Turtle Survival

and groups – especially if I feel I can make a
meaningful contribution to that success by lending
a hand or providing professional expertise. I
found that I could actively assist with the surveys
and help with writing manuscripts. This is “food
for my soul,” a form of sustenance that goes well
beyond the repeated daily meals. This type of
nourishment allows me to connect with a group
of people dedicated to a common cause, a cause
that holds no promise of lining our financial
pockets and there’s no prospect of praise or
gratitude from the subjects we serve. And yet the
sense of purpose, camaraderie, and peace sustain
me until I can once again participate in the next
field excursion or meeting with these people of
kindred spirits.
Girl Scout Troop 1187 provided some great volunteer help during the June sampling in Comal Springs (Texas).
PHOTO CREDIT: CRYSTAL ALLGOOD
Question: What type of opportunities has
NAFTRG opened up to you, outside of the
coordinated group research?
Havel: Connections! While volunteering, I
have been introduced to many people who share
my interest in conservation. This has led to other
potential projects Sea World can get involved in
to benefit other species.
Dr. Beth Walton holding two large female Suwannee River Cooters (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) captured and
processed at Manatee Springs State Park in March 2015. PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE SALVATICO
Walton: I’ve found that working in the field
with a group of like-minded people who share
the same passion and enthusiasm for turtles provides
a sense of community that is quite unlike
any other I have experienced. I wasn’t sure what
I could contribute to the overall survey effort
or if I would get that community feel with the
NAFTRG. Yet, I was warmly greeted by the entire
group, and they truly made me feel welcome.
Within an hour, I was PIT tagging and tattooing
turtles with someone more experienced in these
processes right by my side to guide me along.
This is a group in which you can fit right in, and
made to feel like you belong; you make meaningful
contributions in collecting and processing the
turtles and thus your contribution of time, past
experiences and new techniques acquired are
valued and encouraged.
Question: What makes you a ‘return
volunteer’?
Walton: I am attracted to successful people
Question: What do you think of NAFTRG
partnering with TSA?
Walton: I think it’s a great opportunity for
TSA to champion the long-term research efforts
of NAFTRG and to promote turtle conservation
on a local basis in addition to their global
efforts. Even though many freshwater turtles
are ubiquitous, long-term studies are few, yet
critically important to our overall understanding
of freshwater turtle species. This also provides
unique opportunities for TSA members to participate
in fieldwork and conservation efforts,
especially for members who cannot volunteer in
other countries.
Volunteer experiences enrich the lives of
those who choose to give their time and talent.
Research efforts, like these conducted by the
NAFTRG, through the TSA, would not succeed
without the generosity of those who care deeply
about turtle conservation. Christopher and Beth
show us that the only prerequisite for volunteering
is having a passion for turtles. We invite you
to participate in upcoming field experiences
to contribute to the success of our group and
continue in our efforts to help keep common
turtles common.
Contacts: Eric C. Munscher, SWCA Environmental
Consultants, 200 Bursca Drive, Suite 200, Bridgeville,
PA 15017; Jessica Munscher, Think Through Math, 116
Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
a publication of the turtle survival alliance 59 visit us online at www.turtlesurvival.org