In an effort to help protect diamondback terrapins, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announces that the Town and Friends of the Bay are co-hosting a Terrapin conservation and Beach Cleanup Day on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Centre Island Beach in Bayville.
“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 Town Clerk LaMarca. “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 conservation and Beach Cleanup Day, volunteers will be trained to identify signs of nesting terrapins and briefed on how to collect data. The event features a beach cleanup and tours of nesting sites.
“We feel it is our duty to protect and bring awareness to this vulnerable and important species that is native to our area and we are inviting volunteers to help us gain a better understanding of the current status of the Oyster Bay diamondback terrapin population,” said Christine Suter, executive director of Friends of the Bay.
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 www.friendsofthebay.org/terrapin-monitoring. For more information, please email info@friendsofthebay.org.