Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
banner
chesgundrum.bsky.social
Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
@chesgundrum.bsky.social
Director of Advocacy at @maineaudubon.bsky.social 🌲🦉🐢 linktr.ee/ChesGundrum | opinions are my own.
“Vernal pools are small, but the role they play in our environment is huge,” said Francesca Gundrum, @maineaudubon.bsky.social's advocacy director.

ONWARD!

www.pressherald.com/2025/06/17/m...
Maine’s small vernal pools may get bigger state protections
A bill now awaiting action by Gov. Janet Mills would create a 100-foot no-disturbance protection zone around Maine's vernal pools, among other protections.
www.pressherald.com
June 20, 2025 at 9:43 PM
EXCITING NEWS! 🐸!

"Without vernal pools, we would almost certainly lose species like wood frogs and spotted salamanders and blue spotted salamanders that rely on these pools," she said, "in order for them to lay their eggs and continue contributing to future generations." @maineaudubon.bsky.social
June 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
MAINERS: Sign @maineaudubon.bsky.social's petition in support of LD 1882, a bill to help reclaim protections to vernal pools!

Click here to add your name and learn more 🐸 >> secure.everyaction.com/jpXO7N9G0k6r...
May 2, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Reposted by Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
"I can tell it's winter when my inbox gets flooded with inquiries about robins.” In this week's Ask Maine Audubon column in the Portland Press Herald by Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox, he answers all your questions about robins!
Known as a sign of spring, robins are year-round species
Wildlife questions from real Mainers answered by Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox
buff.ly
March 2, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Reposted by Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
I am a longtime defender of the importance of state birds and other symbols! My hometown paper published a LTE I wrote today where I dug DEEP into the legislative record to find out what's really important.
www.pressherald.com/2025/02/06/l...
Letter: Maine’s symbols deserve greater respect
Instead of rolling our eyes, we should be sincerely celebrating the things that represent our state.
www.pressherald.com
February 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Tomorrow, @maineaudubon.bsky.social will support a pair of bills to establish a state amphibian + reptile!

“As Maine is the most forested state in the nation, the Wood Turtle is a fitting reptilian ambassador for the Pine Tree State,” said @aniawright.bsky.social ➡️ maineaudubon.org/news/maine-a...
Maine Audubon Supports Bills to Designate a State Amphibian and Reptile - Maine Audubon
Legislation to Designate the Spring Peeper as our State Amphibian and Wood Turtle as State Reptile have Hearings in Augusta On February 3, Maine Audubon Policy Advocate Ania Wright will testify in sup...
maineaudubon.org
February 3, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Reposted by Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
Just so it’s clear: stopping progress on wind power to promote fossil fuels is a huge net loss for birds
January 21, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Reposted by Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
Maine has strong rules to protect valuable coastal sand dunes, but has lacked funding for their restoration and protection. That changes now! Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications to its Coastal Sand Dune Restoration and Protection Fund.
State Sand Dune Restoration Fund Now Taking Applications! - Maine Audubon
Coastal sand dunes are one of the rarest habitats in Maine, making up just about 2% of the state’s coastline. Built over time by the actions of wind and waves, dunes and associated beaches and salt…
buff.ly
January 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Reposted by Francesca “Ches” Gundrum
At the State House yesterday as the new session opened. Highlight: The Environmental Priorities Coalition rolled out its shared legislative priorities. Maine Audubon Advocacy Director Francesca Gundrum spoke about one near and dear to us: Funding for the Land for Maine's Future program.
January 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM