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.
Tracking for Beginners
Arguably one of humankind’s oldest skills, tracking animals was once fundamental to survival in hunter-gatherer societies across the globe. Many cultures still practice tracking as a traditional way of life or a hobby, but not all modern trackers are looking to kill their quarry. … Continued
Wildlife in Winter
Winter can be a hard season to get through. We’ve had some bitterly cold days in Massachusetts this week, with lows in the single digits Fahrenheit. As we humans brew warm beverages, put on our cozy sweaters, and fret about our heating … Continued
Five Resolutions You Can Make for Wildlife
Happy New Year! Now is the time when everyone is coming out of the holiday haze and making serious plans for what 2022 is going to look like. If you’re a fan of New Year’s resolutions, we have some suggestions for … Continued
Year-End Conservation Roundup
2021 is drawing to a close, and at the end of our first year of blogging, it seems like a good opportunity to bring you some updates on the projects we’ve been telling you so much about. Even as the weather … Continued
Cooped up? Try a Christmas Bird Count!
The weather’s getting colder and the daylight is all gone by the time the workday’s done, which means a lot of us aren’t getting out as much as we used to. Pandemic isolation and the disruption of routine can make it hard … Continued
International Partner Spotlight: BFREE
We’re no strangers to turtles in need here at ZNE Field Conservation HQ, and this month’s International Partner Spotlight involves a tropical turtle that we’ve come to know well – the hicatee! Also known as the Central American river turtle, the hicatee is the only living … 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.