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MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP)

The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is responsible for the conservation and protection of hundreds of species that are not hunted, fished, trapped, or commercially harvested in the state, as well as the protection of the natural communities that make up their habitats.

Contact Us

Address

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
Directions 

Phone

Main (508) 389-6360

Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed noon–12:30 for lunch)

Regulatory Review Inquiries (508) 389-6357

North/Central/Western Massachusetts

(508) 389-6385

Southeastern Massachusetts/Cape & Islands

Online

Email natural.heritage@mass.gov
Support endangered species conservation 
MassWildlife staff directory 
NHESP Jobs & Opportunities 

Fax

(508) 389-7890
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MA Endangered Species Act 
MassWildlife logo

Who we serve

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is responsible for protecting the state's wide range of native biological diversity. Information about species and natural communities, regulations, and how to report your observations are available for citizen scientists, educators, landowners, developers, conservation organizations and other government agencies.

You can help! Support endangered species conservation.

What would you like to do?

List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species  Report rare species & vernal pool observations   MassWildlife Publications 

Recent news & announcements

  • News

    Summer is emerging!  

    6/01/2023 MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

    Dragonflies and damselflies transform from water-dwelling larvae to impressive aerial hunters.

  • News

    How to help bats in Massachusetts 

    6/01/2023 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Learn about the 9 different species of bats found in Massachusetts, and what you can do to help support bat conservation.

  • News

    Upgrade to MassWildlife's Heritage Hub 

    5/19/2023 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Improvements to the online reporting and filing system make it easier for those filing MESA Regulatory Review forms.

  • News

    Celebrate Endangered Species Day May 19 

    5/04/2023 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Learn how you can help the hundreds of plants and animals that are considered rare in Massachusetts and celebrate 50 years of the federal Endangered Species Act.

  • News

    Why did the turtle cross the road? 

    5/03/2023 MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

    There are many reasons for turtles to roam in the spring! Watch for them crossing roadways starting in mid-May.

  • News

    Watch for amphibians on the road 

    3/08/2023 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    This spring, be mindful of amphibians as they emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. Use caution while driving on rainy spring nights.

See all news and announcements for the MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program > Organization Sections > Content
Image credits:  Piping Plover (Bill Byrne)

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