For some years Natural Heritage, a State agency, has been mapping the habitats of all wildlife that can be found in Massachusetts. From the maps of individual species they have determined areas that are important for the maintenance of wildlife, and which if developed further would probably lead to significant loss of biodiversity. The core habitats (in dark green) are areas which contain the habitats of rare plants and animals, and are viable communities, deserving the highest degree of protection. The lighter green areas depict supporting natural landscape, which is almost as important as core habitat, providing support for species in the core and acting both as links between core habitats and as buffer zones. Blue shows lakes, ponds and streams.  Holden, Rutland and adjacent towns all contain areas of  great importance to wildlife.

This map is from data by MASS GIS and Natural Heritage. Visit the links page to find out more.