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.
This week and next, we’re taking you on a tour of some of our staff’s wildest animal experiences during our long and varied career. We hope you enjoy these stories and come to know our team a little bit better! … Continued
Review by Bryan Windmiller, Director of Field Conservation A tiny bluish-silver fish, the Devil’s Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis), is a poster-child for species in deep existential trouble. The world’s entire population of “pure” (we’ll get to that) Devil’s Hole pupfish … Continued
The glow of last week’s New Year’s celebrations is starting to fade – how are you feeling about your New Year’s Resolutions? If you’re still looking for some, might we suggest making some resolutions for wildlife? It’s easier than you … Continued
Happy New Year! I’m Conservation Genomics Scientist, Rachel Johnston, back from another successful research expedition at the Manombo Special Reserve in Madagascar! If you missed my posts from my previous expedition, read below for more details on Zoo New England’s … Continued
But not for too long! It’s December, so the Field Conservation Blog is going to take a little hiatus for the holidays. Don’t worry, we’ll be back in January with more nature facts and detailed coverage of everything the team … Continued
Have you ever heard of a “mast year”? Maybe you haven’t heard the word, but you’ve probably noticed one in the past when it happened. Every few years, nut-bearing trees like oaks and beeches produce a huge bumper crop of … Continued
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 PhD 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.
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 attended Brandeis University and 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. As a PhD ornithologist (Tufts University), Matt is learning to appreciate reptiles and amphibians just as much as birds.
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.
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.
Julie Lisk
Field Conservationist
Julie is a hugely dedicated and talented field scientist with a nose for turtles! Julie runs our eastern box turtle project, and there’s no one better at finding box turtles in the state (she even regularly beats our turtle-sniffing dog to the punch.) Julie also hatches many of our turtle eggs at her home, and turtles headstarted at Julie’s house grow up to be gourmands, and are treated to the finest wild mushrooms, slugs, and cantaloupe.
James Welch
Field Biologist
Jimmy is our newest team member, but already outpaces all of us in turtle tracking skill and speed. 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.
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.