It’s almost that time! For the past two years the Wallkill Valley Land Trust has sponsored a one-morning Eastern Box Turtle survey at the home of Anne and Ray Smith on Forest Glen Road.
The Smiths, with the aid of biologist Joe Bridges, have been monitoring the turtles on their 65 acres since 2005 in an effort to ascertain their range and understand their behavior. 43 individual turtles have been found. Last year, three were outfitted with transmitters (by DEC permit) and were followed until hibernation in late fall. You can learn more at www.boxturtlesny.com, or sign up with the Land Trust (255-2761) to join the search at 10 am on May 14. The Smiths are interested in all local sightings, so If you see a box turtle and photograph it, they will be happy to add it to their web site!