Blog Posts – ZNE Conservation Blog

7 Aug 2026

Fighting Back Against Invasive Water Chestnut at Horn Pond

by Kirsten Ward | posted in: Amphibians, Birds, Fish, Frogs, Get Involved, Invertebrate, Local Conservation, Plants, Reptiles, Turtles | 0

Healthy wetlands are vital habitats for fish, birds, turtles, insects, and other wildlife. Unfortunately, invasive species can quickly upset that balance, and one of the most aggressive aquatic invaders in Massachusetts is water chestnut (Trapa natans). Water chestnut is a … Continued

3 Aug 2026

Tagging Turtles

by Julia Joos | posted in: Reptiles, Turtles | 0

To many people, turtles may all look alike, quiet, slow-moving creatures with a shell. But for biologists working to study and protect turtle populations, being able to recognize individuals is essential. Across the world, conservationists use a variety of creative … Continued

20 Jul 2026

Turtles at Arlington’s Great Meadows

by John Berkholtz | posted in: Amphibians, Frogs, Invertebrate, Local Conservation, Reptiles, Turtles | 0

Arlington’s Great Meadows contains a very unique wetland complex in the middle of a busy suburb. Extensive wet meadows and vernal wetlands abound. Amphibians such as the wood frog and spotted salamander inhabit the strictly vernal wetlands while other frog … Continued

16 Jul 2026

Welcome Conservation ZooTeens

by Kirsten Ward | posted in: Get Involved, Local Conservation | 0

This field season, we’re excited to welcome our first very own team of Conservation Department ZooTeens! Since 1999, the ZooTeen program has connected Boston youth with meaningful work experiences that help them develop professional skills, build confidence, and prepare for … Continued

9 Jul 2026

Tenscore Turtles and Twenty Years Ago

by Kirsten Ward | posted in: Turtles | 0

For more than 20 years, our conservationists have spent every June evening radio-tracking adult female Blanding’s turtles at Great Meadows in Concord, hoping to catch their annual journey upland to lay their eggs. This year, we reached an exciting milestone: … Continued