Blooming spring ephemerals
Early flowering plants that produce leaves, bloom, and set seed quickly after the snow melts in the spring are referred to as spring ephemerals. Many people look forward to the appearance of these appealing wildflowers with great excitement as they represent the seasons changing. Spring ephemeral flowers also provide the much-needed first nectar and pollen of the season for over-wintering pollinators, including bumblebee queens, mining bees, halictid or sweat bees, early butterflies, beetles, flies, and gnats. In return, these insects transfer pollen from one plant to another.
Spring ephemerals are found in deciduous forests dominated by sugar maple, ash, black cherry, and hop hornbeam trees. Before the trees have their leaves, these wildflowers show up early to take advantage of the unobscured access to sunlight. While the trees are still dormant, spring ephemerals are in a race against time. They take advantage of the above-average nutrient levels in the soil (from decomposing fall leaves) to photosynthesize quickly. This provides the energy they need for flowering, setting seed, and storing carbohydrates for the following year all before the tree canopy blocks sunlight from the forest floor.
The forest trees pull large amounts of water out of the soil when they start to grow leaves. The amount of water being absorbed by the trees is so great that it causes groundwater levels to drop. Before this happens, spring ephemerals use the higher moisture levels in the soil to carry out their life cycle. The dampness also helps them tolerate low temperatures they often face in early spring.
Spring ephemerals are only out for a short time so go out and enjoy these early spring bloomers! You can download a copy of a spring ephemeral field guide* to help you identify and learn about early wildflowers found in Massachusetts. While these delights of spring can be found across much of the state, there are specific locations where a plentiful variety of species can be found.
- Western: Greylock Glen in Adams, Green River Wildlife Management Area in Colrain.
- Near Boston: Blue Hills Reservation, Middlesex Fells
- Northeast: Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Central: Wells State Park
Please keep in mind that the survival of a plant population depends on each plant’s ability to produce seed for the following year. If you find a location with these beautiful plants, enjoy them in place and do not pick them. Other people who follow in your path will appreciate what you have admired and left untouched, as will the many native pollinator insects that depend on spring ephemerals for their survival.
*The spring ephemerals field guide appeared in the most recent issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. To order a printed copy, please call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300 to purchase a copy ($3).
Learn about MassWildlife’s habitat management projects
MassWildlife is leading a series of walks at locations across the Commonwealth. The public is invited to hear from habitat specialists and to view habitat restoration in action on MassWildlife lands.
MassWildlife's management activities are focused on declining habitat types that provide homes—food, cover, and space—for the state’s common and rare animals and plants. The goal is to create and maintain native grasslands, shrublands, vibrant young forests, woodlands, and dedicated forest reserves. Habitat site walks will demonstrate a range of habitat types. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Site walks will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled or cut short if there is thunder and lightning.
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Site |
Date/Time |
Description |
Location |
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Frances Crane WMA, North |
Tuesday, |
MassWildlife has been restoring native sandplain grasslands, barrens, and woodlands at Frances Crane WMA for many years. Biologists and ecologists involved in the project will discuss how these restoration projects have provided habitat for many rare species. |
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Montague Plains WMA |
Wednesday, |
Montague Plains is the largest intact inland glacial sandplain ecosystem in Massachusetts. Learn about over two decades of restoration work and upcoming projects. After the walk, participants can stay and listen to whip-poor-wills and woodcock at dusk, weather permitting. |
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Muddy Brook WMA |
Friday, |
Muddy Brook supports one of the largest actively managed fire-influenced landscapes in the interior of Massachusetts. The regionally significant barrens and oak woodland natural communities support over 20 state-listed species and a wealth of other highly specialized and often rare plants and animals. Ecologists will provide an overview of the ecology and management of the site. If the weather cooperates, whip-poor-wills and many other species should be heard. |
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Stafford Hill WMA |
Saturday, |
Stafford Hill boasts a wide variety of wildlife habitats, from open shrublands and grasslands to forests and wetlands. Learn about the management and ecology of these diverse habitats from Masswildlife biologists and see great views of Mt. Greylock. |
Watch for turtles on the road
Across Massachusetts, spring is the season of movement. Hibernating animals emerge from their winter resting areas in search of food and mates. Turtles are no exception. From mid-May to early July, thousands of turtles throughout Massachusetts travel to new areas to find food and nest. You may see turtles on roadways, in your backyard, or other unexpected locations as they move across the landscape to find resources they need to survive. Even if it’s not apparent to you where they’re headed, turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away.
