Join MES in the scenic Dover-Foxcroft area for a field day at Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area (https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/mdifw-blog/bud-leavitt-wildlife-management-area ) with optional wetlands visit after lunch. Everyone is encouraged to attend, members and non-members, people of all ages, and all entomological abilities, beginners and bug-curious welcome!
We will meet at 10 AM on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Rain date will be Sunday, July 27th.
The WMA is large (6500+ acres) Our collecting location features moist woodland edge, a wildflower field with milkweed, and a broad tote road into the mixed age forest. Bring collecting gear and/or a camera if you plan to collect specimens (we have been granted permission) or photos. We suggest that you wear protective clothing (long pants tucked into socks, long sleeves, hat and repellent).
We will break around 12:30 for lunch in the field. Be sure to pack water and a lunch or snacks. A folding or camp chair is sometimes nice for lunchtime socializing. Otherwise, you can plan to nosh at Peace, Love and Waffles restaurant at the intersection of Atkinson Rd and Rt. 15. This is a small establishment. If you plan to go to lunch there, pls RSVP to Kathy or Dana, so that we may let the restauranteur plan for a group.
Directions
Meet at the parking area on Atkinson Rd. off Rt 15. Our meeting spot is approximately 1.0 mile east on Atkinson Rd. (It is NOT the parking area at 0.8 mi from Rt. 15.)
From the north, in Dover-Foxcroft at the intersection of Rt 7 and 15, proceed south on Rt 15, 5.4 miles to Atkinson Rd. Turn left onto Atkinson Rd.
From the south, we suggest a pretty ride through the countryside to avoid congestion in Bangor. Exit I-95 at Newport for Rt 7 North. At Corinna, turn right onto Rt 43/11 North. At East Corinth, turn left onto Rt 15 North. Proceed north, and measure mileage beginning at Mountain View Correctional Facility. Atkinson Rd is 4 miles north on Rt 15. Turn right onto Atkinson Rd.
From Bangor/Old Town, we suggest Rt 43 west to Rt 15 North.
After lunch, if there is interest, we can proceed 3 miles south on Rt, 15 to Whiting Rd., which provides access to a marsh for aquatics collection.
Carpooling is encouraged. If you plan to come or have questions, please contact Kathy Claerr kclaerr1@comcast.net or text 207-737-9601 before Friday, July 25. I will be camping, and probably out of cell phone coverage after that date. At that point, please contact Dana Michaud 207-872-7683.
There are no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly.