Since the 1940s, scientists have tracked Eastern box turtles at the Patuxent Research Refuge as part of one of the longest-running wildlife surveys in the U.S. This research reveals their movements, survival strategies, and use of habitats. With box turtle populations in steep decline due to habitat destruction, road mortality, and illegal trafficking, information gathered can help researchers work toward solutions. Join us to learn about this project and its findings with an overview from Dr. Andy Royle, senior scientist at the Eastern Ecological Science Center. We’ll then head outdoors to search for turtles in the nearby woods. We’ll be hiking about two miles at an easy pace with plenty of stops. May is peak turtle season, so we should be able to sight turtles. We may also meet a captive turtle at the building, too.
In 2019, Dr. Royle launched the Quantitative Turtle Analysis Project to overcome some of the challenges related to mark-recapture-capture methods. The project investigates how digital images can be used by automated programs to recognize unique individual turtles in place of marking systems like scute notching, and how uncertain individual identifications can be used in capture-recapture methods. He has authored or coauthored six books on quantitative analysis in ecology, including the recent book, Applied Hierarchical Models, Vols. 1 and 2.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are allowed.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray.
- Bring binoculars for birding along the hike, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Herp Club Member: $15
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NHSM Member: $20
Guest names must be listed on your family membership to qualify for this discount. Extra adults with individual memberships should register independently. - Non Members: $25