Photo: Bill Byrne ©2002 MassWildlife

For example, NHESP coordinates the yearly census of Piping Plover nests and tern nesting colonies in Massachusetts. This effort is made possible by the cooperation of beach managers, other agencies, conservation organizations, and many dedicated volunteers. The census effort generates the information about population size, productivity, and predation that biologists and conservationists need to protect and manage the birds. To view and print a copy of the piping plover or tern census form, click here.

Research supported by the Program or performed by NHESP staff includes rare species population studies, taxonomic studies, and management experiments. Through Small Research Contracts, NHESP has sponsored taxonomic work on several rare plant species, including Nantucket Shadbush, New England Blazing Star, and New England Boneset. As one can tell by their names, these plants are found only in the vicinity of New England. The purpose of taxonomic research is to determine if described plants such as these are, in fact, distinct species or varieties with global ranges limited to the New England area or simply represent geographic variation within more common, wide-ranging species. The Program can then better assess the global and state rarity of these plants and determine conservation priorities.

Updated: 4/29/05

Questions or comments to:natural.heritage@state.ma.us