Educators from the Staten Island Zoo will be discussing their work with the Staten Island Terrapin Project
All students are welcome to attend.
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a unique species of turtle that inhabits brackish waterways. A native Staten Islander, they can be found in the large swaths of protected tidal wetlands Freshkills Park has restored. To protect this native species from high rates of nest predation by red fox, skunk, and raccoon, our project utilizes nest protection methods on and off-site, as well as community engagement and education.
Thanks to cooperative efforts from the Staten Island Zoo and Freshkills teams, as well as the support of generous community members, stakeholders, and government agencies, the Staten Island Terrapin Project launched a pilot program to artificially incubate 3 clutches of terrapin eggs laid on site at Freshkills this June, and these hatchlings were released back into their natural habitat in September!