Head Start Turtle Day
June 2, 2018, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center
Why did a group of Wood Turtles from the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge spend the winter at a greenhouse in Massachusetts? The answer to that goes back to 2010, when it was observed that their population was in serious decline. While the refuge is largely protected from the threats of civilization, it is also home to a variety of natural predators. And what could be easier to catch than a baby turtle? That’s where the “Head Start” program of turtle expert Dr. Kurt Buhlmann comes in.
Dr. Buhlmann had achieved impressive results with this program at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts, where the Blanding’s turtles faced the same threat. And he was hoping to have similar success here. With help from FWS biologist Colin Osborn, and support from Friends of Great Swamp NWR, the program was initiated in 2011 with 22 hatchlings and has continued to the present day.
Hatchling Wood Turtles are collected from the wild in the fall, and sent to a special facility at the Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, Massachusetts. Here, instead of hibernating through the winter, the turtles are kept in a temperature controlled environment with a healthy diet and exercise. Kind of like a Canyon Ranch Spa, but for turtles. In late spring, the turtles are returned to the wild, larger and stronger than their nest mates. At the age of nine months these turtles are closer in size to four year olds. And importantly, they are no longer snack size.
While this is an on-going research project, it has produced measurable results and, with continued support, it is likely that the program could restore the population of Wood Turtles at GSNWR. Sound interesting? Join Dr. Buhlmann and Mr. Osborn at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center to learn more about this program. And meet some of the Head Started turtles. Reservations not required.
Head Start Turtle Day
June 2, 2018, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center