The Nature of Maine in September
The wind is full of mystery tonight;
In it the summer warmth and autumn chill
Commingle like the waters in a bight
To form a tide rip that is never still summer.
~Wilbert Snow, “Changing Seasons”
Plants
While this year’s tree leaves are showing signs of age (and a hint of color), the roadsides and meadows are often looking like summer knows no bounds—with the saffron glow of goldenrod and the delicate lilac asters still setting them aglow. These hardy native plants can withstand poor soils and droughts (admittedly, not a problem this summer!) and often retain their blooms into October.
Wildlife
September is the month ornithologists wait for—scanning the skies and bushes for migratory birds as they soar south toward warmer climes for the winter. Open hilltops and offshore islands afford a good place to view migrating hawks while coastal regions often provide glimpses of migratory songbirds. If you’d help identifying what you see, there are often organized trips to join offered by Maine Audubon (www.maineaudubon.org) and others (see www.mainebirding.net).
Local Foods
Farmer’s markets are rarely fuller than in September—when the warm weather crops like corn and melons have ripened and the frosts have not yet arrived. Enjoy the sun-ripened tomatoes and basil while you can as the selection will fall markedly by month’s end.
Green Tip
With the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox, the days growing visibly shorter and the nights longer—requiring lights for longer stretches. Now’s a good time to make sure that you’re getting the greenest form of electricity you can—by signing up for renewable power sources through your electric provider. Maine Interfaith Power & Light offers plans that draw from wind, hydropower or a combination of the two.
Notable September Dates
September 1: Last Quarter Moon
September 8: New Moon
September 15: First Quarter Moon
September 20-26: Coastweek and International Coastal Cleanup
September 22: Fall Equinox
September 23: Full Moon (Corn Moon)
See downloadable tide charts and times of sunrise/sunset in September.
