Know Before You Go: To ensure the safety of staff and guests, we've made modifications to the Zoo experience in accordance with public guidance and health recommendations. Please review our updated FAQs (FPZ and SZ) before your visit. Members:​ Online reservations are required for your visit.

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Educator Resources

Students and teachers in participating schools have the opportunity to actively and significantly participate in a real-world rare species conservation programs. Join us in our work to protect these amazing species here in Massachusetts!

H.A.T.C.H (Hatchling and Turtle Conservation through Headstarting)

At each participating school, our biologist-educators provide high quality classroom presentations and field trips built around the students’ participation in our native turtle headstarting programs. Together, we learn about wildlife conservation, wetland ecology, and landscape history, focusing on inquiry-based skills at the center of the Next Generation Science Standards. All of our instructors have extensive experience working as field biologists with these turtles as well as experience at leading educational enrichment programs for students from elementary grades through high school.

  • HATCH Headstarting Manual: This manual includes all the information you need in order to successfully raise your turtle
  • Turtle Data Booklet: Use this booklet to keep track of your turtles' growth over time
  • Growth Chart: Plot your turtles' growth visually with this handy chart and have your students commit to being excellent turtle caretakers. Print these on 11x17 paper.
  • Growth Chart (Snapping Turtles): Plot your turtles' growth visually with this handy chart and have your students commit to being excellent turtle caretakers. Since snapping turtles grow bigger than Blanding's turtles, the chart has a larger range designed just for them. Print these on 11x17 paper.
  • How to Identify Your Turtles
  • Caretaker Contract
  • See below to request more information. 

Eastern Spadefoot Toads

At each participating school, our biologist-educators provide high quality classroom presentations and field trips built around the students’ participation in the eastern spadefoot toad or wood frog headstarting program. Together, we learn about wildlife conservation, vernal pool ecology, and landscape history, focusing on inquiry-based skills at the center of the Next Generation Science Standards. All of our instructors have extensive experience working as field biologists with vernal pool ecology and spadefoot toads, as well as experience at leading educational enrichment programs for students from elementary grades through high school.

If you're interested in possibly caring for native tadpoles, whether wood frog or eastern spadefoot toads, in your classroom, please fill out our Classroom Information Request Form.

Request Information

Fill out our Classroom Information Request Form to learn more about our programs!