23/02/2026
Professional research is about to begin on the Ridge Nature Area. This year, the exciting news is that several groups will be very active:
Zoo Atlanta is evaluating some of my data base from the past 18+ years of dealing with the Eastern Box Turtle. My individual research is always carried out under a GA DNR Scientific Collector Permit, which I obtain prior to the beginning of each year. However, Zoo Atlanta has experienced wildlife research biologists on staff which will bring specalized expertise to data analysis.
Georgia Aquarium has staff that will be participating in the Eastern Box Turtle nesting this season, very much like they did last year. Both Aquarium staff and Zoo Atlanta staff are also looking into potential research which will be in addition to the joint programs.
Georgia Safari Conservation Park will be joining the overall research effort by creating an Eastern Box Turtle Head Start program at their facility, for a small number of hatchlings. A Head Start program will enhance the survival of hatchlings, beyond what can be obtained by our immediate hatchling releases. Last year, we released 76 hatchlings which provides a high percentage of survival based on the numbers - but hatchling losses are always high unless the babies released are large enough to avoid most predators.
Southern Conservation Trust has already started work to enhance previously used nesting areas which have been lost due to over-shading by dense tree saplings - removing close growing stands of fast-growing sweetgum trees opens the area to turtle nesting.
This last effort brings to light the fact that vegeetative succession, often thought to be a normal aspect of forest growth, sometimes creates difficulty for small critters such as box turtles. Enhancing small areas is not a negative for Piedmont Forests.
As is the case again this year, numerous volunteers will be assisting with the Eastern Box Turtle nesting season, but they wil also be helpful with many other projects. A truly valuable asset for any nature area.
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