Terrapin Nesting Project

06/03/2026

🐢💚 Our first nesting female of the 2026 season!

On June 2, we had this beautiful female diamondback terrapin nesting at one of our protected nesting sites. She was not previously chipped, making her a brand-new girl to the project.

We’re excited to introduce Renee, the first nesting female of the season and the proud mother of our first nest of 2026. 🥚✨

Every female that visits our nesting sites tells part of the story of the terrapins that call Barnegat Bay home. Today, that story begins with Renee.

Welcome, Renee! 💚🐢

06/02/2026

🐢 A Tiny Survivor 🐢

Meet one of our overwintered diamondback terrapin hatchlings.

This little turtle hatched last fall but remained safely tucked beneath the nest through the winter months, emerging this spring when conditions were finally right. Overwintering is a remarkable survival strategy that helps hatchlings avoid the harsh conditions of late fall and winter.

After spending months underground, this tiny terrapin is now beginning its journey into the marshes of Barnegat Bay.

Every hatchling faces incredible odds, making each emergence a small miracle and a reminder of why protecting nesting beaches matters.

💚 Welcome to the world, little one.

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day 🐢💚

Today we celebrate these incredible animals that inspire everything we do at Terrapin Nesting Project.

From protecting nesting females (“our girls”) to safeguarding nests and helping hatchlings make it safely to the marsh, every season reminds us how important conservation, education, and community support truly are.

Thank you to our volunteers, supporters, and everyone who helps us protect Northern Diamondback Terrapins here on Long Beach Island and throughout Barnegat Bay.

And a special Happy Birthday to our volunteer Lisa — thank you for all you do for the terrapins! 💚🐢

05/22/2026

🐢💚 Nesting season is here on the Jersey Shore.

Female diamondback terrapins are now leaving the marshes and crossing roads, driveways, and parking areas to find safe places to lay their eggs. Every slow drive and careful glance can help save a life.

If you see a terrapin crossing:
• Slow down
• Watch carefully near marsh roads
• Move her only in the direction she was headed
• Never relocate her away from the area

These remarkable turtles have returned to these marshes for generations — and with your help, they can continue to do so for generations to come.

Please help us protect our girls this nesting season. 🐢✨

05/12/2026

Benjamina was already searching for the perfect nesting spot last season 🐢💚

Now the countdown begins all over again…

By the end of May, our girls will start returning to the beaches of Long Beach Island to nest, and we can’t wait to welcome them back for another season.

Soon we’ll be watching the tides, checking the beaches, and hoping for safe nests and healthy hatchlings. Every season is different — and every female that returns feels special.

Will Benjamina be one of the first girls to nest again this year? 🌾🥚

05/11/2026

🐢💚 A look back at one of our girls nesting last season…

Watching a female diamondback terrapin carefully dig her nest and lay her eggs is something we never get tired of seeing. Every nest represents hope for the next generation.

In just a few short weeks, the girls will begin returning to the beaches again for another nesting season here along Barnegat Bay. We can’t wait to welcome them back. 🌙🐢

Terrapin

05/10/2026

🐢 Interested in learning more about diamondback terrapins and the upcoming nesting season? Join Project Terrapin and Jacques Cousteau NERR this Wednesday for a great virtual Lunch N’ Learn focused on terrapins, conservation, and how we can all help protect them. 💚
Sign up with link below

The weather is warming, and wildlife all around us is on the move! Our next Lunch N' Learn is themed around one of our most sighted reptile residents in the spring, the northern diamondback terrapin!

On May 13th, join Project Terrapin's Research Coordinator, Dr. John Wnek, for an engaging presentation about terrapins and the various threats they face such as rising temperatures, flooding, fishing practices and more. Dr. Wnek will also discuss how Project Terrapin and other local organizations are working together to ensure the survival of these beloved turtles!

Come learn about terrapins and the many ways that we can all be terrapin friendly!
Register here: https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/JxukxOz5SZ2r2nZJOQneqg #/registration

(And if you're new to Project Terrapin, check out their FB page and website: https://www.projectterrapin.org/)

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible diamondback terrapin mothers 🐢💚

Every nesting season, these females return to our beaches to lay the next generation of hatchlings — facing countless obstacles along the way.

Today we celebrate the terrapin moms, and all the people helping protect them and their nests for the future. 🌿

Healthy moms. Safe nests. Bright futures. 💚

05/04/2026

We’re getting the site ready… 🐢💚

Every year, before nesting season begins, we prepare these protected areas for our returning females—our “girls” as we call them.

In just a few weeks, they’ll begin making their way out of the bay to nest… following the same instincts they’ve had for generations.

Everything we do now helps give them a safer place to lay their eggs and gives their hatchlings a better chance at survival.

The season is almost here—and we’re ready for them.