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 past month our senior field conservationist Jimmy Welch had the opportunity to travel to Belize to assist with the field conservation research of the Hicatee Turtle with our Zoo New England partner BFREE. Hicatee or Central American River Turtle … Continued
Vernal pools (or “spring” pools if you translate the Latin) aren’t only around in the spring, but they do spring to life at this time of year. The warming weather and spring rains trigger a host of changes in the … Continued
It’s been a fairly mild winter this year here in New England, but there’s still some ice on many ponds and lakes as I write these words in late February. That’s good news for the turtles dreaming away the winter … Continued
This week’s blog feature comes to us courtesy of our friends at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education! If you want more background on their incredible work with hicatee turtles, read these blog posts as well! My name … Continued
Do you know a young person who is wild about wildlife, committed to conservation, and/or zany for zoos? If so, the Junior Conservationist Club could be for them. This spring, Zoo New England is excited to debut a new program … Continued
Last week was the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, one of the most important tools for modern conservation in the U.S.A. and a model for similar laws among the states as well as other nations. … Continued
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.
Bryan Windmiller
Associate Director of Field Conservation
Bryan Windmiller is the Associate Director of Field Conservation at Zoo New England, where he helps oversee 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
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.
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.