Volunteers Need For Terrapin Research Project at Jamaica Bat, NYC

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asalzberg0011375

May 11, 2005 at 7:29 pm #21016

Once again we need volunteers to help with our summer-time diamondback terrapin conservation project at Jamaica Bay. Help is needed from the end of May until the beginning of August. We’re out there pretty much dawn to dusk, 7 days/ week. Our volunteers work according to their own schedules, but we do ask for a weekly commitment. Some volunteers help one afternoon or one morning each week, some come for a whole day each week, some even more. So one might work every Tuesday from 8 am to noon, while another might work all day every Saturday. On the other hand, for some people it makes most sense to commit a full week or so just once. So you pick a schedule that works for you. Volunteers must have their own transportation to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (on Cross Bay Blvd, south of Howard Beach and north of Rockaways) or use public transportation (A line subway or bus). Directions are below. Volunteers must be reliable, old enough to sit still quietly while watching nesting, have reasonably good vision and hearing, and be able to walk on sand. Volunteers will be exposed to lots of sun and warm temperatures and biting insects are uncommon. You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, standing, and sitting, while watching for terrapins to come on shore and then nest. You’ll need to be able to take detailed notes, and the ability to work independently once you’re trained is essential. We are never far from drinking water, telephones, and restrooms, but it can get hot! The vast majority of the work for volunteers is helping us find terrapin nests and process the females after nesting, so we spend a lot of time walking around likely nesting areas, searching for nesters. It is important to learn how to do this without disturbing the nesters, as they will easily spook off nests. We mark, measure, and protect nests, and collect data on the mom before letting her go again. In down times we survey nesting areas for predated nests. The work is physically easy. We’re holding orientation meetings primarily for new volunteers at the Visitor Center at JBWR on Sunday, 22 May at 2:30. Please try to come to one of these meetings if you can, but it’s not essential. We’ll discuss the entire project, and the ways volunteers help. I’ll also ask you to commit to some sort of volunteer schedule, so think about your availability. If you’ve worked with us, or are new and can’t make meetings, please call or email me so we can discuss what you’d like to do. contact: Dr. Russell Burke Department of Biology Hofstra University (516) 463-5521 biorlb@… Directions to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center BY CAR: From Brooklyn or from Long Island–Belt Parkway to exit 17s, south on Cross Bay Boulevard, go over North Channel Bridge and continue 1 __ miles to the traffic light at the entrance to JBWR on the right. From Rockaway – Take Cross Bay Bridge (94 St.) and go through Broad Channel Community. The visitor center is about __ mile on the left. BY TRAIN: Take the “A” train going to Rockaways. Exit at Broad Channel Station. Walk west to Cross Bay Boulevard then north, (right), about __ mile to JBWR. BY BUS: Take Triboro Q53 bus from Roosevelt Ave./ Jackson Heights. Exit at JBWR stop. You can also take the Greenline Q21 from the intersection of Woodhaven and Liberty Ave. Exit at JBWR entrance. Allen Salzberg HerpDigest.org The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science http://www.herpdigest.org HerpArts.com Gifts for Herp Lovers: Reptile and Amphibian Jewelry, Art, DVDs, CDs, Candles and More http://www.herparts.com

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