Conservation Working Group

A WORKING GROUP OF THE SUSTAINABILITY & NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BOARD (SNRB)

The Conservation Working Group will be a standing working group of the Auburn Sustainability and Natural Resource Management Board (SNRB). The purpose of the Conservation Working Group shall be to promote responsible stewardship of the natural environment in Auburn through research, advocacy, and education.

The Conservation Working Group:

Shall seek to coordinate the activities of conservation and recreation bodies organized for similar purposes
In coordination with the City GIS staff shall keep an index of all open areas within the city, whether publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the proper protection, development or use of those open areas. The working group may recommend to the city council or to any Board of the city a program for the better protection, development or use of such open areas, which may include the acquisition of conservation easements
Shall promote public awareness and appreciation for Auburn’s natural environment through a broad education program. This may include organizing events, distributing educational materials, and coordinating with local conservation organizations, both private and public
Shall support and advise City staff on the sustainable management of Auburn’s natural resources, and promote cooperation and information-sharing with regional, state, and federal agencies
Shall provide advisory opinions and recommendations to the City Council, Planning Board, and other municipal elected or appointed officials on matters pertaining to natural resource management in Auburn
Shall assist with and coordinate applications for grants from the Federal or State governments, or private sources, to improve conservation assets for the city including parks, trails, and the community forest
Shall undertake any other conservation or environmental activity referred to it by the city council.

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are typically held on the third Tuesday of every month.

The SNRB appoints members to the Working Groups. All Working Groups are between 5 and 11 members. Standing working groups shall provide a quarterly report to the SNRB. All meetings of the SNRB and standing working groups shall be open to the public, and notice, if required by law, should be provided to the public about such meetings.

AGENDAS
10-21-25

MINUTES

BACKYARD POLLINATOR HABITATS: It's easier than you think!

View this recent Auburn Conservation Working Group webinar on the importance of providing pollinantor habitats and great ways to bring nature into your yard. https://youtu.be/w0ACm-Bt2-g?si=ZL1JQnrcBcYHtdTx

This fascinating webinar features Lynne Holland, Horticulture Professional and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Click HERE for some great pollinator habitat resources!

Knockout Browntail Webinar

Winter/early spring is a great time to fight Browntail, as nests can be easily spotted, clipped & destroyed. The Auburn Conservation Working Group, Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board, and the City of Auburn recently presented a discussion (via Zoom) on Browntail moth and other invasive pests.

Our special guest was Allison Kanoti, Director of the Maine Forest Service Forest Health and Monitoring Division.

Watch the webinar on our YouTube channel: CLICK HERE.

The City of Auburn is committed to raising awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose, and what can be done to slow or prevent their spread. The dedicated community volunteers on Auburn's Conservation Working Group and the L-A Community Forest Board are very proud to present this informational video about Asiatic BITTERSWEET, which grows as a climbing vine or shrub. It kills native plants by growing over them, blocking sunlight, and choking stems and trunks. We encourage you to watch & learn, then be on the lookout for bittersweet in your yard or neighborhood.