[SEMCO] Landscaping for Turtles

[Melissa Lowe]

"Planting" a Turtle Garden: 
Lecture Introduces a New Twist on Landscaping for Wildlife 

South Wellfleet, MA. - Landscaping for wildlife takes on a whole new meaning when you consider making your property more attractive to nesting turtles. The turtle garden is a new concept that encourages homeowners to consider the habitat and nesting of needs of turtles when designing or maintaining their backyards. This idea will be introduced in a lecture scheduled for Wednesday, July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Habitat loss continues to be a major threat to wildlife. But this threat can be mitigated through simple landscaping approaches such as choosing native and fruit-bearing plants, providing a source of water, and leaving open areas for nesting in your yard. While the threatened Diamondback terrapin was the inspiration for this creative concept, other turtles will benefit from the "turtle garden" including box turtles, painted turtles, and even snapping turtles-as well as other species of wildlife. 

Presenting the information on July 25 will be Barbara Brennessel, terrapin researcher and Wheaton College professor; Bob Prescott, Mass Audubon Sanctuary Director; and Lindsay Strode, local landscape architect and owner of Cape Organics. They will provide an introduction to turtle species on Cape Cod, terrapin conservation efforts, and information on how to encourage turtles to nest in your backyard. 

This presentation is one in a series of public lectures hosted on Wednesday evenings in July and August by the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The talk starts at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Cost per talk is $5 for Mass Audubon members and $7 for nonmembers. Registration is not required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. 

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Melissa Lowe, Education Coordinator
Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
PO Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
mlowe at massaudubon.org
508-349-2615, ext 107

Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts
www.massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay