Maine Audubon is starting a citizen science project this year to look at turtle roadkill in areas around the state (learn more here). As you may know, the Watchic Lake area is likely home to the endangered Blandings Turtles, so the more we know the better.

The work required by volunteers is pretty simple – get trained, walk agreed roads around the lake once or twice a month, and report on any turtles found.

Maine Audubon is offering two training sessions which will teach volunteers how to identify different turtle species, data collection methods, and road safety (classroom an on the road). Maine Audubon will provide safety vests, data forms, and small rulers.

Training sessions are planned for Saturday 4/14 in York and Saturday 4/21 in Augusta. More training details from Maine Audubon can be found here. To register please contact Annica McGuirk at (207) 781-2330 x219 or amcguirk@maineaudubon.org

If its too late for this year, and yet you would like to help out in the future, please email your interest to amcguirk@maineaudubon.org or conserve@maineaudubon.org.