Our “Wild Maine” series of nature programs, in partnership with the Camden Public Library, continues in October with a presentation by conservation biologist and herpetologist Dr. Matthew Chatfield. Dr. Chatfield will be discussing the natural history of wood turtles and why Maine’s habitat has allowed this species to survive.
The wood turtle is an iconic species of the great North Maine Woods. Wood turtles are also widely known for their intelligence and unusual life history. Although declining throughout most of their range in the eastern U.S., Maine is considered a stronghold for this beautiful and fascinating species. Join us as we explore the biology and conservation of one of the most charismatic creatures of Maine.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Matthew Chatfield is a Center for Wildlife Studies Instructor and Assistant Professor of Evolution & Eco-Health, UMaine. His work focuses on the population ecology of endangered wood turtle populations and the impacts of introduced pathogens on amphibians. He works with both undergraduate and graduate students as well as a variety of collaborators from state agencies to integrate field-based science and a coordinated conservation and restoration framework to address basic and applied problems in conservation biology. The majority of his recent work takes place in Maine, filling critical knowledge gaps to manage and conserve threatened species.