Saco

Ecosystem Overview

The Saco ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 87 taxonomic genera. Located in York County, Maine, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Kittery, Saco hosts 4% more species diversity. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 33 York County County natural areas, placing it in the 94th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 33 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 33 locations

94th percentile for diversity

vs. Kittery

+4% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.

Kalmia angustifolia

Wicky

Very Common16 obs.

Ilex mucronata

mountain holly

Very Common11 obs.

Gaultheria procumbens

Mountain-Tea

Very Common11 obs.

Spisula solidissima

Atlantic Surf Clam

Very Common10 obs.

Pinus rigida

pitch pine

Very Common9 obs.

Trillium undulatum

Painted Trillium

Common8 obs.

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Cranberry

Common8 obs.

Larix laricina

Tamarack

Common8 obs.

Rhododendron canadense

Canadian Rhododendron

Common8 obs.

Osmunda spectabilis

American Royal Fern

Common8 obs.

Pinus strobus

White Pine

Common7 obs.

Lathyrus japonicus

sea pea

Occasional7 obs.

Chamaedaphne calyculata

Dwarf Cassandra

Occasional7 obs.

Medeola virginiana

Indian Cucumber Root

Occasional6 obs.

Coptis trifolia

Threeleaf Goldthread

Occasional6 obs.

Tsuga canadensis

Canada Hemlock

Occasional6 obs.

Hamamelis virginiana

Northern Witch-Hazel

Occasional6 obs.

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Honey-Bells

Rare5 obs.

Platanthera blephariglottis

white fringed orchid

Rare5 obs.

Maianthemum canadense

Canadian May-Lily

Rare5 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Saco. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+18%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in York County County, Maine

Nearby Natural Areas

Kittery

Importance: 0.43

96 species

+4% vs. current

Biddeford

Importance: 0.42

100 species

0% vs. current

Kennebunk

Importance: 0.40

100 species

0% vs. current

York

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

York County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

Kennebunkport

Importance: 0.38

17 species

+488% vs. current

Wells

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

Sanford

Importance: 0.37

64 species

+56% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within York County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+18%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in York County County, Maine

Nearby Natural Areas

Kittery

Importance: 0.43

96 species

+4% vs. current

Biddeford

Importance: 0.42

100 species

0% vs. current

Kennebunk

Importance: 0.40

100 species

0% vs. current

York

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

York County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

Kennebunkport

Importance: 0.38

17 species

+488% vs. current

Wells

Importance: 0.38

100 species

0% vs. current

Sanford

Importance: 0.37

64 species

+56% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 33 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 33 locations

94th percentile for diversity

vs. Kittery

+4% species diversity

Canadian May-Lily

Rare5 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 100 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.