Protecting adult turtles during this vulnerable time can make a big difference. “Adult turtles can live past 80 years. Young turtles and eggs, on the other hand, have a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood,” says Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist. "This is why it's especially important to protect older adult turtles from cars, especially during this time of year when turtles are crossing roads more frequently." Losing any adult turtles, particularly adult females, is a serious problem that can lead to the eventual local extinction of a population.
What to do if you see a turtle in or near a road:
- Be safe. Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better” location; turtles should not be moved more than 100 yards from where they are found.
- Handle with care. Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.
- Slow down, be observant. Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there's a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.
- Report busy crossing locations. Let MassWildlife know If you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles that have been hit by cars. Email location information to natural.heritage@mass.gov. You can also contact your town Conservation Commission or local conservation groups and support measures to help turtles. Signage, barrier fencing, or seasonal speed bumps can help reduce roadkill.
Spread the word and help protect our native turtles. In addition to five species of sea turtles that frequent our coastal areas, Massachusetts is home to ten native species of terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Six of the 10 species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Learn more in our native turtles.
Take mom fishing
A family fishing trip is a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day and get everyone together for an outdoor adventure. With the right preparation, you can help make Mother’s Day fishing the perfect gift.
Tips to have the best experience:
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Pick the perfect place. Mom deserves quality time in a scenic area this Mother’s Day. To find places to fish near you, use our Go Fish MA! interactive map. Filter for "featured sites" (using the gray icon in the bottom center of the map) to see some of the spots staff recommend for easiest access. To make a day of it, state parks are also a great option. They often offer extra amenities like picnic tables, grills, walking trails, and bathrooms. To go fishing with younger children, try a place closer to home, and look for open space with enough room for kids to cast.
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Get your gear ready. Pack everything the day before, and let mom relax. Remember to bring your sunscreen, bug spray, and mom's favorite snacks! Click here for a list of recommended items to get started fishing.
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Buy her fishing license as a gift, and tuck it into a handmade card. This gift keeps on giving, as licenses are valid through the end of the year. Kids younger than 15 can fish for free without a license. Licenses are also free for anglers ages 15–17 and anglers ages 70 and older. Get your fishing licenses here.
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Take lots of pictures! Capture that perfect action shot of mom reeling in her catch. Take group selfies to remember the day. Please tag us on social media, so we can see how much fun you’re having! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Plan extra activities. Keep everyone entertained by adding a nature walk, or bringing toys, binoculars, frisbees, playing cards, and anything else your family enjoys.
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Prepare a meal. If someone reels in a keeper, consider bringing it home to make a nice meal for mom.
Time on the water with mom doesn’t have to just last one day. Get out as often as you can, to keep making memories and reeling in those fish!
Wear your life jacket this spring
With nearly 1,500 miles of coastline, four major river systems, and hundreds of lakes and ponds, Massachusetts offers great opportunities to get out on the water. As warmer weather arrives, and to recognize National Safe Boating Week (May 18–24), the Massachusetts Environmental Police and MassWildlife remind boaters and anglers to put safety first by wearing life jackets.
Warmer days of spring can often mask water temperatures that are still dangerously cold. If you capsize or fall overboard, you can develop hypothermia within minutes. Hypothermia, the lowering of your internal body temperature, can make it difficult for you to swim, paddle, or stay afloat. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water can also cause you to involuntarily gasp and ingest water, which can lead to death by drowning. Your life jacket may not prevent hypothermia, but it will help you stay afloat, and it can save your life. Boating fatality victims were often not wearing life jackets.
Safety advocates recommend all boaters and passengers have a life jacket and wear it at all times while boating.
In Massachusetts, life jackets must be worn by:
- Canoeists and kayakers from September 15 to May 15
- Youth under 12 years old
- Personal watercraft users
- Water skiers
- Stand-up paddleboard users
Facts about fawns
To stay hidden from predators, young white-tailed deer spend much of their first 30 days on their own. Learn about fawn development and why you should never approach or take a fawn from the wild even if it’s alone.
