Exploring the flora and fauna of Maine:
A treasure trove of natural beauty
Journeying through Maine’s mountainous forests and along its rocky shorelines is a nature-lovers dream. Not only are these jaw-dropping landscapes a feast for the eyes in themselves, but they also provide a rich habitat for an immense array of wildlife and plant species. Join us as we delve into the spectacular diversity that this Northeastern US state, our homeland, has to offer.
Our voyage begins at Acadia National Park, a breathtaking natural treasure renowned for its varied ecosystems and scenic vistas. And of course, the inspiration behind our homonymous lug-soled moc. It’s easy to see why thousands of visitors flock to Acadia each year in the fall to witness the vibrant displays put on by its sugar maples, red maples and northern red oaks as their leaves turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red.
As well as captivating spectators with its impressive seasonal explosions of colour, this dense woodland is home to the mighty black bear, an animal so emblematic that the University of Maine’s intercollegiate American football team is named after it. Other species such as eagles, elks, racoons and squirrels are also commonly sighted: a reminder that Maine’s iconic golden foliage is not just a visual delight, but evidence of the resilient ecosystems that thrive within the depths of its forests.
In addition to towering trees, Maine is home to a variety of shrubs, and among these is the blackberry. Known for its robust flavour and deep, rich colour, these plump, juicy berries are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them the ideal filling for Maine’s beloved blackberry pie: a mouthwatering dessert that bursts with the wild flavour of the summer harvest, and a staple at picnics, family gatherings, and local bakeries.
Maine’s diverse flora also provides food and shelter for an abundance of fascinating mammals, notably the moose, the red fox, and the American red squirrel, which can often be heard chattering or scolding intruders. With its distinctive black mask and ringed tail, the raccoon is also a familiar sight: highly intelligent and resourceful, raccoons are omnivores that forage for a wide range of foods, from fruits and nuts to small animals and human leftovers, making them important scavengers in the ecosystem.
As we delve deeper into Maine's lush forests and damp, shaded areas, we find a variety of ferns and moss, which really come into their own during the holiday season. The Christmas fern, recognizable by its evergreen fronds that resemble Christmas stockings, is popular for making rustic wreaths and garlands, whilst the dense tree moss and sheet moss that covers the forest floor, rocks, and logs like carpet adds a natural touch to authentic centrepieces that capture the essence of the state’s forested beauty.
Peeling our eyes away from Maine’s luscious vegetation and looking up towards the sky, we notice swallows darting through the air over fields and water bodies, including the tree swallow with its iridescent blue-green plumage and acrobatic flying skills. Meanwhile, the loud drumming of the woodpecker can be heard as it forages for insects beneath tree bark. And as day turns to night, it’s the owl’s turn to shine, known for its silent flight and sharp hunting instincts.
Travelling in a south-westerly direction along Maine’s craggy coastline, we eventually reach the state’s second largest lake, Lake Sebago, after which Sebago was named (meaning “big water” in the Algonquian Native American language). With its crystal-clear waters and surrounding woodlands, this lake is home to a variety of duck species, with mallards, wood ducks, and black ducks often seen gliding across its surface.
The final leg of our journey takes us to the historic harbour town of Portland: the inspiration behind our iconic deck shoe. A boat tour out into the Gulf of Maine provides the opportunity for unforgettable sightings of majestic humpback, minke, and fin whales, as well as other marine wildlife like dolphins, seals, and of course the Atlantic salmon: an essential food source for Native Americans for hundreds of years, and a species that is deeply intertwined with Maine’s recreational past.
Oyster farmers can also often be spotted with their floating cages, not only supporting the local seafood industry by harvesting one of New England’s finest culinary delicacies, but simultaneously benefitting the area’s marine ecosystem, thanks to oysters’ ability to naturally filter and remove excess nutrients from the surrounding waters. Once back on dry land, seagulls can be seen soaring above the piers and scavenging along the shores, their loud cries echoing across the harbour. And of course, waiting for us is a quintessential lobster roll: a soft, toasted bun filled with tender, succulent lobster meat, lightly dressed with butter or mayo. An emblem not only of Maine’s thriving marine ecosystem, but of its rich maritime culture too.
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