TAKING CARE OF TURTLES: The Kingston Greenways Association focuses on forestry practices that can protect rare turtles at an upcoming program on Zoom. (Photo by Eric Sambol)

On Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m., Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey biologist Christine Healy will deliver a program via Zoom on protecting native turtles. The program is free.

Turtles are well known for their longevity. The oldest member of this group (a Seychelles giant tortoise named Jonathan) celebrated his 191st birthday earlier this year. While a long lifespan is a credit, it also lends a false sense of security when it comes to the stability of a species. High density does not equal “healthy” if young individuals are not rejuvenating a population.

New Jersey has been proactive in protecting native turtles through state law, but since much of the remaining habitat available for our rarest species occurs on private property, landowner collaboration is essential for their continued survival. During this talk, Healy will introduce participants to three of New Jersey’s local turtles (box, wood, and bog), discuss management strategies that can be employed in forests and wetlands to benefit them, and share resources that provide financial and technical support to turtle champions.

For more information, visit kingstongreenways.org. To reserve a spot, email tari@kingstongreenways.org.