The Nature of Maine in July
When evening comes to its gentle arias
along the dusky cove,
and the blue heron flies like a slow arrow
along the selvages of the cove,
as if to give its signal for fine music,
and the little birds who have been so warm
all day have gone in among the pine-spills
for their tithe of rest—
the white bridge joining bank to bank of the tidal river
takes the hushed tones of evening to it ingratiatingly;
the gulls having nothing more to say
to each other—fold wings as pure hands are
folded in silent thought.
I stand with them all in high salute,
Saying to myself: “thanks—well done—beautiful things—
I receive my width of grace from you
And am put to rest with evening singing.
~Marsden Hartley, Robin Hood Cove, Georgetown, Maine
Plants
In many forest settings, spring wildflowers have given way to an abundance of ferns–such as Cinnamon, Narrow Beach and New York fern. To learn more about these fascinating plants that survive without seeds, fruits or flowers, check out the newly revised Peterson Field Guide to Ferns (Second Edition): Northeastern and Central North America. Alongside roadsides and in meadows, you’re apt to see black-eyed Susan and milkweed blooming (with delicate clusters of stalks and purple buds). Milkweed is a critical food source for the caterpillars of monarch butterflies. They ingest the sticky, white sap (which in turn makes them bitter and poisonous to predators).
Wildlife
Over top of meadows, with luck, you’re apt to see scores of fireflies this time of year. These remarkable insects use bioluminescence (derived from several different chemicals) to attract mates. According to Melissa Waterman of Rockland (author of the “Marine Matters” column in The Free Press), each firefly has its own individual flash patterns that help others recognize it. Bioluminescence is also evident in coastal waters at night (particularly following sunny days)–where microscopic single-celled creatures called dinoflagellates emit light in response to movement in the surrounding waters.
Local Foods
In early July, you’ll find peas and strawberries–gradually giving way to new potatoes, hoop house tomatoes, and early carrots and beets. Raspberries begin ripening in July and blueberries are often ready for harvest by month’s end. Fill your freezer with local berries now–so you can enjoy the fruits of midsummer for months to come.
Green Tip
While the sun is slipping southward and days are getting shorter, it’s still important to protect yourself from strong summer rays. To learn more about safe and effective sunscreens with few or no chemical ingredients, visit the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database created by the Environmental Working Group.
In the dog days of summer, ground-level ozone can become a health hazard—particularly for children and those with respiratory or heart issues. If you’re planning outdoor time, check on air quality levels within Maine.
Notable July Dates
July 4: Last Quarter Moon
July 11: New Moon
July 18: First Quarter Moon
July 25: Full Moon (Buck Moon)
See downloadable tide charts and times of sunrise/sunset in July.