Adult female deer, called does, typically give birth to 1–3 baby fawns each year. Most are born in May and June; however, fawns can be born in Massachusetts any time between April and September. Healthy fawns weigh about 4-9 pounds at birth and can walk within an hour. During their first couple of months, fawns spend most of their time away from their mothers. This separation protects the fawns, who are not yet strong enough to flee from predators that may be attracted to the mother. Let’s take a closer look at the normal phases of fawn and doe behavior:
Bed Phase (May – June)
The bed phase lasts for the first 5–8 days of a fawn’s life (see photo above). Newborn fawns spend most of this time bedded on the ground alone laying very still even when a person or animal comes near. The mother visits very briefly only a couple times a day to feed the fawn and move it to a new location. If humans or pets are around, most does stay away from their fawn to avoid drawing attention to its location and return when the threat has passed. Does keep twins and triplets apart so if a predator finds one, they will not find the others. If a fawn is threatened, it may drop its head, flatten its ears, and even suspend its breathing. This behavior helps the fawn avoid being detected by predators. While fawns may seem like they are most vulnerable during this stage, it is actually the lowest risk phase for predation.
Flush Phase (May – June)
The flush phase is the first approximately 8–30 days of a fawn’s life. Fawns still spend most of their time bedded on the ground alone receiving brief, infrequent visits from their mother. During this phase, fawns lay still until a threat is close and then quickly run—or “flush”—to a new spot and bed down to hide. They may make crying or bleating sounds when they are disturbed by people or when trying to locate their mother.
BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the bed and flush phases, people sometimes find what they think is an abandoned fawn and attempt to remove it from the wild. While this is well intentioned, it is harmful to the fawn. It is also illegal to possess or capture a fawn. If you find a fawn, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. The mother is likely nearby and continuing to check on the fawn. During these phases, there can be increased risk of conflict between does and dogs when does try to protect their fawns that are hidden nearby. Pet owners can reduce risk of conflict by leashing their dogs and keeping them close by when deer are in the area.
Active Phase (July – August)
Active phase begins after a fawn is about 30 days old. During this time, fawns are strong enough to flee from predators and are seen more frequently as they start exploring their environment. Fawns begin to spend more time with their mothers and siblings during this period.
BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the active phase, people often see fawns and their mothers near their homes and neighborhoods. Do your part to keep fawns and adult deer wild! Never intentionally feed wildlife and observe at a respectful distance.
What to do if you find a fawn:
- Leave the fawn alone, even if the mother is not in sight. The mother is likely nearby and visiting her fawn when she doesn’t feel threatened. This behavior helps the fawn avoid being detected by predators.
- If you have taken a fawn into your care, you should immediately return it where you found it, or in safe cover nearby. Then, quickly leave the area so the fawn does not follow you and the mother can return. The mother will return to nurse the fawn even if it has been handled by people. Do not try to feed fawns as they have sensitive stomachs.
- It is illegal for any member of the public to possess a deer fawn for any reason.
- If a fawn is visibly injured or found with its dead mother, call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300 or the MA Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075. In the rare situation where rehabilitation is needed, care for fawns will be coordinated by MassWildlife.
Celebrate Endangered Species Day May 17
May 17th is Endangered Species Day! Join MassWildlife in recognizing the 432 plants and animals that are listed on the Massachusetts Endangered Species List. Each species plays an important role in keeping the Commonwealth's natural communities thriving. MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) focuses on conserving rare species and their habitats throughout Massachusetts. Check out our rare species success stories!
The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act was modeled after the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and provides additional protection for the Commonwealth's most imperiled species and their habitats. The ESA has been a powerful tool used by government agencies and other organizations to conserve hundreds of plants and animals.
On Endangered Species Day and every day of the year, you can make a difference in rare species conservation!
Report rare species
Help MassWildlife monitor rare plants and animals by telling us when you see them. If you have information on the location of a rare species or a vernal pool and would like to help NHESP keep its database current, submit your observations through the Heritage Hub.
Donate to support rare species
You can make a big impact by donating directly to NHESP. Please consider making a donation today of $4.32 to honor the 432 animals and plants on the MA Endangered Species List. All money donated goes towards conserving the rare animals and plants that call Massachusetts home. Your donation goes toward equipment and services needed to give these species a fighting chance.
There are a few ways you can donate:
- Online with a credit card or electronic check
(You will be redirected to our payment portal managed by nCourt, LLC.) - Through your MassFishHunt account
- By check made payable to "Comm. of MA—NHESP" and mailed to: MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
Youth Artist from Acton Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Meghan Li from Acton won Best of Show in the 2024 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Her colored pencil and soft pastel drawing of a hooded merganser was selected from 267 entries. Li’s award-winning work will represent Massachusetts at the National JDS Contest.
