I received an email about an Interesting program from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. I’m always stopping to help turtles across the road. This is the first I’ve heard of this particular program!
Volunteer for the Maine Turtle Roadkill Survey
Our partner Maine Audubon is embarking on an exciting effort to identify where turtles might be at risk of harm from traffic as they move across the landscape during the active season, and we are hoping you will help!
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to walking along pre-selected road segments, documenting any roadkill or live animals at risk of harm from the roadway. The routes are all less than one mile long, and we are asking for data to be collected once a month, at least 3 times during the active season of May through September.
If interested in volunteering, please attend one of the two training sessions in March:
Wednesday, March 11, 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Houlton High School, 7 Bird Street, Houlton
Saturday, March 28, 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Grace Episcopal Church, 1100 Washington St.,
At these trainings, volunteers will learn how to identify different turtle species, data collection methods using iNaturalist and/or paper forms, and road safety. We will even take a walk along a nearby road to demonstrate good survey safety and methodology. We will provide safety vests, data forms, and small rulers.
For more information or to register, contact Hannah Young at (207) 781-2330 x219 or hyoung@maineaudubon.org. To register online, click here.