AUGUSTA and HOULTON, Maine — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has announced its partner, Maine Audubon, is embarking on an effort to identify where turtles might be at risk of harm from traffic as they move across the landscape during the active season, and they ask residents’ help.
A special training session will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at Houlton High School to train volunteers to assist with the study.
Maine Audubon seeks 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. Participants are asked to collect data once a month, at least three times during the active season of May through September.
Volunteers will learn how to identify different turtle species, data collection methods using iNaturalist and/or paper forms, and road safety. Participants will even take a walk along a nearby road to demonstrate good survey safety and methodology. Audubon 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.
