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Spiny Softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work Day

Annual Autumn Spiny Softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work Day

Date: Saturday, 27 October 2018

Location: Start at North Hero State Park (NHSP)

Time: 10:00 AM start.  Be sure not to get to North Hero State Park (NHSP) no later than 11:00 AM as we may move to other sites when we complete work at NHSP; how soon depends on how many people show up, and how quickly we finish work at North Hero.  We may be working until 3:00 or 4:00 PM, but feel free to leave at any time.

Leader: Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, Steve Parren.

Join Steve and others for an enjoyable and satisfying workday, as we pull up plant growth on some rare stretches of Spiny Softshell nesting beach at NHSP and Swanton preparing for the turtle egg-laying season next June.  Map, Painted, and Snapping Turtles also nest on these beaches.  The Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle is a threatened species in Vermont, and Steve has worked for the preservation of this species for many years.  While most hatchlings will have crawled up out of their nest and into the lake by the end of September, some late emerging young of other turtle species may still be underground.  We sometimes find these hatchlings as we pull up the current season’s growth from the shale pebble beaches.  By then the lake will be too cold for them, so they are usually brought indoors for the winter.  ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center cares for some young Spiny Softshells each year to give them a head start on life.  They will overwinter at the aquarium, and in the process become part of the regular educational programming at ECHO.

What to bring: Bring warm clothes in layers, work gloves, and rain gear if needed. Bring only short handled tools, a trowel and/or a hand cultivator. Some hatchling Painted and Map turtles overwinter in their nests inches below ground. Bring lunch.  Bring friends.

Families always welcome: Steve will bring some baby Spiny Softshells and other turtle species for you to see and will discuss their biology and conservation need.

Directions: Route 2 north past Carry Bay in N. Hero.  Right on Lakeview Drive, just before Rt 2 swings west toward Alburg.  Follow Lakeview almost to the end.  North Hero State Park entrance and sign on left.  Drive to end always bearing right.  Please arrive between 10 and 11 AM.

Contact: Eric Lazarus, 288-9570 or lazarericus@gmail.com

Event Date
October 27, 2018 - 6:00 AM - October 27, 2018 - 12:00 PM