Students from kindergarten through grade 12 from across the Commonwealth submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in their natural habitats, demonstrating both artistic talent and a knowledge of the value of wetlands for wildlife. In March, a panel of judges selected the top works of art in each of four age groups. A combination of the top artworks will be exhibited throughout Massachusetts in the coming year; click here for the exhibit schedule.
The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council. Please support the JDS Program and wetland conservation by purchasing Junior Duck Stamps featuring national winners from previous years. Stamps can be purchased at duckstamp.com.
More about the Junior Duck Stamp Program
Students who participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Program learn about waterfowl, explore waterfowl habitats, and investigate conservation challenges facing ducks, geese, and swans. These learnings are translated into works of art that show what students have discovered about the species’ anatomy and unique characteristics. Students are encouraged to illustrate aquatic vegetation, trees, and plants appropriate for the depicted species’ natural habitat. Feather colors should be appropriate to the time of the year demonstrated by the environment in the painting. To learn more about the Massachusetts JDS Program, visit mass.gov/dfw/jds.
The judging process
At the state level, it takes several rounds of judging to select winners. First, second, and third place, plus honorable mentions are awarded in each of four age categories. One student’s design is selected as “Best of Show” and represents Massachusetts at the National level. Artwork entries are judged based on originality, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition, and suitability for reproduction on a 1.5 x 2-inch stamp.
Judges consider a variety of aesthetic criteria when evaluating artwork including:
- Form: For realistic portrayals, is the waterfowl anatomically accurate? For other art styles, does the form highlight the species' characteristics in an appropriate way?
- Line: Are the details necessary, correct, and effective?
- Colors: Are the colors appropriate for the selected species and surrounding habitat? Does the illustration accurately or creatively depict the species of waterfowl in plumage, habitat, and season, in a realistic or decorative depiction of the bird or birds?
- Scale and shape: Is the visual statement appropriate for a 1.5 x 2-inch stamp, or will details be lost when reduced in size? Is the design suited to a horizontal, rectangular stamp shape?
- Clarity of visual symbolism: Does the illustration communicate the purpose of the stamp and can the elements of the illustration be easily identified?
- Spatial divisions: Are there negative and positive areas within the illustration and do they work together?
- Texture: Are the textures visually and physically appropriate to the species of waterfowl chosen?
Click here to view a selection of JDS artwork from previous years.
Meet the JDS judges
The impressive panel of Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp judges have expertise in the arts and in the natural sciences.
Barry W. Van Dusen
Barry W. Van Dusen is an internationally recognized wildlife artist who has illustrated many books. His most recent book, Finding Sanctuary, was published by Mass Audubon in 2020. In 2014, Barry was named Master Artist at the annual Birds in Art show (Wausau, Wisconsin)—joining the ranks of Roger Tory Peterson and Robert Bateman in receiving this highest accolade for bird artists. In 1994, Barry was elected a full member of Britain’s Society of Wildlife Artists; he contributes annually to their London exhibition.
At the invitation of the Artists for Nature Foundation, Barry has traveled around the world with other wildlife artists to raise money for habitat conservation. In 2007, Barry was chosen to create the UK Habitat Conservation Stamp (the British counterpart to the US Federal Duck Stamp) and was the first American to be so honored. See more of the artist’s work at barryvandusen.com
Dave Small
Dave Small is president of the 280-member Athol Bird and Nature Club and Director of the Millers River Environmental Center in Athol. Dave shares his passion for birds, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, reptiles, and amphibians through workshops, lectures, and field trips around New England. Over the years, Dave has contributed his knowledge and time to a variety of organizations and municipal entities including Millers River Watershed Council, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Mass Watershed Coalition, Mass Audubon's Important Bird Area Technical Advisory Committee, National Moth Week Science Advisory Board, Ware River Watershed Advisory Committee, Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Advisory Committee, Athol Planning Board, and Athol Conservation Commission. Working for the Commonwealth for 35 years, Dave served as Assistant Regional Director at the DCR Quabbin Reservoir before retiring in 2013.
Will Close
Will Close is an artist and educator based in Concord, MA. He channels his love of nature into his role as an outdoor education instructor at the Carroll School in Lincoln. When not teaching, Will immerses himself in the forest, rendering a wide range of species through observational illustration—from New England landscapes to the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Watercolor and graphite serve as his primary mediums, though he also works in collage, assemblage, and time-based media. His work delves into the intricate relationships between all life on both local and global scales, with recent focus on documenting species in protected areas such as conservation lands and national parks. Will’s artwork has been showcased nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at venues like the United States Capital and the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata, India. Most recently, he was the inaugural artist in residence with the North Country Land Trust in Ashburnham, MA. View Will’s artwork at willclosestudios.com.
