A Wildlife Sanctuary at Blue Hill Falls

The Bar Harbor Garden Club is pleased to present “A Wildlife Sanctuary at Blue Hill Falls” with Zachary Holderby, Vice President of Downeast Audubon, on March 9, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Birch Bay Retirement Village, 25 Village Inn Road, Bar Harbor.

Zachary Holderby, a leading wildlife ecologist and bird naturalist, is spearheading an effort to recognize and protect Blue Hill “Reversing” Falls, an exceptional place not found in many other locations around the world. Zachary Holderby will discuss why conservation of Blue Hill Falls is so critical to protecting the distinctive diversity, habitat, and refuge of Maine’s marine life and rare birds, like scoters, harlequin ducks and purple sandpipers.

There are eight “tidal” or “reversing” falls in Maine, where rivers and bays make a narrow passage to meet the sea. These unique places flow backwards and then forwards in an everchanging diorama of freshwater, saltwater, rollicking rapids, and tranquil calms. The iconic Blue Hill “Reversing” Falls formed when a Salt Pond connected to Blue Hill Bay. This special place is now a popular spot for kayak surfers, duck hunters, and commercial harvesters. Such frequency of use by visitors has caused significant disturbance and negative impacts to wildlife in the surrounding ecology. Zachary Holderby will discuss what is being done NOW to protect and conserve this treasured natural resource.

Originally from Washington, Zachary obtained a BS in Wildlife Ecology from Washington State University and a MS in Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University, with a master’s thesis on Reddish Egrets. He has worked as a wildlife technician across the world on many species and for the National Park Service in the Channel Islands. Currently he works with the Maine Bird Atlas and Breeding Bird Survey, as a kayak guide at Stonington Paddle and a substitute teacher. He is currently fulfilling his mission to recognize and protect the unique habitat and species present at Blue Hill Falls.

The talk will begin at 1:00 pm for 1-hour including ample time for questions. The speaker will be followed a Bar Harbor Garden Club business meeting and light refreshments. All are welcome to join the speaker presentation and Club meeting.

This presentation is one of the monthly programs offered by the Bar Harbor Garden Club to the public. We do ask club members and guests to make a reservation by emailing Jane Sanderson, president@barharborgardenclub.org or calling 207-460-8496. Please register early, as there is a limited capacity of forty for the in-person meeting at Birch Bay Village due to Covid-19 protocols.