Rachel Carson wildlife refuge seeks volunteers to restore cottontail habitat

Correction: This event occurred in 2021.

SCARBOROUGH – On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2021, in celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting a volunteer workday to help restore native shrubland habitat, which is home to many species, including Maine’s only native rabbit–the state endangered New England cottontail.

The event takes place in Scarborough, Maine. After cancelling its annual NPLD event last year, the Refuge is pleased to join the nation’s largest single day volunteer effort for public lands once again. Given the challenges of the pandemic, and subsequent increase in appreciation for outdoor recreation, NPLD’s objective seems especially relevant: to celebrate the opportunity American citizens have to give back to the public lands where we explore and rejuvenate. This year, more than ever, Rachel Carson NWR needs help to keep up the progress it, with the help of past volunteers, has made in saving the wildlife that helps make southern Maine so special.

The state endangered New England cottontail’s numbers – now estimated at a mere 300 individuals – have dropped dramatically over the past 50 years throughout its range, mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This rabbit depends on dense thicket habitat to be able to hide from predators and forage for food.

“If you can walk through it, it isn’t good New England Cottontail habitat,” says Kate O’Brien, the Wildlife Biologist at Rachel Carson NWR.  Healthy thicket habitat is steadily disappearing and being degraded in Maine for several reasons, including: development, fragmentation, forest maturation, and the spread of invasive plants.

As shrublands disappear, so do the animal species that depend on them; and the New England cottontail is not the only critter in danger of disappearing. Animals also relying on shrubland habitat include: the eastern towhee, American woodcock, prairie warbler, willow flycatcher, and the elusive black racer snake; all of which have dwindling populations. 

Volunteers are needed for two time slots on Saturday, Sept. 24 in Scarborough, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. to assist with planting of native shrubs propagated at the Refuge’s own greenhouse, at a very special habitat management area on the Refuge. The day will include celebrating the NPLD national effort of “finding more ways to connect to nature,” by digging, planting, learning, brief trail walking, donuts, coffee, and lots of fun.

Email  Jessalyn_Benson@fws.gov for additional details and to sign up. Registration is required to ensure event adheres to COVID safety guidelines. COVID precautions will be followed, including appropriate mask-wearing. 

To learn more about the New England cottontail and the efforts being taken across Maine and New England to save the species, visit www.newenglandcottontail.org. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on its work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.