Blanding's Turtle Monitor

Blanding’s Turtle Monitoring Call for Volunteers

Calling all turtle-y terrific volunteers! Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, along with partners and contractors, are beginning wetland restoration of a newly acquired parcel of land. As work begins on the restoration, volunteer assistance is needed to ensure compliance and protection of Blanding’s Turtles, and other sensitive wildlife.

Once the restoration work begins around August 31, 2026 or early September, the process will continue through the end of September and possibly into October depending on when turtle activity stops for cold weather. Volunteers will be needed to walk the hauling route daily before work begins each morning; likely walking the route roughly from 7am-8am. If volunteers encounter Blanding’s Turtles, or other sensitive wildlife (such as slow-moving turtles, snakes in road, etc.), they are to move the animals off the road in the direction that they were facing or moving towards. Blanding’s turtles will be required to be relocated to another wetland outside of the construction area approximately a half mile away. Volunteers will be required to transport Blanding’s turtles to this alternative safe area.

Preference will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to a consistent schedule, preferably two or more days per week. Volunteers that have expressed an interest and ability to commit will be given further information about property location and scheduling.

Scheduling will take place on the Connecteam app, and only volunteers who have been given permission will be eligible to claim and sign up for the turtle monitoring shifts. Turtle monitoring volunteers must sign a United States Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Service Agreement prior to monitoring turtles.

If you are interested in assisting with this work, please contact Alex Marshall via email (alex@friendsofottawanwr.org) with the subject line, “Blanding’s Turtle Monitoring.” In the email, state that you are interested in the monitoring, as well as your availability (Every Monday and Tuesday, every Wednesday through Friday, etc.) Weekends may need monitoring work, as well. Please include weekend availability, if you are able.