DEBORAH PERKINS

Owner, Ecologist

I have been working with habitat heroes - big and small - since 2010.

You can read more about my work, and the 30 years of experience I bring to your project here.

On a more personal note, here are a few of my favorite things:

- my husband and daughter who light up my whole world every single day,

- little tucked away diners and corner stores on Maine’s back roads,

- the summer breeze caressing my cheeks,

- cozy winter cuddles by the woodstove,

- botanizing on long, leisurely hikes,

- paddling my canoe,

- the canyon country of the Southwest, and

- the perfect cup of tea + the sound of silence.

Kristin Wallaker

Client Care and Operations Manager

I was infused with a love of nature and the wilds in my childhood. In my pre-teen years, my family lived on an acreage outside a small prairie hamlet near the border of Alberta, where I grazed on wild raspberries and watched bluebirds tend their nests. My teenage years were spent in Flin Flon, a mining town bordering Manitoba which sits high on a gigantic rock in the heart of the Canadian Shield. 

First Light and Deb’s work resonates deeply with me, and I am honored to be part of her quest to bring education, awareness, and connection to humans and the wilds around them. 

I live in New Portland, Maine, where my son was born, surrounded by woods and gardens. 

In this wild space, I practice herbalism and a bit of witchcraft, fusing my love of nurturing the soil, wild harvesting, and science to craft nourishing products, potions, and elixirs. 

I love being able to interact with and serve Deb’s clients. I look forward to working with you!

SKYLAR ROSE

Mentee

I’m the owner & sole proprietor of Wild Woven Gardens, a local Maine business that focuses on designing, installing, and maintaining Native Plant Gardens and Organic Kitchen Gardens. 

I view my gardening as a way to showcase my love for the natural world and give back to this precious planet and all its creatures- humans, animals, and insects alike. 

I found out about Deb’s work after spotting her business card in a coffee shop one day and perking up at the words “Wildlife Ecologist” and “Habitat Design”. 

I read through her website and Curriculum Vitae and immediately recognized her as an amazing role model. To walk with such knowledge and wisdom of the Earth is one of the greatest qualities and forms of wealth that one can have, in my eyes. 

Deb brings 30 years of dedication, knowledge, and experience as well as boat-loads of kindness, patience, and compassion to the table. It is a great joy and honor to be working as her mentee through the Native Gardens of Blue Hill Mentorship Program!

When I’m not in gardens (or learning more about gardening), you can find me playing in the woods with my beloved partner Marco and our sweet canine companion Mynah, reading a book under a cozy blanket, crafting herbal concoctions, birding, or baking!

Kanya Zillmer

Graphic & Web Designer

I create websites and brand design at my studio Seven Tree Design.

When I’m not designing, I spend my time up at my camp in Union, Maine with my family. I grew up kayaking and hiking in the midcoast area and although I now live in Saco, Maine, the midcoast will always feel like home to me.