May 17

Documentary Film: The Last Spotted Turtle of New England
Presenter: Ari Taub
Location: Great Hall
Saturday, May 17, 2025 (5:30pm – 6:30pm)

Program Type: Movie, Age Group: Teens, Adults
Event Details
A documentary film by Ari Taub, featuring the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Vice President, Karen Beattie, and Wildlife Research Ecologist, Danielle O’Dell, as well as Herpetologist Dr. Mike Graziano from Bridgewater State University, and Cape Cod-based Wildlife Ecologist, Dr. Bob Cook.
Taub has been working in the film industry for over 30 years. His feature films and shorts have been screened around the world, and he has won numerous awards. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Taub has had an interest in ecology and turtles since he was a kid. This is his first entry into documentary filmmaking. Join us to learn about Ari’s love for spotted turtles, what makes these amazing creatures so unique and how conservation efforts on Nantucket and in southeastern Massachusetts are helping to project dwindling populations.
Taub, O’Dell and Dr. Graziano will be available after the presentation of the documentary for questions and answers.
Free and Open to the Public!
Location Details
Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India St, NANTUCKET, MA 02554, (508) 228-1110
See map: Google Maps
Contact Info
Name: Danielle O’Dell
Email:dodell@nantucketconservation.org
May 20
“The Last Spotted Turtles of New England” Film Screening + Q&A Session (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm)

Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
https://ecotarium.org/event/the-last-spotted-turtles-of-new-england/
You’re Invited to a Special Film Screening: The Last Spotted Turtles of New England
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of New England’s most elusive and endangered reptiles—the spotted turtle.
The Last Spotted Turtles of New England is a powerful new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Ari Taub, making his debut in the world of nature storytelling. This beautifully shot film explores the fragile future of spotted turtles in southeastern Massachusetts and on Nantucket Island, weaving together science, passion, and the urgent call for conservation.
After the film, stick around for a live Q&A with Ari and featured conservationists, as they discuss the making of the film, what makes these turtles so unique, and what we can all do to help protect them. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife advocate, or just curious about the hidden wonders of our local ecosystems, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
Tickets: $20 Non-Members | $16 Members
$10 from each ticket purchase will be contributed towards supporting the EcoTarium’s Red-bellied Cooter Turtle Conservation Program.
Space is limited – reserve your seat today! Tickets may not be available to purchase at the door.
The documentary features local conservation leaders including:
- Karen Beattie, Vice President, Nantucket Conservation Foundation
- Danielle O’Dell, Wildlife Research Ecologist
- Dr. Mike Graziano, Herpetologist, Bridgewater State University
- Dr. Bob Cook, Wildlife Ecologist, Cape Cod
Evening Schedule:
- 5:00 pm – Doors Open / Guest Arrival
- 5:30 pm – Film Screening Begins
- 6:18 pm – Film Ends
- 6:20–6:45 pm – Q&A with Filmmaker Ari Taub and Guests
PAST EVENTS
WITH SUPPORT FROM THE
NEW YORK TURTLE & TORTOISE SOCIETY