Skidaway Audubon News:  Turtle Numbers Up, Release Events Set

One of the highlights of summer on Skidaway Island is the birth of thousands of baby Diamondback Terrapins that have been incubating in protected hatcheries. Soon, Landings residents can help release the tiny hatchlings into the marsh – and learn about some amazing new milestones.

Skidaway Audubon’s much anticipated baby turtle releases are scheduled for 5 p.m. on August 13 and 27, September 10 and 24, and at 1 p.m. on October 6. Participants must be Landings residents with gate passes, and must be five years of age or older due to the terrapin's status as a species of concern in Georgia. They may only attend one session, due to the popularity of these events. Participants must register online (www.SkidawayAudubon.org). Registration opens July 17. There is a maximum of 60 attendees per session.  All five sessions are weather permitting.

In addition to releasing the adorable hatchlings, attendees will learn how Audubon’s volunteers rescue the eggs from the golf course sand traps and place them in hatcheries to protect them from predators. They also will be astonished by the latest statistics.

“Our numbers so far this year are staggering,” said Lisa Isenhour, Skidaway Audubon’s Terrapin Project Co-Chair. “As of June 10, we’ve identified 93 new moms. In contrast, the total number of new moms was 47 for all of 2022, and 61 for all of 2023. And as of June 15, we had 468 nests with 4019 eggs. The same time last year, it was 259 nests and 2186 eggs.

Based on these figures, Isenhour said Skidaway Audubon is confident its conservation program is successfully helping to restore the population of Diamonback Terrapins in our area. Years ago, Diamondback Terrapins were harvested by the hundreds of thousands for soups and as pets. The Diamondback Terrapin Project is one of the largest of its kind along the nation’s East Coast, and contributes to The Landings Golf & Athletic Club’s certification as an Audubon International Cooperative Environmental Sanctuary. It also generates meaningful data being used by researchers to aid in the recovery of the species.

“Last year, a record 4,489 hatchlings were rescued, incubated and released, up from 3,787 in the prior year,“ said Isenhour. “Our success is due to the dedication of our volunteers and the strong support of The Landings community members, who alert us when they see mamma terrapins crawling to their favorite sand trap to lay eggs."

Jim Olsen, wh co-chairs the project with Isenhour, said the public's help in spotting Diamondback Terrapins is much appreciate.                  

 “Without that help, our project would not be as successful as it is, he said."  "The Georgia Department of Natural Resources defines the terrapins as a ‘species of concern,’ and requires a permit that allow our volunteers – but not the public – to work with terrapins. Therefore, we ask the public to call us when a terrapin is spotted but not to handle the terrapins themselves. The rare exception would be if a terrapin is in a street, then please place the terrapin out of harm's way and call us immediately.”

The contact numbers (831-626-1372, or 404-550-0118), are at tee boxes of select holes where mamma terrapins are often sighted.

Attendees at the hatchling release events will be able to observe how each terrapin is unique, understand the role that the terrapins play in the protection of the salt marshes, and how they are able to break free of their egg shells once they are ready to hatch. At the conclusion of the educational talk, participants will be instructed to gently release the newborn hatchlings into the marsh. The events take will place at Sunset Park (707 Landings Way South). Golf carts are recommended as parking is limited.

Skidaway Audubon is much more than birds. Its mission is to enhance and conserve Skidaway Island’s natural environment.  In addition to implementing a wide variety of projects, it strives to promote environmental awareness through education and outreach. For more information about Skidaway Audubon activities, to volunteer, or to make a donation to help continue these programs, visit www.SkidawayAudubon.org. Information also is available on the Friends of Skidaway Audubon Facebook Page.

A newly hatched diamondback terrapin on its way to the marsh.

Photo by Amy Collings