Kelly Boland

"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)

Tammy C

"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 personal, private Pinterest page for me with all the plant species she suggested, sent me a report summarizing everything we discussed, 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 C, landowner, Kennebunk, Maine

Ron Joseph

"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

Lew Alessio

“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, landowner
Greene, Maine

David Haines

"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, landowner

Auburn and Minot, Maine

Jennifer Greiner

"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, Landowner, Kennebunk, ME

Eric Hoar

"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

Jake Galle & Abby Sadauckas

"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, ME