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.
A Place to Call Her Own
When you think about restoring habitat for aquatic turtles, you might think about river clean-ups and wetland restorations – a dry, sunny slope is probably not what you imagine. But that’s just where a team of Zoo New England staff and … Continued
Takeout for Turtles
When we’re out doing turtle fieldwork, one of the most common questions our scientists get from schoolkids and interested community members is, “What do the turtles eat?” Our young headstart turtles are raised on a special blend of highly nutritious pellet food … Continued
Join Us for Plastic Free July!
If you’ve been following environmental news for the last ten years or so, then you’ve probably heard a lot of stories about just one word: plastics. The effect of plastic waste on the world’s waterways and oceans has become a hot topic in … Continued
Conservation Society is Here!
Introducing Zoo New England’s latest program to better connect people and nature – our Conservation Society! The Conservation Society was designed for folks who are excited about the opportunity to go above and beyond the role of observers in the organization’s conservation … Continued
Better Together: The Power of Community Science
Have you ever heard of community science? Also known as “citizen science” (but open to everyone, regardless of citizenship), it’s an innovative approach that seeks to harness the power of people and technology to let scientists research questions that would … Continued
Vernal Pools – Ephemeral Hot Spots of Biodiversity
On the night of March 17, 1991, I was ready to begin my Ph.D. research into the ecology and conservation of salamanders and frogs that breed in vernal pools. What I saw that memorable night stunned me. Despite having already … 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.