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.
Marbled Salamander Season is Here
With the weather finally starting to show the first hints of winter, most reptiles and amphibians are settling down into their winter hibernation. Under the ice in certain vernal pools, however, one species stays active all winter long: marbled salamanders! … Continued
Turkey Tales
It’s the end of November, so many folks’ thoughts are turning to turkey. Domestic turkeys have a reputation for being docile and foolish, but their ancestral stock, the wild turkey, is anything but. Canny and quick, wild turkeys have always challenged hunters, … Continued
Fall Focus on Finches
At ZNE’s Field Conservation department, we’re always paying close attention to the behavior of animals as the seasons shift. Every species has its own needs, and they have all evolved specialized behavioral strategies to meet those needs. Fall follows summer and … Continued
Conservation Society Restores Native Wildflowers
Here in the Field Conservation department, we know that real conservation can only be practiced with boots on the ground. That’s why we’re so excited to welcome volunteers from our Conservation Society to help us with labor-intensive field projects, as … Continued
Zanzibar: Final Day!
Yesterday I had a tour of the mangroves and some nearby villages to learn more about the culture of the area. Our guide said there are ten different types of mangroves that grow in the forest, and pointed out some … Continued
ZNE Gone Fishin’
On a sunny early October day, ZNE’s Field Conservation staff conducted a unique survey at an urban park in Boston. Department Director Bryan Windmiller and Field Conservationist John Berkholtz visited a spring-fed pond where the state-Threatened threespine stickleback fish makes its home. This small fish, about 1.5 to 2.5 in long, has three dorsal spines (hence the name) as well as two pelvic spines. This species … Continued
Meet the Field Conservation Team!
Bryan Windmiller
Director of Field Conservation
Bryan Windmiller is the Director of Field Conservation at Zoo New England, where he oversees the Zoo’s local wildlife conservation programs and its support of international conservation efforts. Bryan earned a Ph.D. in biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy, both from Tufts University and he has worked in various roles as a conservation biologist in Massachusetts since 1987. Bryan is an adjunct professor at the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and has taught at several Massachusetts universities.
Emilie Wilder
Field Conservation Program Manager
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 is interested in the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, especially in finding win-win ways to live alongside wildlife.
Matthew Kamm
Conservation Outreach Coordinator
Matt’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. Trained as an ornithologist, Matt is learning to appreciate reptiles and amphibians just as much as birds.
Join us.
If you’re passionate about contributing to the protection of natural treasures right here in New England, we invite you to become a charter member of our new Conservation Society. Roll up your sleeves, and bring the family for a day or evening in the field, or relax and take in expert lectures by our Field Conservation staff and partner organizations.