’t just hand you the shot and send you on your way; they actually teach you about your body and how it all works. Who knew science could feel so personal?

If you don’t know what Semaglutide is, according to Doctor Gillis, it has “emerged as a groundbreaking treatment option for individuals seeking weight loss, particularly due to its multifaceted approach in regulating hunger and cravings. By mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, Semaglutide enhances feelings of fullness and satiety, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet.”

Advertisement

I take it once per week, myself, at home. It’s easy and doesn’t hurt a bit.

Having that kind of support is key. Trust me, it’s not just about the shot; it’s about having the right people to back you up when you’re making these changes.

And let’s get one thing straight: I wouldn’t recommend anyone I didn’t fully trust with my family, and you guys are basically that. So, no, this isn’t some sales pitch, I don’t have time for that. This is me genuinely telling you what’s worked for me because I want you to feel as good as I do.

Speaking of, I’ve kept the weight off (yes, go me!) and recently restarted a low dose of Semaglutide to stay on track. It’s been a lifesaver, well, alongside my workout playlist and a love-hate relationship with kale.

Stopping and starting again has been a smart choice for me when I’ve noticed a little weight creep back on. It’s a good reminder that progress isn’t always linear and that’s okay!

Advertisement

Progress is progress, even if it’s small at first. Let your body get use to the change.

Here’s a comparison of me at Camp Out Hunger in 2022 versus this year, 2024. I’m not a fan of side-by-sides, but this really shows how far I’ve come

Now, let’s chat about Doc..

What sets his practice apart? Well the warm, welcoming vibe and genuine care they offer gives you the right feeling. With two locations at 8 Water St., Suite 2, in Oakland and now at 41 Acme Rd Suite 3 in Brewer, the Medical Wellness Center is anything but your typical cold, clinical doctor’s office.

For 25 years, Dr. Gillis and his team have been living up to their motto, “We care,” by providing truly personalized care.

Advertisement

Dr. Gillis believes in starting with the right care and a personalized plan, not just giving a shot and sending you on your way. His team offers affordable options like gut health supplements for under $0.60 a day, apple cider vinegar, and medications for just $10–$15 a month. This helps keep doses low while still getting great results.

They also don’t rush to increase doses each month. Instead, they focus on helping you lose weight in a safe, sustainable way. Plus, they offer body contouring treatments for just $25–$40 which is a fraction of what other places charge.

It’s all about building confidence and celebrating your progress. Need help or refills? Jaimee Jenkins at the office has you covered!

I got fit for my 8 year old son, Bentley, he’s my “why.” I want to keep up with him as he runs circles around me, throughout life. I want to run alongside him, not behind.

So, what’s your “why”? Bring it to Dr. Gillis, and he’ll help you make it happen.

Advertisement

Visit him on Facebook today.

25 Must-Visit Spots for First-Time Visitors to Maine

Here are 25 excellent places to explore if you’re a first-time visitor to Maine and want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder

30 Delicious Restaurants in Brunswick, Maine

Here are 30 great food spots to satisfy your appetite the next time you are in the popular and pretty college town.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Maine

Scarborough ace commits to U. Maine

Published

on

Scarborough ace commits to U. Maine


Hoffer photo

Scarborough senior Erik Swenson, joined by his teammates and coaches, is all smiles Thursday at a ceremony at the high school after committing to attend and play baseball at the University of Maine.

Swenson, an elite pitcher, who helped the Red Storm win the Class A state title in June, had his sights set on his home state university for a long time.

“Maine was always my favorite,” said Swenson, who will pitch and plans to study business with a focus on finance. “One of the big selling points was being able to carry the Maine name on (my uniform). I’m really excited for the next four years.

Advertisement

“It’s a dream come true. I can’t thank my coaches and family and friends enough for always being there for me. They’ve always been there for me. I wanted to win a championship in high school and now, I just want to spend time with my teammates and enjoy my last year. There’s no pressure.”

“(Erik’s) a competitor and he’s on an upwards trajectory, so I think he’s best years are still ahead of him,” said Scarborough coach Wes Ridlon. “He opened eyes freshman year. He’s matured. He’s got a ball that jumps out of his hand and it gets on the hitter quickly. He’ll be one of our captains this year. We’re excited for him to take the reins as the next leader here.”

« Previous

From Augusta: Reflecting on the solemn anniversary of Lewiston’s shooting



Source link

Continue Reading

Maine

5 Maine-Made Aprons That Are Fit to Be Tied

Published

on

5 Maine-Made Aprons That Are Fit to Be Tied


By Sarah Stebbins
From our November 2024 issue

1. Weft and Warp

Culinary Institute of America grad Rachel LeGloahec was a sous chef at Las Vegas’s swanky L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, co-owned a Sin City restaurant, and won Food Network’s Chopped before returning to her native Maine in 2018. Now a Brunswick-based private chef, she also crafts knife rolls, bags, and aprons, including her favorite cotton bib style with a generous hip pocket. $65.

2. Bowerbird Studio

Sturdy, boldly patterned Japanese linen inspired New Harbor stitcher Betsy Leighton to create a collection of cross-back aprons that are almost too pretty for the kitchen. Some customers opt to wear the reversible garments as dresses, layered over a T-shirt and leggings, instead. $135.

3. Kennedy & Co. 

Windsor’s Amie Kennedy counts gardeners, metalworkers, a beam hewer, and the staff at Freedom’s The Lost Kitchen among the fans of her rugged, water-and-stain-resistant, waxed-canvas aprons. A shoemaking course at Portland’s Maine College of Art & Design led the U.S. Army vet to launch her line of vintagey leather and canvas goods spanning bags, belts, journal covers, and wallets. $175.

Advertisement

4. Yo Momma’s Apron Strings

The daughter of antiques dealers, Bowdoin’s Jinger Howell has a soft spot for retro styles. Twenty years ago, she made her first apron using a 1920s pattern. One throwback design led to another. “And before long, it dawned on me that I was having fun,” she says. Today, she sells nostalgic drop-waist, cross-back, kids’, and smock-like aprons (pictured) in brightly printed cotton. $48.

5. Amphitrite Linens

Newcastle seamstress Katrina Kelley’s late brother, a chef, is the muse behind her kitchen-goods collection, which includes linen cross-back (pictured), café, and bistro aprons worn by caterers and the servers at Camden’s Buttermilk Kitchen. “Working with chefs and restaurants fills my heart with the joy my brother felt,” Kelley says. $110.

Down East Magazine, November 2024

Get all of our latest stories delivered straight to your mailbox every month. Subscribe to Down East magazine.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending