The Nature of Maine in October
pine needles drop
like strands of golden rain
crows scatter the quiet
squawking against blue sky
an osprey cries its high pitched scream
by nightfall the cabin warms
beyond the porch
a harvest moon rises
its yellow-orange matches our fire
a loon’s hyena laugh the only sound…
~Nancy Brady Cunningham, “October Cabin”
Plants
Maine, the most heavily forested state in the nation with 50 native species of trees, is justifiably renowned for its impressive fall foliage. The State even has a “Fall Foliage Center” offering up-to-the-minute reports on where the viewing is best. The site shows some past peak foliage dates, but if you trace that data back two or more decades, you discover that the peak foliage date has slipped back 10 days to 2 weeks.
Whether peak foliage will continue its slide toward November with global warming remains to be seen. Half a century from now, fall foliage may become a nostalgic memory anyway as the US Environmental Protection Agency predicts that Maine may experience an increase of roughly 4F. by 2100, in which case between 35 and 60 percent of the maple-dominated hardwood forests may give way to oak and conifers.
Wildlife
A delight for generations of children, the wooly bear caterpillar is a common site this time of year along roadsides, on paths and in meadows and lawns. This fuzzy creature is a good neighbor—rarely eating crops or ornamental plants and tolerating a child’s gentle touch. Contrary to legend, the width of their black band does not signal the severity of the upcoming winter: it merely shows how near the caterpillar is to full growth. Following a winter’s hibernation, the caterpillar will become an Isabella Tiger Moth in spring.
Local Foods
Many of Maine’s farmers’ markets close down by mid-October but before their suppliers go, consider stocking up on root vegetables like onions, carrots and potatoes to tide you through the holidays. Even without a root cellar, these crops will keep well if stored in a dark and relatively cool location. Local growers can also supply seasonal decorations—colorful gourds and pumpkins, Indian corn and cornstalks.
Apple season begins in September but connoisseurs wait to pick until cold nights have sweetened the fruits. There are lots of pick-your-own opportunities at established orchards and many old trees about that may be fair game for picking with landowner permission.
Green Tip
When packing food for outdoor treks or lunch at school or the office, you may be tempted by the convenience of disposable single-serving items—from plastic-wrapped cheese sticks and yogurt tubes to snack packs and disposable juice boxes. Rely instead on a good set of small “tupperware” containers (look for plastic #s 2 or 5—the safest food-grade options – and don’t microwave them). Reusable containers save you money and greatly reduce the environmental wake left by your lunch. Pack your own beverage as well in a stainless water bottle and/or thermos.
Notable October Dates
October 8: Last Quarter Moon
October 15: New Moon
October 21: First Quarter Moon
October 29: Full Moon (Hunter’s Moon)
See downloadable tide charts and times of sunrise/sunset in October.
