“Working with Deb has been the perfect combination of inspirational and practical. The project I’m tackling can sometimes feel overwhelming and Deb really listened to my concerns and ideas then crafted a holistic approach that broke the project into manageable parts. She then provided a wealth of resources in the final report and plant list, re-energizing me with great ideas and a solid plan I can work at my own pace.”
Jenine, Midcoast Maine
“A true pleasure and wizard of the natural world. I wish I could have Deb in my back pocket all the time!”
Carrie Ryba, North Yarmouth
“The hour I spent with Deb Perkins walking my lot in Portland ME was absolutely the most informative and inspiring hour I’ve ever spent with anyone that knowledgeable about all things plant and wildlife. Deb was able to answer all my questions, and I was showered with excellent recommendations as to what would encourage the pollinators and birds to flock to my place. Not only that, but also suggestions for many beautiful enhancements. Her follow up report was incredibly thorough and helpful, expanding on everything she had discussed with me. Deb comes with a top-drawer recommendation from me!!! Her services are well worth the price.”
Eve in Deering Center Village
“Deb brought a level of expertise to our understanding of wildlife habitat and how we can improve our land that would not be possible from reading material alone.”
former Congressman Tom Allen, Sebago
“Deb is a fantastic listener and was on spot in understanding where I was coming from and my hopes for the landscape.
Boundless ideas and inspiring suggestions -- I couldn’t have dreamed of a better partner in guiding me in figuring out what to do with the little plot of land I’m stewarding.”
Rachel Miller, Bridgton, Maine
“Choosing to work with First Light wasn't something I took lightly because there was a not-insignificant financial investment. … I couldn't be happier with the result, and am so grateful I took the leap. After my consultation with Deb, I feel like I have a clear idea of what my next steps are in moving forward, and even though this is not a project that will be finished in a month (or even a year), I have a more clear understanding of what I'm trying to achieve and why it's important, as well as access to a valuable resource to continue to help guide me on that path when I find myself foundering.”
Jen Blood, Phippsburg, Maine
"It was such a pleasure to have Deb come to my new home and help us learn about our land and how to create an inviting habitat for animals! She educated us on invasive plants, how to create a salamander sanctuary and to encourage different birds and owls to come make their home on our land. Her summary helped us remember everything we talked about and was so concise and helpful! We are so grateful she was able to help us learn about our land and make it better for wildlife! Thank you!!"
Jennifer Greiner, Kennebunk, Maine
“Off the charts, great!
She is a joy to be with!
Deb is an extremely good listener and addressed all of our Land Trust issues and continues to send more information which I really appreciate. I'm learning so much from this experience with Deb.
Her consult was in-depth with suggestions for how to manage our properties and restore native habitat. She included top priorities, lists of plants, resources, and provided links and specific articles that pertained to our needs and concerns.
Highly recommend...I learned so much from my 2+ hours walking our properties with Deb. I enjoyed her company and her patience in explaining what she was discovering and suggestions. Deb's love of her work is evident from the first time you meet her. Her experience in the field, knowledge about native habitat and appreciation of nature melds beautifully with her work to help and educate others.”
Sissy Buck, Biddeford Pool Land Trust
“I would absolutely recommend First Light. It was a real pleasure working with Deb, and she provided a great deal of information in the specific areas that concerned me.
Her knowledge is broad and vital, and the summary she provided is full of relevant information, useful links, and interesting insights.”
Catherine Lo, Portland, Maine
"Although I would have preferred to walk my property with Deb in person, I chose a virtual consultation. Prior to our online meeting, I completed a brief survey to let her know what I wanted to focus on in regards to enhancing my property for wildlife. In addition, I sent her photos and a rough sketch of buildings, vegetation, etc. to give her an idea of what was there. Shortly before our online meeting, she sent me a few attachments (e.g., maps) that we referenced during our discussion. Deb appeared online right on time, and after a quick review of my primary concerns, we began talking about options for removing nonnative plant species, adding refuge/cover for wildlife, and plants to support pollinators. She provided a lot of information, and although I was worried about remembering or writing all of it down, there was no need. Deb created a page for me with all the plant species she suggested…AND sent me the recording of our online conversation – all of which has been very helpful! Deb was easy to speak with, listened to and addressed all my topics of interest, and also answered a couple of random questions by email since our consultation. If you are interested in making your property more wildlife-friendly, I highly recommend a consultation with Deb and/or attending one of the various lectures she offers!"
