Project leaders: Bob Dunstan (Master Naturalist) and Kory Steele (Virginia Herpetological Society)

What: 
For the second year, Northern Neck Master Naturalists are being asked to identify box turtles that they come across during the months turtles are active. Turtles will be photographed and pictures as well as additional information will be put on a form and submitted to project leaders.  Last year, we identified and accumulated data from almost 100 box turtles.  This year our goal is to start doing actual science! Because we have the geolocation and have an algorithm that identifies box turtles by shell pattern we hope to see how many box turtles are repeats, and how many new box turtles are identified.  We also should be able to identify box turtles from last year that were hit by vehicles.  In short, we will be better able to determine the abundance and health of Northern Neck box turtles.  

Participation hours can be put in BI (citizen science/wildlife/box turtle).

Why:  
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources estimates there is a 32% decrease in box turtles in Virginia Over the past 100 years. This project seeks to define the box turtle population in the counties of the Northern Neck where they appear to remain abundant.  

Next steps: 
Master Naturalists who are interested who have not been participants last year, need to enroll by attending a training to learn more details about the project and how to use the submittal form.  Those who participated last year are also welcome to attend if they need a refresher.

When: 
7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, remote by ZOOM (address to follow). Please RSVP robertwdunstan@yahoo.com