The Yellow-Spotted Salamander has been BEAT's mascot for many years and is a critical species for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It's an obligate vernal pool species, meaning they will only breed and lay their eggs in vernal pools. It's also an indicator species, which reflects the overall health of an environment. Indicator species are usually the first in their ecosystem to be affected by environmental change. With warming climates and human development, spotted salamanders and other obligate vernal pool species are certainly feeling the effects!

With BEAT?s efforts to conserve and certify vernal pools and educate the public on their importance, you?ll be helping to support these essential critters when you buy a t-shirt! The design was hand-painted using gouache by a BEAT staff member and is printed using the direct-to-garment (DTG) method, which will keep the design from peeling as it ages and goes through washes.

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Its mission is to protect the environment for wildlife in support of the natural world that sustains us all. BEAT has three major focal areas: stewardship, education & outreach, and watchdogging. Through its work, BEAT enacts meaningful change throughout Berkshire County, western Massachusetts, and beyond. 

Anyone who knows BEAT will tell you that they take the ?action? part of our name seriously, and they believe an informed and empowered citizenry is the environment?s best protection. BEAT involves hundreds of volunteers every year in programs to restore, protect, and improve the condition of our woods, wetlands, and waterways. Learn more at https://www.thebeatnews.org/