Tammy Cloutier, Kennebunk, Maine
"Having worked with Deborah Perkins for twenty years, she's without question one of the best wildlife biologists in Maine. What elevates her above colleagues is her breadth and knowledge of wildlife habitat management. Interested in enhancing your property for butterflies? She's your person. Concerned about bobolinks and meadowlarks? Deborah can design field management to benefit these and other grassland songbirds. If you hunt grouse and woodcock, she can manage early successional habitat for these game birds. In short, she's the most well rounded biologist in Maine. And you'll never meet a better person who will listen to your wildlife goals."
Ron Joseph, retired Maine wildlife biologist
“Deb Perkins worked with me for a year to develop a longterm land use plan for my farm in Greene, Maine. The project was and is quite complex encompassing watershed, wildlife and conservation issues including bee and bird populations, plantings, constructions and maintenance. Throughout the project, Deb has been an outstanding and invaluable source of expertise, and beyond that, a trusted friend respectful of my additional concerns of my property’s historic significance and my personal gardening aesthetic. I recommend her brilliance without reservation.”
Lew Alessio, Greene, Maine
"Deb is an excellent biologist who understands well the interactions of plants and animals in a natural ecosystem, apparent to anyone who walks with her in the forest. One of the high points of working with Deb to develop a wildlife habitat plan for us was walking with her and seeing so much that I had missed before. Her knowledge and infectious enthusiasm made me want even more to get out to see, enjoy, and study our forest. The plan she wrote, while perfect for our needs, was also a work of art, with pictures, excellent writing, and multiple references to supporting materials that I am still exploring. She is a real asset to the State of Maine in this time of growing awareness of the natural beauty that surrounds us."
David Haines, Auburn and Minot, Maine
"Deb has a knack for connecting and communicating easily with both landowners and wildlife professionals. I’ve always been impressed with her breadth of wildlife knowledge from pollinators to deer and all things in-between, and how best to manage habitat to help them thrive. When we worked together on a complex restoration project in Maine, she really dug into finding creative options given the site conditions and diverse landowner goals. She thoughtfully created an excellent plan that worked for everyone."
Kelly Boland, New England Cottontail Coordinator (former)
"The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife contracted with First Light for recommendations and development of a wildlife plan, incorporating native shrub species, as part of a multi-faceted project designed to benefit New England cottontail. Deb's ability to think outside the box, her shared vision and creativity led to an inspired scenario complementing existing site conditions and habitat goals. Her engagement in the work and effective communication with all involved resulted in a thorough, yet flexible plan which can serve as a template for similar habitat projects in the future."
Eric Hoar, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Lands Management Biologist
“Deb helps you really see and appreciate your local ecology, and provides organized and practical tips to generate more and varied habitat on your property. And if you have invasive plants (which you will), she’ll flag them for you and teach you how to keep them in check.”
Hedda Scribner, Damariscotta
"Deb was great to work with because she really listened to our concerns and interests regarding the wildlife on the property. We worked with her to find practices that would be mutually beneficial to the farm’s livestock and pastures such as kestrel boxes and invasive plant control. The plan Deb produced was thorough and walked us through the management practices, referenced the farm’s Forest Management Plan (for comparison and historical information), and demonstrated how implementing various practices would benefit the wildlife over time."
Jake Galle & Abby Sadauckas, Apple Creek Farm, Bowdoinham, Maine
“We have worked with Deb Perkins who prepared a plan for a wildlife cutback border, wild bee forage and kestrel, bat and barred owl houses. NRCS staff and their regional biologist think very highly of Deb as do we. We have found her to be knowledgeable, informative and open to the landowners' plan suggestions and modifications. She regularly sends unsolicited wildlife and habitat articles unrelated to her plan when she thinks they might be helpful. Her follow-up is excellent and she always displays a genuine interest in the work and its impact. We highly recommend Deb and would be happy to speak directly with anyone interested in working with her.”
Tony & Marianne Marple, Whitefield, Maine
"Deborah Perkins has been contracted by Sebasticook Regional Land Trust (SRLT) to assess and write up two wildlife management plans for the Fowler Bog Preserve and Great Farm Brook Preserve. She has been very thorough and informative on ecological recommendations based on the properties previous history and current management objectives and goals. These recommendations have sparked both staff and volunteers to implement wildlife and land management activities on these properties to further enhance the ecological benefits of the lands."
Sebasticook Regional Land Trust
Jennifer Irving, Executive Director & Daniel H Hill, Board Member