Welcome to Zoo New England’s Field Conservation blog! Here, we share some of the amazing work going on “beyond the zoo” at a variety of field sites around New England. Expect tales from the field, interesting nature facts, and the occasional guest post from one of our local – or international! – community partners.
Happy Hicatee Awareness Month everyone! What is a hicatee, you say? The Hicatee, also known as the Central American River Turtle, is one of the top 25 most endangered turtles in the world. Our partners in Belize, BFREE (Belize Foundation … Continued
With the leaves changing and school back in session, many animals in the natural world are turning their attention to preparing for the winter ahead. Many small mammals are caching food, bears are seeking out late berries and calorie-rich foods … Continued
The award-winning, school-based turtle headstarting program H.A.T.C.H turned 15 this year. To celebrate this milestone, we wanted to share about the history of how we got started headstarting turtles in schools, and stories from students and teachers who have participated … Continued
Many from the northern side of Greater Boston know of the beauty to be easily admired from any path you take at this urban wetland, but after these past few weeks, my team and I have had the opportunity to … Continued
You pick up a peculiar scent in the marsh today. Delicious, you muse with interest, and the thought sets your turtle-tummy a-rumbling. Bright yellow dots adorn a smooth carapace, and this pretty turtle shell glides just under the surface of … Continued
The Northern Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a species of brackish turtle that is native to estuaries and coastal marshes in the southeastern United States. They are active during early spring to summer and hibernate in the colder months. Their … Continued
Matt is currently devising, planning, supervising, and executing a research project intended to increase our understanding of the dynamics of mammalian predation on juvenile and adult wood turtles. His goal is to devise methods that may decrease the rate of this predation. As a PhD ornithologist (Tufts University), Matt is learning to appreciate reptiles and amphibians just as much as birds.
Cara McElroy
Research Associate
Cara received a BS in Zoology from Auburn University and earned a Masters in Ecology from the University of Georgia and is primarily responsible for crunching datasets and writing scientific reports. Cara also teaches many of our school programs. When she’s not in class or running our data analysis, she’s equally likely to be plunging through the swamps. If you want to talk sports or catch up on the latest pop-culture references, Cara is your best bet.
Emilie Wilder
Associate Director of Conservation Engagement
Like all of us in the Field Conservation Department, Emilie wears many hats – from leading field trips to mucking through the swamp to making sure all our permits are up to date. Emilie attended Brandeis University and is interested in the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, especially in finding win-win ways to live alongside wildlife.
Jimmy Welch
Senior Field Conservationist
Jimmy leads on both our Blanding's turtle and Hognose conservation projects, and he is known for his impressive turtle tracking abilities. He graduated from the University of New England with a degree in animal behavior and environmental science. He has worked with birds, prairie dogs, sea turtles, freshwater turtles, snakes, and more.
Peter Zahler
Director of Field Conservation
Peter has a long history of working around the world on wildlife conservation. He has designed, implemented, and supervised programs on the conservation of large and small mammals (ranging from Amur tigers and snow leopards to grasshopper mice), birds, and reptiles on four continents. He is also a noted expert on helping to build capacity for conservation among local communities. Peter’s current role is focused on helping Zoo New England achieve its vision of becoming a true global conservation leader.
Anna Sorgie
Field Biologist
Anna leads the box turtle and habitat enhancement conservation projects in MA and NH. Anna graduated from University of Rhode Island in 2022 with a Bachelors of Science in wildlife conservation biology. Past projects she has worked on include shorebird monitoring, horseshoe crab sampling, New England Cottontail population studies, and investigating the habitat use and nesting ecology of several early successional bird species.
Kirsten Ward
Conservation Outreach Coordinator
Kirsten's duties include nest monitoring, turtle tracking, giving educational programs and field trips, and making sure that as many people as possible learn about Zoo New England’s amazing local and international conservation work. Kirsten received an honors in biology from UMass Boston in 2022 and since then has been out on beaches protecting coastal waterbirds, in college lecture halls teaching biology, and now out in the field with us on an enthusiastic mission to share her passion for conservation.
John Berkholtz
Senior Field Conservationist
John is primarily responsible for our Blanding’s turtle and spotted turtle conservation projects, and he also leads our marbled salamander headstarting effort. Since 1992 he has been in the animal care field, working as a Keeper and Senior Keeper at Zoo New England and the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City. Working in AZA zoos has given John a strong appreciation for the importance of public outreach and zoo’s active role in wildlife conservation.
