With the weather finally starting to show the first hints of winter, most reptiles and amphibians are settling down into their winter hibernation. Under the ice in certain vernal pools, however, one species stays active all winter long: marbled salamanders! … Continued
It’s the end of November, so many folks’ thoughts are turning to turkey. Domestic turkeys have a reputation for being docile and foolish, but their ancestral stock, the wild turkey, is anything but. Canny and quick, wild turkeys have always challenged hunters, … Continued
Here in the Field Conservation department, we know that real conservation can only be practiced with boots on the ground. That’s why we’re so excited to welcome volunteers from our Conservation Society to help us with labor-intensive field projects, as … Continued
On a sunny early October day, ZNE’s Field Conservation staff conducted a unique survey at an urban park in Boston. Department Director Bryan Windmiller and Field Conservationist John Berkholtz visited a spring-fed pond where the state-Threatened threespine stickleback fish makes its home. This small fish, about 1.5 to 2.5 in long, has three dorsal spines (hence the name) as well as two pelvic spines. This species … Continued
It’s back-to-school season, and not just for kids! This year, we are raising over 100 threatened Blanding’s, wood, and spotted turtles in more than 30 Massachusetts schools. Classes give these hatchlings a “head start”, helping them to grow bigger and stronger before releasing them … Continued