John Burk
John Burk is a photographer, writer, and historian who specializes in nature and landscapes of New England. He has authored or edited regional books and guides, contributed to publications, and collaborated with numerous organizations and individuals. John lives in central Massachusetts.
Migratory birds and the challenges they face
To many, the “Spring’s here!” two-note song of the black-capped chickadee is a hopeful sign that spring has nearly arrived. With that sound of spring, billions of migratory birds begin the trek to their breeding grounds, including species like the vibrant scarlet tanager that travel more than 4,000 miles! As the weather becomes milder, those with an attentive ear can hear changes in the bird community. Some of the first to arrive in Massachusetts include the American woodcock, eastern phoebe, and yellow-bellied sapsucker. As spring advances, the sounds of field sparrows, eastern towhees, Tennessee warblers, and Swainson’s thrushes fill the air. Some of these bird species are just passing through on their journey to northern New England or Canada, while others may be staking their claim on a piece of the Bay State where they will nest and raise their young.
Massachusetts is home to hundreds of bird species, most of which are migratory. These birds can be broken down into major groups based on a general description of their habitat (e.g., forest, grassland, and shrubland). Regardless of their habitat grouping, many of these species are experiencing population declines. Thirty different birds are listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. An additional 95 are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) on the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).
Eastern forest birds are declining at an alarming rate, with a loss of nearly 170 million birds over the past 50 years. Massachusetts has close to 3 million acres of forests under both public and private ownership, so it may be puzzling to hear that many forest birds in the Commonwealth are in trouble. A close look at Massachusetts forests reveals that most of them are made up of similarly aged trees, and just a handful of tree species make up the bulk of our forests. This uniformity impacts bird species that need a variety of forest conditions to thrive.
The wood thrush is one familiar example of a bird that needs a variety of forest conditions. Wood thrush adults nest in mature forests, but feed and raise their fledglings in young forests. To help declining birds like the wood thrush, conservation efforts are needed to create and maintain a diversity of forest conditions that meet their entire breeding season habitat requirements.
Luckily, state and federal agencies are working to create habitat for declining birds and other types of wildlife on private and public lands. On public land, great examples can be found on numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), as well as several State Forests and Parks. Restored forest communities found at Montague Plains WMA, Muddy Brook WMA, Birch Hill WMA, and Myles Standish State Forest are diverse and support many declining forest birds, including the iconic eastern whip-poor-will and prairie warbler.
Since 64% of Massachusetts forests are privately owned, actions taken by private landowners make a big difference to declining wildlife. Programs, like those offered by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), provide financial and technical assistance to landowners wishing to create wildlife habitat on their property.
Want to learn more about migratory birds and their habitats?
Join MassWildlife habitat experts for a guided bird walk at Leyden Wildlife Management Area during peak migratory bird nesting season. The walk is June 2 from 7:30–10:30 a.m. Birders of all experience levels are welcome. Registration is required, click here for more details and to reserve your spot.
More ways to connect and explore
Habitat walks
MassWildlife's management activities are focused on declining habitat types that provide homes—food, cover, and space—for the state’s common and rare animals and plants. The goal is to create and maintain native grasslands, shrublands, vibrant young forests, woodlands, and dedicated forest reserves. Habitat site walks will demonstrate a range of habitat types.
- May 14: Frances Crane WMA Habitat Walk, East Falmouth – MassWildlife has been restoring native sandplain grasslands, barrens, and woodlands at Frances Crane WMA for many years. Biologists and ecologists involved in the project will discuss how these restoration projects have provided habitat for many rare species. The walk will take place from 1–3 p.m.; meet at the Nathan Ellis Highway (get directions). Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Site walks will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled or cut short if there is thunder and lightning.
- May 15: Montague Plains WMA Habitat Walk, Montague – Montague Plains is the largest intact inland glacial sandplain ecosystem in Massachusetts. Learn about over two decades of restoration work and upcoming projects. After the walk, participants can stay and listen to whip-poor-wills and woodcock at dusk, weather permitting. The walk will take place from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; meet at Old Northfield Road (get directions). Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Site walks will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled or cut short if there is thunder and lightning.
