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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

    Volunteer spotlight: 5 years of bat house monitoring 

    12/02/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    As bats across Massachusetts settle into their winter hibernation sites, we’re taking a moment to look back at the summer roosts that support them—and the volunteers who monitor these vital habitats.

  • News

    Avoid decorating with invasive plants 

    12/01/2025 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

    Celebrate Bat Week 

    10/01/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Bat week starts October 24. Learn more about Massachusetts’ spooky fliers and why they are instrumental to maintaining healthy habitats.

  • News

    Busy Biologists in Buzzard's Bay 

    9/04/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Buzzard's Bay watershed is bustling with management, research, and surveying efforts. Learn about what our biologists are working on this year!

  • News

    Frost bottoms in the summer? 

    8/05/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Despite their chilly-sounding name, frost bottom habitats are bustling with activity during the warmer months. Learn why MassWildlife thinks they are so special.

  • News

    Born for summer: Dragonflies are emerging 

    6/03/2025 MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

    During the late spring and early summer, dragonflies and damselflies transform from water-dwelling larvae to impressive aerial hunters.

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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