Brian Bastarache has been part of the Bristol County Agricultural High School Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) since 1995 and has been the department chairman since 2005. He spearheaded the creation of cooperative conservation projects, which have provided several real-world opportunities that have enhanced the educational experience of the students as well as tangible assistance to the conservation efforts of cooperating partners. These partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hofstra University, The Turtle Survival Alliance, The American Chestnut Foundation, and Oxbow Associates, Inc. Brian works as a seasonal field herpetologist for Oxbow Associates, Inc., and has led a team conducting research on Northern Diamondback Terrapin and Common Snapping Turtle populations with the Taunton River Watershed Alliance since 2016. He is deeply aware of the importance of conservation and education and sets a high bar for himself and his students. New ideas and opportunities are always exciting and welcomed.Specialties: Herpetological Field Work; Captive Management of Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish; Environmental/Outdoor Education