TOB Holding “Turtle Rescue” at Centre Island Beach

By Mark Demetropoulos
The Town of Oyster Bay and Friends of the Bay are holding an adventurous opportunity to help save local turtles at “Terrapin Survival and Beach Cleanup Day,” to be held this Saturday, June 15th at Centre Island Beach in Oyster Bay.
Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura Maier organized “Team Terrapin,” to help protect the local Diamondback Terrapin turtles.
Many of the Terrapins are endangered by predators and this event is an effort to protect and help them.
“These turtles, which have distinctive diamond-shaped rings covering their shells, have a near-threatened conservation status,” stated Maier, “and we are working with our environmental partners and local volunteers to help protect this vulnerable species.”
Promising a fun filled Saturday – the Terrapin volunteers will be trained to identify signs of nesting terrapins, as well as being educated on how to collect data and how to deploy protective cages around nests. And it will include of beach cleanup and protecting the turtle’s nesting sites.
This event on Saturday is the first step the community of Oyster Bay takes part in helping the Turtles, as Terrapin monitoring will take place for four to six weeks after Saturday’s event.
The Team Terrapin volunteers can continue their support by signing up for half-hour or one-hour monitoring shifts during weekdays and weekends. Volunteers are eligible to receive Community service hours and certificates of participation.
Diamondback Terrapins are native inhabitants of Oyster Bay, especially at Centre Island Beach, with a large population at the head of Mill Neck Creek by Beaver Dam.
The Turtle Rescue event is being held this Saturday, June 15th from 9am to 11am at Centre Island Beach (in Bayville). To volunteer for this event, contact https://www.friendsofthebay.org/volunteer-opportunities.html