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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

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Online

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

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

Fax

(508) 389-7890

Address

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Directions 
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MA Endangered Species Act 

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

Landmark Turtle Conservation Program Celebrated for Endangered Species Day 

5/16/2024 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

With support from partners, MassWildlife's northern red-bellied cooter headstart program has boosted endangered turtle populations over the past 40 years.

  • News

    Celebrate Endangered Species Day on May 16 

    5/01/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Learn about endangered species of Massachusetts, what MassWildlife does to protect them, and how you can help them too.

  • News

    Why did the turtle cross the road? 

    4/30/2025 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 

    3/03/2025 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.

  • News

    Support endangered species at tax time 

    2/04/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    By adding a donation to line 33A on your State taxes, you can help Massachusetts endangered animals and plants thrive.

  • News

    Avoid decorating with invasive plants 

    12/03/2024 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Don't deck the halls with invasive species! Some invasive plants can spread quickly and completely crowd out native plants.

  • News

    Updates to the Massachusetts Endangered Species List 

    12/02/2024 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Recent updates added 22 new plants and animals to the list, delisted 1 plant, and changed the status for 2 plants following a review and public comment on the list change proposals.

See all news and announcements   for the MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program > Organization Sections > Content

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program information

Image credits:  Piping Plover (Bill Byrne)

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