- May 17: Muddy Brook WMA Habitat Walk, Hardwick – Muddy Brook supports one of the largest actively managed fire-influenced landscapes in the interior of Massachusetts. The regionally significant barrens and oak woodland natural communities support over 20 state-listed species and a wealth of other highly specialized and often rare plants and animals. Ecologists will provide an overview of the ecology and management of the site. If the weather cooperates, whip-poor-wills and many other species should be heard. The walk will take place from 7–9 p.m.; meet at Patrill Hollow Road (get directions). Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Site walks will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled or cut short if there is thunder and lightning.
- May 18: Stafford Hill WMA Habitat Walk, Cheshire – Stafford Hill boasts a wide variety of wildlife habitats, from open shrublands and grasslands to forests and wetlands. Learn about the management and ecology of these diverse habitats from Masswildlife biologists and see great views of Mt. Greylock. The walk will take place from 10 a.m.–noon; meet at Stafford Hill Road (get directions). Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking. Site walks will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled or cut short if there is thunder and lightning.
- June 2: Migratory Bird Walk at Leyden WMA, Leyden – Join MassWildlife habitat experts for a guided bird walk at Leyden Wildlife Management Area during peak migratory bird nesting season. The walk is from 7:30–10:30 a.m. Bring binoculars and water, dress for the weather, and wear closed-toed shoes good for walking on uneven ground. Birders of all experience levels are welcome. Registration is required, click here for more details and to reserve your spot.
Go birding
Join a bird club to meet new and advanced birders near you. Try the Merlin Bird Identification App to identify bird songs or use iNaturalist or eBird to locate birding hotspots, identify birds, or record your bird lists. No phone? No problem! Use a field guide.
Private landowner resources
Are you interested in creating habitat on your property? Reach out to MassWildlife’s Private Lands Habitat Biologist Jeff Larkin at jeffery.t.larkin@mass.gov to discuss opportunities on your land.
Visit a Wildlife Management Area
Explore Wildlife Management Areas in person or virtually. Check out one of the featured properties listed below or go to MassWildlife’s Lands Viewer to find a WMA near you.
MassWildlife staff honored
Current and former MassWildlife staff were recognized for their contributions to fisheries and wildlife conservation.
Jim Cardoza
Robert McDowell Award for Conservation Management Excellence
The Robert McDowell Award is the highest honor presented by the Directors of the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to honor career professionals who have made significant contributions to advance fish and wildlife conservation in the Northeastern United States and eastern Canadian Provinces. Jim Cardoza, retired MassWildlife Biologist, was presented with this award at the 79th annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference hosted by MassWildlife on Cape Cod in April.
Cardoza’s accomplishments during his long tenure as a wildlife biologist in Massachusetts are impressive. Notably, he was the key architect of the restoration of wild turkeys in the Northeast. Turkeys were absent in Massachusetts until reintroduction efforts began in the late 1960s. Today, Massachusetts’ wild turkey population is estimated at around 35,000 birds! Jim also pioneered innovative methods for studying black bears and became one of the country’s leading experts on this species. He shared his expertise by publishing dozens of peer-reviewed articles and presenting at professional conferences ensuring that other wildlife professionals had access to the latest wildlife management methods and research results.
This honor took on special significance since Mr. Cardoza accepted the Robert McDowell Award at his 50th Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference.
Susan Langlois
William T. Hesselton Memorial Award
Every year, a group of wildlife professionals from 13 Northeast states nominate an individual who has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and to wildlife management and hunter training programs. Susan Langlois, MassWildlife’s Hunter Education Program Administrator, received the William T. Hesselton Memorial Award at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference. Langlois has dedicated her career to the conservation of Massachusetts wildlife and to providing top-notch instruction to the sporting community. Drawing on her expertise as a biologist, Susan has become an advocate for science-based wildlife management and a national leader in developing modern hunter education program standards. She helped develop a national trapper education course and is an instructor and advisory member for the national Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow program.
Leanda Fontaine
2023 Sportsperson of the Year
Leanda Fontaine, MassWildlife’s Western District Aquatic Biologist, was named Sportsperson of the Year for 2023. The award was given by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen at an event in April. During her nearly 20 years with MassWildlife, Fontaine has been involved with a variety of statewide fisheries research and conservation projects. In her current role, she oversees fisheries projects in western Massachusetts, plans trout stocking activities and public stocking events, and supports learn-to-fish classes in the Berkshires. Leanda has implemented several successful invasive water chestnut removal projects, contributes her knowledge to lake and pond management discussions, and is the MassWildlife representative on the interagency scientific dive team.