Diamondback Terrapin Protection Program
Join Our Turtle Protection Team!
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust is seeking your help protecting Diamondback Terrapins at our “Turtle Garden” located on one of our sanctuaries in West Barnstable, where they have been nesting in large numbers for years. Terrapins are listed as “threatened” in Massachusetts due to various factors including over-harvesting in the 19th century, predation, traffic, and habitat loss. We are conducting habitat management, nest identification and protection, and hatching observation and assistance.
Terrapins spend most of their lives in the salt marsh. Each summer, females lay their eggs in sandy areas above the high tide line. Eggs hatch in the late summer and early fall and the hatchlings make their way to the upper rim of the marsh, where they mature for several years before entering the larger marsh area.
If you are a volunteer interested in being part of our Turtle Protection Team, please email us at Turtles@orendalandtrust.org to arrange to join us for an upcoming volunteer training session:
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Saturday, May 25, 2024: Returning Volunteers – 10 AM, New Volunteers – 11:30 AM
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Saturday, June 1, 2024: Returning Volunteers – 10 AM, New Volunteers – 11:30 AM
