Natural Communities Fact Sheets

There are 106 natural communities found in Massachusetts. Below are factsheets categorized by upland, wetland, and coastal habitat that describe their individual characteristics, state of vulnerability, and examples of WMAs where these natural communities can be found.

Natural communities of Massachusetts

The Key to the Natural Communities, in the Classification of Natural Communities of Massachusetts, 2020
Keys to the descriptions of the natural communities of Massachusetts are intended to assist users in identifying the natural communities that they encounter in the state. As with the classification, the keys are intended to be used by anyone with an interest in conservation and a familiarity with the plants of Massachusetts. The keys lead to named natural community types, which are illustrated in fact sheets describing the natural community in more detail than available in the key. 

Priority natural communities: The relative condition, or conservation status, of a natural community in Massachusetts is a function of its rarity and vulnerability to threats. Natural communities are assigned State ranks ranging from S1-S5 based on an assessment of abundance and threats. Priority natural communities are Ranked S1-S3. Natural communities with restricted global distributions are also high priorities for conservation. 

Upland natural communities*

Natural communies(Upland)_1.csv

*Sort by rank to view priority natural communities (S1 through S3S4).

Wetland natural communities*

Natural communies(Wetland)_2.csv

*Sort by rank to view priority natural communities (S1 through S3S4).

Coastal natural communities*

Natural communies(Coastal)_0.csv

*Sort by rank to view priority natural communities (S1 through S3S4).