Calling all citizen scientists! The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission need your help with estimating the population of Diamondback Terrapins within the Masonboro Island Reserve.
In an effort to better understand the population of terrapins in NC, we’re training volunteers to serve as citizen scientists by logging terrapin sightings using a smartphone mapping application as they paddle predetermined routes around Masonboro. Data collected will be used to help us understand the density and distribution of the resident population and observe trends over time. This event will mark the third year of data collection in this valuable citizen science effort!
A training session is required in order to participate. These sessions will be held at the UNCW Center for Marine Science Auditorium in Wilmington. Procedures for logging terrapin sightings will be explained and the paddle routes and times will be assigned during these sessions.
After completing a training session, if you’re interested in participating in the sighting events, please keep in mind the conditions listed below:
- Teams of two are needed for each of the routes
- Each team will paddle one route during either the morning or afternoon session
- Saturday, April 30
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1 - 3 p.m 3 - 5 p.m - Saturday, May 7
7 - 9 a.m. 9 - 11 a.m - Saturday, May 14
2 - 4 p.m.
4 - 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 30
Participants will need:
- Kayak or canoe
- Life jacket
- Smartphone
Registration is required, contact marie.davis@ncdenr.gov or (910) 962-2324 for more infromation.