The Virginia Living Museum Education and Herpetology staff began a multi-year research project to monitor the population changes of freshwater turtles in a local watershed over time.
Every year in June and July we set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park Lake to catch and survey as many turtles as possible. VLM Staff and volunteers gather all of the turtles that are collected in these nets and spend the morning identifying the species and sex of the turtles, cleaning the shell to remove any stuck-on algae, and using a special marking system to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture from previous years.
In 2023 the dates are:
- June 24 (8:30am- 11am)
- July 8 (8:30am- 11am)
- July 15 (8:30am- 11am)
Please wear weather appropriate attire, this event will take place outside. Gloves will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle.
You will be handling wild turtles during this event. By purchasing tickets, you are assuming all risks.
Photos will be taken at this event and may be used for promotional material.
