Blanding`s Turtle

Blandings Turtle

Turtle nest protection: Late May to early July

MTRI researchers and volunteers have been monitoring and protecting Blandings turtles’ nests for over 20 years.

Volunteers must complete classroom training on how to participate in the program then given an on-site training. This program is best in pairs so bring a buddy! Volunteers will watch mature female Blanding’s turtles as they nest. Once the turtles finish laying their eggs, volunteers will carefully cover the nest with an enclosure to protect it from predators. This protection will remain in place until the hatchlings emerge in the fall.

Turtle nest protection takes place during the evening/night, so volunteers must be comfortable navigating in dark conditions and staying up late. We have a variety of sites so we will try our best to match you with an area you are comfortable with.

Sometimes nesting can keep us out late, well past midnight! Volunteers willing to participate in the program are welcome to camp out by our office to save driving home late at night, just don’t forget your camping gear!

Hatchling emergence: September and October

After all the hard work of nesting season, volunteers are rewarded with tiny baby turtles. Volunteers return to the nests they cover in spring to watch for the emerging hatchlings. These hatchlings are weighed, measured, and given a notch code before being released to start their long-life journey.

Turtle tracking and Monitoring: May to November

MTRI researchers may attach small radios to select turtles to monitor their movements. These are tracked using radio antenna and receiver, which requires going out and finding the turtles where they live. Interested volunteers are invited to come along and learn about the technique of radio telemetry. However, this is not for the faint of heart, and volunteers must be willing to hike several kilometers through tough terrain to participate in this project.  Blanding turtles like to live in brooks, swamps and bog, areas that are difficult to transverse. 

Species at Risk

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is one of the foremost organizations specializing in Species at risk research. Working with any Species at risk requires obtaining a permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR). Annually MTRI submits for permits from DNRR to work with these species. Additionally, all researchers and volunteers receive comprehensive training to ensure the safety and well-being of both the species and the individuals involved.