In an effort to help Terrapin turtles survive predators, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announces that the Town and Friends of the Bay are co-hosting a Terrapin Survival and Beach Cleanup Day on Saturday, June 15th from 9am to 11am at Centre Island Beach.
“The Town of Oyster Bay joined forces with Friends of the Bay to launch ‘Team Terrapin,’ to help protect the Diamondback Terrapin turtle, as this small species lives in fresh or brackish waters in our Town,” said Councilwoman Maier. “These turtles, which have distinctive diamond-shaped rings covering their shells, have a near-threatened conservation status and we are working with our environmental partners and local volunteers to help protect this vulnerable species.”
During this Terrapin Survival and Beach Cleanup Day, volunteers will be trained to identify signs of nesting terrapins, briefed on how to collect data and how to deploy protective cages around nests. These structures keep natural predators like raccoons and fox away from the terrapins, thus contributing to their survival. The event features a beach cleanup and tours of nesting sites.
Terrapin monitoring will take place for four to six weeks after the event and Team Terrapin volunteers will be encouraged to sign up for half-hour or one-hour monitoring shifts during weekdays and weekends. This is an excellent citizen science opportunity for people of all ages. Community service hours and certificates of participation will be provided upon request.
Terrapins can be found along the northern shore of Oyster Bay, especially at Centre Island Beach, with a large population at the head of Mill Neck Creek near Beaver Dam. To register for the event, volunteers should visit https://www.friendsofthebay.org/volunteer-opportunities.html