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
Have you ever heard of the Mauritius kestrel? At one point, these small falcons were renowned as the rarest birds in the world, with only four known individuals still alive in the wild. The road to recovery for Mauritius kestrels … Continued
One of the toughest things about working with wild animals is often finding them in the first place! Turtles are no exception – all of our native turtle species make use of camouflage to protect themselves from predators, which also makes it … Continued
A beaver slaps its tail in the marsh. White-tailed deer drink at the water’s edge. A Northen harrier soars overhead and piliated woodpeckers call in forest. Numerous dragonflies, damselflies, and bees buzz and whiz by among the pond lilies and aquatic smartweed. Among them several species of frogs and fish lurk in the water below. Where am I? New Hampshire? Surely somewhere at least … Continued