Protecting Rare Species

Of the thousand of plants and animals native to Massachusetts, more than 400 are considered rare and endangered.

Our reservations provide critical habitat for 89 rare species (21 vertebrates, 29 invertebrates, 39 plants) and protect 12% (60 pairs) of the federally threatened piping plover population in Massachusetts. Twelve of our properties are state-listed as Areas of Critical Ecological Concern. Through several rare species protection programs, many in concert with local and regional conservation groups, The Trustees work to preserve the state’s rich biodiversity. These programs include:

• shorebird protection
• species identification, location, and protection 
• grasslands management
• rare plant species habitat acquisition and management