![Purple blooming flowers as far as the eye can see across a grassland.](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2023-09/IMG_5224.jpg?itok=7RTJIClP)
One Million Purple Plants
Late summer pours a tide of purple flowers across the sandplain grassland of Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area.
![spotted salamander](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2023-04/shutterstock_136298513.jpg?itok=JKck3BqA)
Maine Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project Final Year
Accurate mapping of reptiles and amphibians is a challenge, but community scientists can make important contributions through the Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project (MARAP).
![Great blue heron landing on tree branch with stick in its bill.](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2023-03/HERON%203%20%20AT%20MARSH%20APRIL%2010_0.jpg?itok=PpReoU7E)
Excitement is Building as the Heron Observation Network Enters Year 15!
Our 2022 results show a slight increase in the number of nesting pairs of great blue herons in Maine, the first time since 2015. We are gearing up for our 15th year of monitoring heron colonies with the help of so many AMAZING volunteers. We will also be conducting an aerial survey to bolster our numbers and hopefully find some new colonies. Spring is coming!
![marten tracks](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2023-02/blog%20doubles%20%282%29_0.jpg?itok=peGegkK4)
Tips for Tracks
Winter is the best time to learn to identify and interpret wildlife sign. Here are some tips to get started.
![red fox hunting in snow](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-12/red%20fox%20iStock-1215785692_0.jpg?itok=Nj9XaYXj)
Strategies for the Snowy Season
As the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and snow begins to fall, how do you plan to spend the winter? Just like people, wildlife uses several winter survival strategies.
![crew member using a drip torch](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-10/test_0.jpg?itok=35Ch6TM3)
Fired Up about Conservation
The first Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) to be held in the Northeast brought collaboration, mentorship, outreach, and fire to the sandplain grassland of Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area. Prescribed burns are tactically designed with two main objectives: restore ecosystem function and decrease uncontrollable wildfire risk.
![MDIFW Biologists conducting wood turtle surveys](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-08/wood%20turtle%20surveying%20in%20river_1.jpg?itok=mfpC9hDq)
Wading for Wood Turtles
MDIFW Biologists conduct wood turtle surveys to verify and track occurrences of the Species of Concern, improve knowledge of habitat use and home range, and effectively map them for conservation planning.
Deceive a Beaver, Save a Beaver
To learn more about the biology and ecology of beavers, and ways to live with them, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), The U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) -Wildlife Services, and the town of Dixmont partnered and held a training, open to those who might have direct or direct involvement with beaver conflicts, to demonstrate the best ways to live with beaver.
![common nighthawk](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-07/shutterstock_1600081045_0.jpg?itok=cK0xIqvN)
The Art and Science of Aerial Insectivores
Eating bugs for breakfast is an important job! Aerial insectivores navigate complex habitats with athleticism, artistry, and grace. How do they do it?
![red bats](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-07/eastern%20red%20bat%20triplet%20pups%2086933033-876-1303-Edit_0.jpg?itok=slWOISuM)
Summer Living with Bats
Maine is home to 8 species of bats. If you are finding bats on your property, odds are they have been there longer than you realize!
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