Zoo New England

Field Conservation Blog


News from the Field


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.

One fish, two fish, goldfish, no fish
Amphibians | Fish | Local Conservation

One fish, two fish, goldfish, no fish

Four years ago, our team began monitoring a uniquely threatened Massachusetts population of the typically saltwater species, the Threespine stickleback. This population is unique in that it inhabits an urban freshwater pond, despite being typically a saltwater species, and is … Continued

Acorns, Acorns Everywhere
Birds | Local Conservation | Plants

Acorns, Acorns Everywhere

Have you been noticing all the acorns everywhere this year? Maybe you’ve heard them pinging off the roof of your car, or, if you’re especially lucky, been bonked by one in the head.  Oak trees produce acorns in boom-and-bust cycles, … Continued

Give a Hoot for Owls
Birds | Local Conservation

Give a Hoot for Owls

Have you been hearing owls calling lately? Though many of us normally sleep with the windows closed at night in the fall and winter, with the recent warm weather I’ve had my windows open and have been hearing a Great … Continued

Shine Bright like a Bridle Shiner
Fish | Local Conservation

Shine Bright like a Bridle Shiner

Each year in late summer and early fall several of our field staff conduct surveys for bridle shiners. This is a small shiner species that is threatened and declining throughout much of its range and is listed as a species … Continued

Fireflies, spiders, and moths, oh my!
Local Conservation

Fireflies, spiders, and moths, oh my!

As October creeps in fast, we wanted to highlight some not-so-creepy crawlies as they can get a bad rep during the spooky season! These bewitching bugs all use the autumn leaves in one way or another, so if you find … Continued

Meet the Field Conservation Team!